"She still hasn't shared that Facebook post you wanted her to."A voice chimed in, "Makes you wonder, right? That scandalous post about you, it might have been Gigi's doing after all."They kept talking, but Wyneth sat motionless, her expression impassive. The group fell into an awkward silence, then said, "Wyneth, you saw through her duplicity long ago, didn't you? That's why you said what you said, right?"Wyneth was tempted to snap, "What business is it of yours what I do?" but decided to keep the peace."I just spoke without thinking. I didn't mean much by it," she murmured, then stood."I need to use the restroom."And with that, she vanished from sight.When she was gone, one actress tossed something onto the table with a huff. "What's she so high and mighty about? It's just a supporting role!""Pretty face, villain role, she really thinks she's something," the others began chattering again.Once she had distanced herself from their toxic chatter, Wyneth found a quiet sp
It took her a few moments, standing there blankly before finally putting away her phone. Leo's voice echoed with concern from behind her."Is there something wrong? Do you need help?"With his words, Wyneth returned to reality, and with a soft smile, she declined Leo's offer."No, everything's fine. Thanks for asking."Being rejected by her left Leo somewhat disappointed. He had overheard her conversation, knew about her grandfather's discharge from the hospital, and how she was advising him not to exert himself. Although it seemed he could not offer any real help, he still wanted to be closer to her.Just as he was figuring out how to segue into another topic, Wyneth rose from her seat, script in hand. "I've got other things to take care of. I'll catch you later."Leo was too slow to respond, only able to watch her retreating figure with a slight furrow in his brows. 'Why does it feel like she has zero interest in me? Have I lost my charm?'Back in her room, Wyneth took out her
Hayden put the list on the desk, loosened a button on his collar for comfort, and said with a note of resignation, "Fine, I won't stop you, but are you sure your visit won't be a disturbance?""What disturbance?" Benedict challenged irritably. "My granddaughter-in-law is filming. I'm just visiting the set. What could possibly go wrong?""Of course, what could go wrong? It's just that when you show up, she won't be able to concentrate on her acting. Her distraction will affect her performance, and she'll likely be berated by the director in front of the entire crew, that's all."Benedict was left speechless. There was no denying that those words were piercing. "Well, can't I wait until she's done shooting to see her?""Hmm, so after a full day of shooting, she'll still need to entertain you, huh?"Benedict was even more silenced."It's no problem. If you wish to go, I'll have Dexter book your flight now. How long do you plan on staying?" Before Benedict could answer, Hayden had al
Though the thought of his beloved sister Wyneth marrying again stung, Dean could not deny the reality.'Daughters do get married off eventually,' he reasoned in his mind. 'I can't prevent it forever.'So, he resolved to play a different role."I'll introduce you to a few outstanding men today, Wyneth. When you find happiness, that Hamilton will rue the day he let you go."Wyneth was rendered speechless. 'So that's his game,' she thought. 'That's why he brought me to this charity event out of the blue.'"The auction won't start for a while," Dean began, "Come, let me introduce you to some people."As a respected figure in high society, having Dean as an escort made Wyneth the envy of many. His charisma, coupled with his good looks, was enough to make anyone green-eyed."Meet Harrison Flynn of Encompass Industries." Dean started. "And this is Evan Reed, a jeweler. Over there is..."Dean enthusiastically introduced Wyneth to a line of eligible bachelors, all young, single, and ric
Suddenly, as if responding to some unseen signal, Hayden paused mid-stride, his icy gaze locking onto Wyneth's location. Wyneth's complexion shifted subtly, and instinctively she swiveled on her heel to walk away."What's up, Mr. Hamilton?" Dexter, standing beside Hayden, asked curiously upon seeing him halt.The delicate, pink silhouette that had caught Hayden's attention disappeared swiftly from his view, causing a flicker in his icy gaze.'Could I have been mistaken? Shouldn't she be in Frecford shooting a film now? And in my memory, I don't recall ever seeing her in pink.'With this thought, Hayden retracted his gaze."Nothing," he answered flatly.Dexter peeked in the direction Hayden had been looking, but aside from a sea of unfamiliar faces, nothing was particularly notable."Let's go," Hayden said.Finding a secluded corner, Wyneth took a seat. Thanks to its out-of-the-way location, few people had touched the food here. Spotting a modest fruit plate among the spread con
Suddenly, Evan's enthusiasm for Wyneth waned noticeably. His conversation with her tapered off, and soon he found an excuse to leave.Wyneth did not bat an eye, let alone glance his way. She had seen his type too often growing up. Shortly after, a few more men tried to make small talk with her. After receiving similar responses, they also found reasons to depart. Afterward, they gathered for a discussion."Pretty as she is, a woman without a substantial family wealth is just a fancy decoration.""Yeah, she might be fun to date, but never to marry.""If she doesn't have money, her being here today implies she's looking for someone who does. Women these days, huh..."Their insinuations were clear, even though they did not finish their sentences.They watched the beautiful woman sitting quietly in a corner, eating her fruit. The light falling on her cast a flattering glow, transforming her unusual-colored dress into something extraordinary.One man couldn't resist licking his lips.
Hayden had been assigned seat No. 5 The organizers, seemingly aware of his usual habit of attending social events without a female companion, had accommodated him with a two-seat arrangement, one for him and another for his assistant.Upon entering the VIP area, Dexter took the lead, scanning the area to locate their assigned seats. When he finally found seat No. 5, his eyes unexpectedly fell on a familiar figure seated at seat No. 6. Only a side profile was visible since she was already seated, but Dexter recognized her instantly—Wyneth, his boss's wife.'Oh, right. She's Ms. Walford now,' Dexter mused to himself. 'What are the odds that she would be seated right next to Mr. Hamilton?'Dexter abruptly turned to Hayden, catching him off guard. "Mr. Hamilton," Dexter asked, "what would you do if Ms. Walford also attended the auction today?"Hayden squinted at him. "Are you sure you want to stand here and pose hypothetical questions to me?"Without waiting for an answer, he strode p
The auctioneer took to the stage promptly, laying out the agenda for the evening. As the introductions concluded, the first item for bidding was swiftly brought forth.A painting of notable renown, recovered from a heap of ruins and thus suffering from faded details. Expert authentication confirmed its authenticity, setting the starting bid at $10,000. For the patrons gathered, such a price was nothing but a drop in the ocean. Even if the painting held little to no value as a collectible, the charitable nature of the auction would ensure bids, if only to maintain appearances. As expected, the bidding escalated quickly, leaping from the relatively humble $10,000 to an astonishing $200,000.Sipping lightly from her glass of fruit wine due to her low tolerance, Wyneth at first found the taste a tad disagreeable. Yet as she continued to sip, she discovered a unique flavor that became somewhat enjoyable."Wyn," Dean said, leaning in closer. "If you see anything you fancy, I'll bid on it