Chapter 72
The First Heir
Philip Clarke lifted his gaze and was met with a familiar face. That person was wearing an expression
of mocking sarcasm.
âWeslie Warren?â
Philip frowned. They had been classmates during their university days. In fact, they both fell for Wynn
Johnston, making them more of rivals to be exact.
However, Wynn had chosen to be with the talented Philip Clarke in the end.
In regards to that, Wesley still held grudges.
He was not any less of a man than Philip was as far as he was concerned. Yet, why did Wynn choose
Philip over him?
Not to mention, Philip did not have much going for him from what Wesley had heard. Philipâs plan to
start his own business failed and he now resorted to earning his keep through delivering food. His
daughter was diagnosed with Congenital Heart Defect, and his marriage with Wynn was no longer the
way it used to be.
The worse the turn Philip Clarkeâs life had taken, the more hatred Wesley felt in his heart.
It was only normal for men to hold grudges when the love of their university life was taken away.
âAbsolute piece of trash! How dare he make the woman I love suffer!â
âHoly sh*t! It f*cking is you, my old classmate!â
Wesley laughed heartily as he walked over. Patting Philip on the shoulder, he said, âIt has been four
years since we last met! I hear youâve changed jobs and started delivering food now? So, how much do
you earn a month? Not too bad a salary, I presume.â
Wesleyâs tone oozed with arrogant mocking.
Philip furrowed his eyebrows and smiled. âItâs not too bad.â
Wesley chuckled. Knowing that Philip was trying his best not to look weak, he fetched out a shiny
golden card and gave it to Philip as one would give beggars change. Proudly, he proclaimed, âIf you
ever want to come and eat, simply call my number. Iâll give you a discount, seeing how weâre old
classmates and all.â
Philip glanced calmly at the name on the golden business card before him. Wesley Warren, Manager of
Arc de Triumph.
Indeed, one would find it hard to compare to Wesleyâs family background.
It had only been three or four years since graduation, and he had already found himself in the position
of Arc de Triumphâs manager.
Arc de Triumph Hotel was one of Riverdaleâs famous hotels.
With chains all over the country, Arc de Triumph was a five-star hotel!
Being its manager evidently implied Wesleyâs ability in the way he did things.
The corner of Philipâs lips twitched into a slight smile. âThanks.â
Pride swarmed Wesleyâs eyes as he smiled. âWhatâs there to thank me for? Itâs not like youâll come
here all the time. Iâd say once a year at most, no? Weâre old classmates, itâs only right if I get you a
discount. Not to mention, I hardly believe youâll be able to afford the food here anyway with your wage
as a delivery boy. Iâve heard that you need money for your daughterâs sickness, and by aiding you, Iâd
like to think Iâm also helping Wynn.â
Wesley made sure to put extra emphasis on his daughterâs sickness and Wynn Johnston when he
spoke.
Suddenly, a thought came to Wesley. âHey, I heard people say youâre getting a divorce with Wynn? Is it
true? Everyone envied your relationship back then. It has only been three years though, why the
divorce?
âOh, right! It was a shotgun wedding, wasnât it? Good job, man. You got on the train before you even
paid for the ticket.â
Wesley said with a smile, his words dripping with a thick coat of sarcasm.
Philip replied calmly, âI donât think thereâs much of my divorce with Wynn thatâs of your concern.â
Wesley did not take the hint, sighing. âPhilip, I donât want to say this, my dude. But what good is there
from delivering food? You were our idol back in university with your high spirits and all. I admired you
then, but what happened to you? How did you get like this?â
Philip squinted.
Wesley was a cheap man. Sure, it might seem that they were reminiscing about the past, yet every
word he spoke was one of criticism and mocking jabs.
Coupled with his arrogant and provocative expression, he held not even an ounce of respect for Philip.
âBut thatâs alright. I believe in you. Even though youâre merely delivering food right now, hard work is
hard work, right? Iâm sure youâll get to deliver parcels soon. By the time your divorce with Wynn goes
through, Iâll definitely chase her again. I still miss her even after all these years.â
Wesley shrugged. âOh yeah. Thereâs a reunion party next month. Youâve got to come, dude, and
remember to bring Wynn too since you havenât joined the last two years. Unless youâre afraid that the
rest of us old classmates will make fun of you?â
Philip smiled. âWhat are you trying to say?â
âNothing much. Itâs just that you know how humans are. When we see something pitiful, we canât help
but sympathize. Seeing your failure, Iâve found myself more at peace.â Wesley roared in laughter.
What else could he be saying?
He was laughing at Philip!
Every depressing and resigned thought in his mind disappeared instantly. Looking at Philipâs current
state made Wesleyâs heart fill with glee.
He stared at Philip, trying to find even a shred of embarrassment or shame in his expression.
However, all that met him was Philipâs same expression of calm.
Fine, keep pretending!
Philip shrugged. âDo you think youâre f*cking cool, Wesley Warren? The road of life is a long one. What
makes you think I wonât end up at a higher spot than you in the future?â
With that, Philip slid the gold card back into the pocket of Wesleyâs blazer and turned to leave.
Wesley did not like that.
Despite how bad a turn his life had taken, Philip was still being arrogant.
Back then in university, he was indeed no match for Philip Clarke.
As long as Philip was present, Wesley easily became the side character.
Now with Philipâs life taking a turn for the worse coupled with the large gap between both their statuses,
Wesley felt an unparalleled sense of calm.
He wanted to mock Philip with all he had.
He wanted to take back everything he lost back then.
Including Wynn Johnston.