Chapter 1703
[ 623 words ]
“That’s Gloria?”
Claire wasn’t trying to judge a book by its cover.
But Gloria’s appearance was incredibly rough around the edges.
She was just an ordinary, heavy-set older woman.
She looked absolutely nothing like a charming, irresistible siren.
A nearby female worker noticed Claire’s visible disappointment and explained with animated gestures. “Gloria is a wonderful person. She’s always ready to help.”
Help how, exactly?
Claire couldn’t help but wonder if Gloria’s “helpfulness” was exactly what led all these men to falsely believe they were romantically involved with her.
“She has such a soft heart. No matter who asks for a favor, she can never bring herself to say no.”
“Sure, some people might gossip about her, but from what I see, it’s always the men harassing her. Gloria never actually promises them anything.”
That didn’t sound entirely convincing.
Claire pressed further, asking how Gloria managed to juggle so many “boyfriends” without the whole thing blowing up in her face.
The woman shot Claire a disapproving glare. “What do you know? Gloria is just too soft-hearted.”
“When my son got sick last year, she lent me the money she had painstakingly saved up.”
“And a few months ago, when someone else couldn’t afford their kid’s tuition, Gloria covered that, too.”
“Even Gerald, the chef…”
The woman rattled off a long list of Gloria’s good deeds.
The more Claire listened, the more suspicious Gloria seemed.
She was far too skilled at winning people over.
On paper, she was just a cafeteria worker.
In reality, it sounded like she was building an empire of loyalty to crown herself the local queen.
Everyone seemed to share the unspoken belief that Gloria’s son was Dewitt’s top enforcer.
No one dared to cross her or speak ill of her.
Well, almost no one.
There was one person who despised her a cafeteria cleaning lady.
She wasn’t Solenian, but she spoke the language fluently, though it was unclear where she picked it up.
“Everyone acts like Gloria is an angel, but I think she’s a flighty, unfaithful tease.”
“She flirts with this guy, strings that guy along, and never flat-out rejects anyone, even when she knows exactly what they want.”
“I used to think she was a decent person. I told her to back off Gerald because I’ve had my eye on him for ages.”
“I’ll admit, I have a son and I’m looking for a man to help provide for him, but my feelings for Gerald are genuine.”
“And what did she do? Not only did she refuse to back off, but she mocked me, saying I was aiming way out of my league!”
“I swear, I’m not that bad of a catch, am I?”
“And let’s be real, Gerald isn’t exactly a grand prize. I just want a reliable
man we won’t hit me, someon
down with
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“I’d even be willing to give Gerald a son of his own.”
Claire had no idea what this woman was thinking. She looked to be in her fifties—
how was she planning on having another baby?
“You probably think I’m too old,
right? I’m only thirty-eight. When set
first fell for Gerald, I was thirty-six. I can still have kids
Claire was stunned to hear the woman was thirty-eight, but she didn’t entirely doubt
it.
The harsh conditions here aged people prematurely, leaving deep, weathered lines on their faces.
Without proper skincare, it was natural to look much older than one’s actual age.
“Gloria is a few years older than me, and she knows she can’t have kids anymore. That’s why she just strings these men along to do her bidding but she’s too terrified to actually marry any of them!”
“Don’t let her sweet and caring act fool you. I’ve seen her true colors.”
“She goes out of her way to kick stray dogs on the side of the road. What kind of decent person does that?”
Claire slipped the cleaning lady some cash; the woman had only been willing to dish the dirt for a price.
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