Finn shot to his feet, while Anna remained seated, her demeanor calm and unflappable. "And so what? Even if she hung up on you for some other man, what could you do?" At her words, Finn faltered, deflating into his chair. She continued, "You're overly protective of her, but you're helpless. You think I don't know you after all these years?""What should I do?""Do what? The girl has grown up. She has her own ideas. As her brother, it's best if you keep out of it or else, she'll end up resenting you."Finn bristled at the words, quickly refuting them, "I can't care about her? I only have one sister—one I've spoiled since childhood. Can I really not care?""Fine, fine, go and meddle then." Anna turned her head away, deciding not to argue any further. When it came to his sister, Finn was always beyond reason.After a moment, Finn leaned toward Anna. "Will she really resent me?"Anna had no words.After hours of shooting, Wyneth's hair was a mess, and she was drenched in the scent o
She blinked and paused for a long while before finally mumbling, "My task was a failure. I accidentally broke an egg and got chased around all morning by a mother hen."Her words had just finished when a soft, girlish voice could be heard. "Be careful with the suitcases. They're filled with expensive things. Don't let them fall. If you break them, you won't be able to pay for it... Hey, that's an expensive suitcase I spent a good amount on. Can't you be more mindful? Don't drag it around; you'll damage the wheels!"Everyone turned to look. A girl, dressed in a red lace dress and balanced on a pair of high heels, was walking toward them with the help of an assistant. Her hair curled gently, her skin fair, showing she lived a pampered life.Several staff members struggled under the weight of her suitcases, faces growing red. One of them could not help but say, "Giada, these suitcases are really heavy. We can't carry them. Can we roll them instead?""No, if you break the wheels, will
After scolding the staff, the manager turned to placate Giada. "Giada, you're already here. You'd be at a loss if you don't go through with the shooting. It's only a few days; let's do it. I'll have a word with the production team; they'll treat you extra well. Okay?"As Derek, Henry, and others returned from their task, they were met with the sight of Giada's manager, Natalie Quinn, begging her like a doting grandmother to stay and participate in the show.Giada was not moved. "I don't want to do it anymore, don't you understand?" she vented. 'During the planning of this show, they buttered me up, saying I was the biggest draw, the centerpiece of the program. I reluctantly agreed to be part of this. And now? They have brought this stunning woman on set. What's this supposed to mean? Did they bring me here to be outshined?'Natalie was left exasperated, lowering her voice. "Sweetheart, we signed a contract with them when you agreed. If we pull out now, we'll have to pay a penalty."
Rising to her feet in a huff, Giada pointed an accusatory finger at Lauren. "Are you badmouthing me?"Lauren's eyes widened, a look of total disbelief painting her face. 'She heard me? From that distance and with such a low volume, could she have superhuman hearing?' Confronted with Giada's wrath, Lauren cowered. After all, Giada had a tycoon boyfriend to back her up while Lauren had nothing. She instantly backed down. "I-I didn't say anything bad about you."At this, Giada scoffed, "No? Then why were you two whispering right after I mentioned I wouldn't partake in the show?""W-Who was whispering?" Lauren, who was not particularly adept at lying and had indeed been speaking ill of Giada, had intended her comments as a simple vent. But she was now caught red-handed. Flushing, she scrambled for a response."Oh, no whispering? So, you're denying it, huh? Camera, where is it? It's been rolling, right? Rewind it. Let's see if you were whispering about me," Giada barked at the cameraman
'W-Why should we?' Natalie failed to grasp the director's meaning, her mind whirling. 'Shouldn't he have agreed immediately? Sure, the actress is striking, but I have never laid eyes on her before. With her looks, if I had met her, I would never have forgotten. The fact that I have no memory of her can only mean one thing—she's a newcomer. No matter how pretty she is, a newcomer is just that, a newcomer with no significant fan base. Even if she gains popularity later on, it will still take at least a year or two. Surely, the director understands that knowing the current trend is the mark of a wise person.' With these thoughts in mind, Natalie cleared her throat and began. "I believe she's just a newbie who won't bring much heat to the program. Why don't we replace her with someone slightly more famous? Or, or... we could just remove her.""Remove her?"Natalie nodded, flashing an awkward smile. "Yes, simply eliminate her from the cast list." As she spoke these words, she felt a twing
Panic surged through the crew, leading them to run directly to the director. The director, lost in thought, was mulling over how to retain both Wyneth and Giada. His decision was not just about Wyneth's captivating looks and her knack for variety shows, but even more so, Shaun was a consideration. Shaun had a frighteningly discerning eye; the director needed to figure out a plan to keep both parties happy.But at this moment, a crew member rushed in, face etched with worry. "Giada was taken away by her manager. They say they're not filming anymore."Upon hearing this, the director glanced sideways. "She left?""Yes, they left in quite a huff."Hearing this news, the already contemplative director instantly flew into a rage. "Didn't I say I needed some time to think? Can't even wait for a few minutes? Do they think they're royalty or something? Do they think they own the entertainment industry, coming and going as they please?"The director's sudden outburst left the crew bewildere
