?Chapter 169:


    Derek never understood why Marissa, despite being slender all her life, possessed remarkable strength in her hands. She gripped his neck and pushed him firmly against the ground. No matter how hard Derek tried, he couldn’t escape her grip


    “What are you doing, Marissa?” he asked, his voice shaking


    “Don’t panic. I’m just changing your hairstyle, not trying to kill you,” Marissa drawled. “Your fiancée’s hair was shaved off yesterday, wasn’t it? I thought I’d make you match.”


    As she finished her sentence, Derek felt a chilling sensation on his scalp and watched his hair flutter to the ground. His heart raced. Only when he realized that Marissa was merely shaving his head did he allow himself to rx slightly


    When his fear vanished, his confusion deepened. How could Marissa manage such a feat with something as tiny as a coin? He had little time to dwell on this mystery, though. As more hair umted on the ground, the reality set in—Marissa was making him bald. Today was his engagement party, attended by notable guests, and as a prominent online influencer, his appearance was crucial. How could he possibly face his live-stream audience now? Though Marissa had assured him she wouldn’t kill him, being rendered bald would drive him to the brink of insanity. Marissa was still that evil girl who hit where it hurt the most


    He couldn’t contain his anger. “Marissa, you lunatic! This is humiliating. You devil! How dare you! Aren’t you afraid of what I might do? Once I’ve mastered the martial arts techniques the chief instructor will teach me, I will… Ouch!”


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    In response, Marissa adjusted the de slightly, nicking his scalp. Derek screamed in pain and then fell silent. The grove returned to quiet. Marissa finished shaving his head, brushed off her hands, and departed without a backward nce


    While the act of shaving Derek’s head had been exhrating for Marissa, she felt a pang of sadness for Connor. They were in a vi belonging to the Daniels family, often used forvish gatherings. Connor had graciously allowed Derek to use it for his engagement ceremony, showing considerable kindness to his brother’s family. Meanwhile, Connor’s eldest brother and nephew were conspiring with others to end his life


    As Marissa approached the vi from the back garden, Le and her mother, Rachel, spotted her from a distance. They paused and waited for her toe closer. In the past, the Sanchez family hadn’t been entitled to attend the Daniels family’s banquets. But now, as the maternal rtives of the family hostess, they were invited to Derek’s engagement party. Connor had even personally written their invitations. The Sanchez family was ted by the gesture. However, Le was skeptical. Marissa had once confided that her marriage was merely a deal, which led Le to view Connor’s kindness as nothing more than a facade to preserve his reputation


    Noticing Marissa in a in long-sleeved shirt, Lemented, “Connor is too stingy. Even if their marriage is just a deal, he should have at least bought Tiffany a dress for such an important event.”


    “What did you say, Le?” Rachel inquired


    “What?” Realizing her blunder, Le hastily covered it up. “Nothing. I didn’t say anything,” she stammered


    Rachel’s tone sharpened. “How dare you lie to your mother! You mentioned someone’s marriage was a deal. What is going on?”


    Concerned for Tiffany, Rachel pressed for answers, fearing her daughter might withhold the truth. Reluctantly, Le ryed what Marissa had told her. A minuteter, Rachel’s face drained of color


    “Is that true, Le? Did Tiffany really say her marriage to Mr. Connor Daniels was just a deal? That they’re a sham couple and n to divorce eventually?”


    “Yes, that’s what Tiffany told me,” Le confirmed with a nod. Unbeknownst to them, a figure lurked behind a nearby tree, eavesdropping on their entire conversation


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