After finishing the interview script, I went to the parking lot, only to be blocked by one of Ryan’s friends.

"Sister-in-law, no need to take Ryan’s drunken words so seriously, right?"

The blonde guy leaned against my car with a sly grin, arms crossed, looking at me with ill intentions.

I stared at him coldly, "Move aside."

The grin on his face only widened, showing off a set of yellowing teeth.

"Hey, no rush, sister-in-law. I heard you’re thinking of breaking up with Ryan?"

"That’s our fault, but Ryan wasn’t wrong—

Sister-in-law, you’re in your twenties and still look as fresh as a teenager."

I frowned at his increasingly smug expression, sensing something was off.

He moved closer, trying to reach out and touch my face.

"Sister-in-law, if you break up with Ryan, why not give me a chance? I’m in way better shape than that scrawny chicken Ryan!"

He dared to lay a hand on me?

I couldn’t hold back—I threw a punch right at his face.

Before he could react, I swiftly dialed the police.

It was Ryan who bailed him out.

He even brought takeout for the guy, making sure he wasn’t mistreated.

I recognized the brand—luxurious and pricey, something I had long dreamed of trying.

Ryan had once promised,

that once he was established at work, he’d take me there to celebrate.

Even after I had enough money, I waited for him instead of going on my own.

This hope had been worn down over time,

and seeing that takeout finally extinguished it.

I lowered my eyes, a mocking smile tugging at my lips.

After comforting his friend, Ryan instinctively looked for the person who called the police.

When he saw me, he assumed I was there for the interview.

"Well, well, Claire the journalist, still working, huh? Haven’t they fired you yet?"

He tried to act cool, whistling at me,

but I shut him down with a glare.

When he finally realized I was the one who sent his friend to jail,

his face softened in an attempt to appease me.

"Claire, he was just looking out for me…"

I couldn’t help but laugh at his attempt.

Looking out for you?

Since when does that justify harassment and groping?

Some people only realize the sting of a slap when it lands on their face!

I had acted in self-defense, and his friend had committed sexual harassment. He’d likely stay in jail for a few days.

I leaned in close, my voice dripping with sarcasm,

"If groping me is his way of looking out for you, then you’re pretty cheap, aren’t you?"