The mention of Finn's name plunged Wyneth into silence once again. Let us not even discuss the improbability of Finn agreeing to appear; the mere sight of her might send him into a rage. Just the thought made Wyneth shudder. She muttered, "Perhaps it's better if he doesn't come."Lauren thought she had misheard. "What?" After collecting herself, she asked tentatively, "Are you talking about Finn? W-Why not?"In response to Lauren's cautious query, Wyneth's expression remained unfazed. "I just think that he won't come."Disheartened, Lauren drooped. "Yeah, you're right. He's worked incredibly hard to get where he is today, especially in his creative work. He wouldn't have time for variety shows like ours. Besides, our show is a small one. Even Giada didn't show us any respect."Wyneth remained silent.Everyone else went out and gathered together, the show on a temporary hiatus due to the sudden turn of events. They all sat down to eat after freshening up. Henry and Derek did not sh
"So, I would still like to urge you to consider our show." The director pleaded, "If Finn agrees to come, we'll most certainly show our complete sincerity.""I'm sorry, he really can't make it. Perhaps another time, when there's an opportunity for collaboration," Anna said and hung up the phone.She thought that should have been the end of it. But barely a moment had passed when the director sent a file and a voice note.Director: [This is our shooting schedule and cast. Have a look and then let me know.]While the director was doing this, the crew was watching."I don't think we have a chance. She refused outright," one commented. "What other option do we have? It's better to beg a top star than to grovel before another."If Finn agreed to come, he would outshine a hundred Giadas, but the chance of that happening seemed less than slim.Anna had a habit of not underestimating anyone. So, when the director sent her the document, she gave it a thorough look, despite finding the di
"I heard," Hayden sighed, thinking she might tell him not to touch her."What do you think?" Wyneth asked."Me?" A small smile formed on Hayden's lips as he gently kissed her. "It's whatever you want."Wyneth's eyes sparkled. "So, you'll listen to me?"Hayden hesitated. "Except...""What?" Wyneth's tone shifted to annoyance. "You aren't backing out, right? You just said it's up to me.""It's not that I'm backing out," Hayden said, "I just have one condition. I'll listen to you any other time, but there's one thing I can't do.""What thing?" Wyneth asked.Hayden leaned in and whispered in her ear. Wyneth's face turned a shade of pink, and she pushed him away, gasping."You're such a creep!" she exclaimed.Hayden took her wrist, drawing her close and kissed her earlobe. "What's the matter? Isn't this okay for us? Don't you think so?" As he kissed her, he began to unbutton her collar. His voice was low and smooth. "Just listen to me this one time. For everything else, whatever y
On the ride home from the hotel, tears rolled down Wyneth's cheeks nonstop. This time, though, she was not alone by the car window. She was nestled in Hayden's arms. He wiped away each tear, comforting her all the way."Don't cry. It's just a mix-up, okay? He said he's fine and will be around for a long time," Hayden whispered.Despite his soothing words, Wyneth's tears did not cease. Seeing this, Hayden, filled with concern, gently asked, "Is this not what you wanted?"Confused, Wyneth looked up. "What are you talking about? I'm beyond happy he's alive."Hayden smiled, gently wiping her eyes. "Then why are you still crying?""I'm crying because..." Wyneth bit her lower lip, with Hector's words echoing in her mind.She had always been upset, believing her father had not wanted her years ago. But just as she was about to leave, Cindy pulled her aside. "Wyneth," her mother said gently, "your dad did want you. When I divorced him, I had just one demand.""What was it?""I wanted o
Everyone was silent. Just before entering the private dining room, Wyneth blurted out, "Is he really dying?" Hearing this, Andrew's steps halted. Before he could answer, she added, "How long does he have? Why didn't anyone say anything before?"Andrew sighed and turned around. "Is that why you're here?" Wyneth pursed her lips. A wave of uncertainty washed over Andrew. 'This mom and daughter,' he thought, 'they're here because they got it all wrong. Mom is acting differently toward Dad, too. She was all tough before, but now she's gone soft, probably thinks Dad is dying. And Dad? He's just laughing, like he's having a good time with all this mess.' Andrew hesitated, then said, "Let's talk inside." He chose to hold his words for now.Hayden and Wyneth walked into the private dining room. Cindy was passing dishes to Hector. As they entered, every pair of eyes turned their way. A divorced couple and six sons stared at Hayden. Used to the predictable world of leadership, Hayden now ventur
