C6 Shameless

However, Zack hadn't worked for the past three years. His shoulder injury was one reason, but there was something more significant at play—he simply didn't want to work.

He had once been the esteemed Young Master Montgomery, an eagle perched at the mountain's peak.

The thought of working for someone else was unbearable to him.

Zack was also acutely aware that the Montgomery family's punishment was temporary. He was confident that he would eventually reclaim his status and return to the pinnacle of power. His current predicament didn't concern him in the least.

Now that his family had lifted the financial restrictions, he could once again freely spend the Montgomery fortune.

His agreement to job hunt was driven by a desire to avoid further disdain from others. It was time for him to turn his fortunes around.

"Don't worry, I'll just find an easy job."

"Alright, do you have any plans in mind? What would you like to do?"

"Not yet. I'll look around for something suitable. Let's drop the subject for now. I've got some lottery winnings left—I'll treat you to dinner, and then we can hit the movie theater!"

Zack took Juliet's hand, and they shared a knowing smile, casting aside all concerns to savor their own little slice of paradise.

Though it was Zack's treat, Juliet chose a humble dumpling joint by the roadside. Simple as the meal was, it was imbued with the flavor of contentment.

After their meal, they made their way to the cinema.

Upon arrival, a massive poster caught their attention.

Juliet's eyes sparkled with excitement as she clutched Zack's arm. "Zack, look! It's Beatrice's latest film. She was just nominated for Best Actress. She's the National Goddess now. Laura adores her—she even has Beatrice's poster by her bed."

Beatrice was arguably the hottest star of the moment, outshining even the sun with her radiance.

Her delicate willow-leaf eyebrows, her elegant nose, and her eyes—lively as a rippling brook—complemented her statuesque, curvaceous figure. She was, without a doubt, a beauty without equal.

In Zack's heart, there was no one more beautiful than his wife, Juliet.

"Honey, do you like Beatrice too?"

Juliet's face lit up with excitement, her smile wide and childlike. She nodded vigorously and said, "Absolutely. She's so gorgeous and talented, how could I not? The poster says Beatrice is coming to Zelbert City for an event soon. I'd love to get her autograph. But her events are always packed. I'd be lucky to even catch a glimpse of her, let alone get an autograph."

While Juliet was wistfully expressing her thoughts, the cinema's announcement interrupted.

"The 7:25 PM showing of 'Succuba' will start shortly. Please proceed to the ticket check for entry."

"Our movie's about to start. Let's hurry, babe!"

Juliet took Zack by the hand, and they eagerly joined the queue at the ticket checkpoint.

The film was a magical drama laced with mystery, a genre Juliet adored. They discussed it all the way home, still immersed in the story.

Zack watched as Juliet passionately discussed the film's characters, affectionately ruffling her hair in response.

They stepped out of the taxi at their neighborhood entrance and walked home, hand in hand.

They hadn't gone far when they noticed a shiny golden Santana parked nearby. Its gleaming color demanded their attention, a rare sight in their neighborhood.

Peering through the car window, they spotted a man and a woman in a kiss.

"Honey, doesn't that look like Laura in the car?"

Juliet peered intently, her eyes widening and her brow furrowing in concern, her whole body tensing as if she were the one being wronged.

Unable to bear it as Dillan's hand crept under Laura's clothing, Juliet marched over and furiously pounded on the car window, startling the couple inside.

Laura squinted out to see Juliet, quickly straightened up, and frantically began to straighten her disheveled clothes.

Dillan, clearly displeased and embarrassed, stepped out of the car.

"Oh, it's Ms. Juliet. You gave me quite a fright."

Juliet ignored Dillan, summoning her elder sister's authority as she fixed Laura with a stern gaze. "Laura, get out of the car now!"

Laura emerged from the car, her cheeks still flushed with excitement, looking downcast and pitiful as if bracing for a scolding.

"We're going home," Juliet declared without further discussion, taking Laura by the arm and turning to leave.

"Juliet, wait! I haven't even said goodbye to Dillan yet. Dillan, I'm off now. Please drive carefully!" Laura called out.

Dillan called after Laura's retreating figure, "Goodbye, I'll pick you up tomorrow!"

Zack, with a look of innocence, urged, "You better hurry home. Your parents must be worried."

Noticing Zack was still there, Juliet called out, "Honey, we're heading home!"

Dillan, smugly licking his lips, scoffed, "A man who lives off a woman dares to speak to me? If you have a weak stomach, I could cure it. If Laura weren't your sister, I'd be disgusted just looking at you."

After his taunt, Dillan spat near Zack's feet, climbed into his car with a haughty air, and sped away.

Laura wrenched her arm from Juliet's grasp and glared at Zack discontentedly.

"Zack, did you say something to Dillan when you stayed behind?"

Zack just shrugged, replying, "I only suggested he head home early. I was concerned it might be unsafe for him to travel late."

Laura, her face contorted with anger, snapped, "Mind your own business. Dillan's safety is none of your concern."

Juliet frowned, visibly upset, and chided, "Laura, how can you speak to your brother-in-law that way? You're showing no respect. What were you two doing here anyway? As a young lady, you ought to behave with more decorum."

Laura rolled her eyes, thinking her sister's views were antiquated.

"It's the 21st century, Juliet. Can't you drop the conservative act? We were just doing what couples do. Is that a crime now?"

Juliet sighed deeply, feeling utterly defeated.

"Even so, you should be mindful of where you are. Couldn't you at least find a more private place? Doing this right at the community entrance, where everyone can see? Aren't you embarrassed?"

"It's already dark out. Who has the time to peer into other people's cars? I don't want to argue about this."

Laura said this and promptly turned to head upstairs.

Zack gently patted Juliet's shoulder, offering comfort, "Honey, there's no need to get upset. Laura's grown up; she knows what she's doing."

Juliet gazed into the pitch-black hallway, feeling utterly drained.

"The family has coddled her too much. She's a college graduate, out in the real world now, yet she's still acting like a child. She's clueless, and I'm worried she'll end up getting hurt."

At the Parker residence, Dillan had the demeanor of a genteel young master. But earlier, he behaved like a cad, and it was clear to everyone that he was putting on an act.

He's quite adept at lying and concealing his true character. Laura and her parents are quite taken with him, showering him with compliments. If I were to voice any criticism about Dillan, they'd surely take offense.

Zack spoke in a measured tone, "In any case, they're nearly engaged. Before long, we'll all be family. Let's focus on our own affairs and not meddle in theirs, or Laura will certainly be upset."

Juliet wore a look of concern, "Dillan seemed decent when he visited today, like he could be a good husband down the line. But something must have provoked Laura earlier, or she wouldn't have acted so disgracefully."