The Life of Freedom I Long For

The Truth Revealed

Felix sighed, trying to reason with me, defending her. "Kathy, stop being so stubborn. If you're struggling, then let go of that useless pride."

After a pause, he added, "If you don't like those jobs, then just come back and serve me. I'll pay you generously."

I drew in a deep breath, forcing down my irritation. I truly couldn't understand why they all assumed I was miserable. In their eyes, I was someone undeserving of a good life.

When I caught the contempt and disdain in their gazes, my patience snapped. "I'm doing just fine, thank you—and I already have a job. If you all can't understand plain words, maybe you need to go back to school!"

With that, I strode out the door. As it swung open, I nearly bumped into a familiar face. Davis' expression lit up with surprise and delight. "Kathy! I can't believe you're really here!"

As he spoke, he spread his arms for a hug. Being Findellian, Davis was naturally warm and affectionate with people close to him. This was simply his way of greeting.

I allowed the embrace and smiled softly. "I knew you'd be here. Of course, I had to come see you."

Pleased, Davis nodded and slung an arm over my shoulder. "Since we've run into each other, you're not escaping this time. You're dining with me tonight."

I agreed without hesitation. He was my mentor in the industry—this reunion was worth celebrating.

Eleanor's eyes widened in shock the moment she saw us. "Oh my God, Kathy, don't tell me you've become his mistress?"

The others quickly piled on.

"She totally looks like she has."

"Please, look at her—using her youth and looks to land an older man."

"Ugh, mistresses like her are filthy. They're bound to catch something."

Hearing their poisonous words swirling at the doorway, my patience snapped. However, before I could speak, Davis beat me to it, his voice sharp with anger. "Who are all these crows flapping their beaks? Maybe their tongues ought to be cut out."

With that, he turned to his assistant. "My restaurant doesn't welcome trash like them. Throw them out."

The assistant nodded, and the bodyguards moved in. The group fell silent instantly, not daring to utter another word.

Felix glared at me, his disappointment written all over his face. "I thought you were above all this. I can't believe you'd let yourself be kept."

I froze, utterly speechless.

The agent who had accompanied me, seeing how out of hand things were getting, stepped in quickly. "Everyone, calm down—this is all a misunderstanding."

She turned to Felix, ready to explain. "Felix, she's—"

But he cut her off coldly. "Enough. I don't want to hear another word in her defense. If you insist on taking her side, we're done as friends."

The agent's face fell in frustration.

I gave a short laugh. Good thing I stopped her from revealing who I was earlier. No one here would've listened—or believed it anyway.

Davis, on the other hand, was furious on my behalf. "What a bunch of fools! How dare they insult my muse like this—it's outrageous."

I gave a small, indifferent smile. "Forget it, Davis. They're not worth it."

But Eleanor, upon hearing his name, froze in shock. "Wait—Davis? You mean the famous Parovine runway judge?"

Davis nodded evenly.

Eleanor's eyes went wide as she pointed between the two of us. "How are you two connected?"

Davis shot her a withering glare. "We're friends. She's the chief fashion designer I personally invited back from abroad—Farah. Do you still need me to explain why we're together?"

Eleanor's face turned pale as her gaze swung back to me in disbelief. "You're saying… she's Farah?!"

The agent sighed, rubbing her temples, before finally confirming it. "That's right. She's the Farah you've been so desperate to find."