In the end, Wyneth decided to stay. She could see the honesty in Matilda's words and knew she was sincere. Recognizing Matilda as not her birth mother made Wyneth realize she should not hold her to the same expectations. With acceptance, she focused on building her future with Hayden, freeing herself from doubts and reservations.With Wyneth's decision to stay, Matilda's heart swelled with joy and immense honor. Realizing Wyneth's sincere intentions, not merely chasing the Hamilton family's wealth, transformed their relationship. Matilda's newfound warmth toward her was evident. Gifts, once withheld, now freely flowed into Wyneth's room. At auctions, Matilda eagerly bid on items for Wyneth. During jewelry store visits, Matilda generously bought her gifts, swiping her credit card without hesitation, and welcoming her nearly as a daughter.Wyneth received a call from her mother. Even after so many years, her mom, Cindy, was still bossy. "Your father isn't doing well. You should come to
Just at that moment, a knock sounded from outside."Sir, your mother is back," someone said.Hayden could feel the person in his arms stiffen, her body tensed. "Don't worry, I'm right here," he reassured her softly."Your mother heard that Ms. Walford is here. She wants to see her," the voice from outside continued.'Meet me?' Wyneth bit her lower lip lightly. 'Why does she want to see me? To insult me again?'"She hasn't eaten yet. She can meet her after eating," Hayden said, gently turning down the request for Wyneth. Outside, everything fell silent."Won't this offend your mom?" Wyneth's voice filled with concern as she asked.Hayden looked at Wyneth, pausing for a moment before speaking. "I know she's been mean to you," he said. Wyneth's eyes widened in surprise. "I'm sorry." He bent down and lightly kissed her forehead. "You've been treated unfairly." Seeing her blink, he added, "Let's eat first. After that, I'll go with you."Wyneth was a bit nervous, but not as anxious a
Hector was speechless as Cindy mistakenly thought he was ill. Seeing her worried face, he felt the misunderstanding might not be so terrible. He shared a look with Andrew. His eldest son caught on immediately, giving a subtle head shake. Understanding the signal not to mislead Cindy any further, Hector hesitated before gently asking, "Can I see her? Even just a glance?" It had been many years since he last saw his daughter up close, and she had not called him "Dad" in all that time.Cindy, lost in thought, stared at Hector before finally nodding as if admitting defeat. "Fine, I'll call her."Later, Wyneth fell asleep. Upon waking, she found herself on the large bed in Hayden's bedroom. She saw Hayden sitting at the sofa, busy with a computer.Hearing her movement, Hayden immediately got up and walked toward her. "Awake? Thirsty or hungry? Want something to eat first?"Having slept through lunch, Wyneth was hungry, so she nodded. "Sure."After Hayden left to give some instructions,
'He shifts moods so fast,' Wyneth thought as she stared at her unattended ringing phone.Observing her delay, Hayden asked, "What's going on?"In his mind, a thought flickered, 'She seems reluctant to take the call. Perhaps there's tension with her eldest brother?'"He's calling now; must be about him," Wyneth whispered."About your dad?"They had decided to be together, and Wyneth did not hide anything from him. "Yeah, my dad."Hayden did not utter a single word."I don't like him," Wyneth softly said, staring at her ringing phone. "Answer it for me and say I'm asleep," she whispered to Hayden as she cozied up to him. Without a word, Hayden picked up the phone and conveyed the message before ending the call.After ending the call, a curious Hector asked, "Well? Where is she?"Understanding the situation, Andrew said, "She didn't answer the phone; she's asleep."Despite hearing the words, Hector felt something was off. He sighed, "She really doesn't like me.""Don't worry, D
"Trouble recognizing faces? What do you mean?" Hector Spencer asked.Andrew sighed. "Dad, he's Wyneth's ex-husband."Hector's eyes widened in surprise. "He is? No wonder I didn't recognize him. I must've barely seen him before.""Is that what's bothering you?" Andrew asked."What else would it be?" Hector replied, still taken aback.Andrew sighed. His dad, Hector, was good at many things and never stayed mad at people. But there was one funny thing about him: he could never remember faces of people outside their family. "You don't mind?" Andrew asked.Smiling, Hector replied, "Mind what? She's told everyone, so she must be ready. I've never been the dad she favored. If I object now, won't she dislike me even more?"Andrew was left speechless by this. He had not expected Hector to have no objections. "Seems like someone doesn't need your approval."Changing the topic, Hector asked, "What about your mom? Is she back?" He had been living alone for many years.Andrew exhaled. "I t
Everyone rushed to check out Wyneth's Facebook and, sure enough, they saw her admitting to the relationship, along with a freshly taken selfie.At first, Wyneth only wanted to write a post. But after Hayden tasted the joy of going public with their relationship, he suggested taking a wefie for the official announcement. Feeling his excitement, Wyneth agreed. They posted the wefie on Facebook, captioned "Officially Together". Yet, Hayden was not done. He captured another photo, this time holding her hand, eager to share their love with the world.Since Hayden was not a celebrity or idol, he had no fan feelings to fret over. Eager to declare his love, he did not hold back. His photo captured his sharp features and dark, gem-like eyes that shone under the camera lights. The image showcased his palm holding Wyneth's fair, slender hand. Their contrasting hands highlighted his affection, radiating warmly from the photo.After the photo came out, everyone was shocked. This included fans, p