"Real ones don't beat around the bush. Where's Mr. Hamilton's wife?" Dexter's voice was low, barely audible.Matthew strained to hear him. "What?"Dexter was about to speak, but he felt a piercing gaze coming from behind him. The familiar sense of pressure crept up on him, and he immediately straightened his shoulders. "What I meant was, where's that newbie actress from last night?"Matthew furrowed his brow, searching his memory. "New actress?" he repeated. And then, in a flash of insight, he exclaimed, "Oh, you mean Wyneth?"'Isn't he here to visit Gigi?' Matthew wondered. 'Why is he asking about Wyneth now?'As Matthew finished his sentence, he sensed a slight relief from the intense pressure that had been suffocating him. It seemed like he had given the right answer. "Bad timing, guys. Wyneth just left after signing her contract," Matthew said bluntly. 'I remember when Wyneth left, she even said to me that she was leaving. So, it must be true, right?'"Left?" Dexter's eyes wi
Gigi blabbered on the phone about Hayden dropping by her workplace. Jake could not believe it. After all, he had known Hayden for years and had never seen him be the type to visit someone at work. And Gigi was not exactly Hayden's type either. It turned out that Hayden was there to look for Wyneth.Jake prodded. "Did you get turned down? She didn't want to see you? Is that why you're seeking my help?"He recalled the strange tension between Hayden and Gigi the night before, but he did not expect it to escalate this quickly. He leaned closer to Hayden and asked inquisitively, "So, does the chick not want to talk to you now?"Hayden's icy glare sent chills down Jake's spine. "Did you just call her a chick?"Jake shrugged nonchalantly. "What's wrong with that? She's young. Can't I call her that? You're too uptight."Jake did not want to annoy Hayden any further. "Alright, I'll help you out this time. I'll gather the entire cast and crew for dinner tonight, even the extras. I guarante
The mere thought of those vivid images made Wyneth's skin crawl, as a wave of spine-tingling goosebumps washed over her with an unsettling intensity. 'Divorcing with such resolve, only to be reduced to my former self by a single drink – could I still hold my head high in front of Hayden?' She now felt more humiliated than a groveling lapdog.Wyneth covered her forehead with the script and lay back on the bed. Her phone rang, and she picked it up, placing the script beside her. "Shaun.""Wyneth, how's your progress on memorizing the script? Mr. Kane is inviting the entire crew to dinner at the hotel tonight. I'll come to pick you up later."'Hotel? Not again!' Wyneth refused coolly and nobly. "I need to study the script. I won't go.""The script can wait until tomorrow. Doesn't the director give you a few days off? Mr. Kane has invited the entire crew, and everyone has to show up," Shaun said, his tone serious."Everyone has to show up?""Yes, even the extras will be there."Wyne
Shaun arrived right on time to pick Wyneth up, but he was utterly spellbound when he saw her. Dressed in a red skirt with high heels, her alluring, captivating figure left him breathless. He knew Wyneth was gorgeous, but he had no idea her beauty was this extraordinary – a refined, unapproachable, and icy elegance. One more glance, and he felt undeserving.Trying to regain his composure, Shaun unexpectedly gave himself a light slap on the mouth. 'Pull yourself together! As a manager, I've seen countless beauties in the entertainment industry!'Wyneth tapped on the car window and then climbed into the car.As they sat close together, her beauty became even more overwhelming for Shaun. "Wyneth, I'm starting to worry."She cast a sideways glance, her striking eyes floating toward him, her red lips parting. "About what?""Your stunning appearance."Wyneth blinked, fixing her gaze on Shaun as if to say, 'That's it?'"A supporting actress being more beautiful than the lead can be a se
The sudden arrival of a stunning beauty in the room ignited a wave of excitement and curiosity among everyone present."Who is she? How can anyone be so incredibly gorgeous? A new actress, perhaps?""It's Lucienne! No, wait, I mean the actress portraying Lucienne – her name is Wyneth Walford. Shaun introduced her as a fresh talent.""Unbelievable! Shaun must be a god in the entertainment world. How did he manage to sign someone with such extraordinary beauty?"In an instant, all eyes were riveted on Wyneth. People scrutinized her with a mix of curiosity and awe, and some could not help but glance back and forth between her and Gigi.Gigi was seething inside, but as she noticed people stealing glances at her, she mustered a forced smile."Come on, Wyneth, let's introduce you to the lead actor and actress." Matthew's voice rang out. Gigi's mood was far from good, and yet, there was Matthew, bringing Wyneth right over to her. "This is Leo Wood, the male lead of Le Palais, and this i
Jake gave an unconcerned nod, but his eyes roamed through the crowd with intent, until he spotted Wyneth in the corner. He then shot a knowing look toward Hayden.Hayden nonchalantly lowered his eyes, ready to approach Wyneth, but before he could take two steps out, Jake grabbed his arm and whispered in a low voice, "I invited the whole crew for dinner, man. Can't you just hold back your impulses for once?" He took a deep breath and gestured impatiently. "Sit down and wait, be patient."Hayden gritted his teeth, his annoyance palpable.Jake continued. "She's here now. She's not going anywhere."Maybe it was the last remark that convinced Hayden, as he locked eyes with Wyneth in the corner, giving her a straightforward gaze before quickly looking away.The others sitting next to Wyneth were stirred up."Did you all see that? Mr. Hamilton just checked her out.""Oh my god, he's hotter than any pretty boy actor in the business. Why isn't he a celebrity? That look made me weak in th
Gigi placed a cup of hot tea in front of Hayden and said in a delicate tone, "Hayden, Mrs. Hamilton asked me to take good care of you. You need to drink more hot tea." Her words drew envy from the crowd.With a sweet smile, Gigi added. "Our families have been friends for generations. Mrs. Hamilton treats me like her own daughter, so please don't misunderstand." She glanced at Wyneth out of the corner of her eye, feeling pleased with herself. 'Wyneth, what do you have to compete with me? Just tuck your tail and run away!'But Wyneth sat quietly in the corner with an aloof presence that did not match anyone else in the room. Shaun glanced at Gigi, feeling uncomfortable with her subtle yet assertive comment.'I was thinking during the day that Gigi was just being hard on Wyneth's role because she didn't like the idea of a new actress suddenly appearing. But boy, was I wrong. Turns out, these two are love rivals. The way Gigi spoke was just a power move, both clear and veiled at the sam
'Hayden...' Wyneth's eyes narrowed as she strode forward with an air of composure, seemingly oblivious to his presence.Hearing the footsteps, Hayden looked up, his deep gaze locked unto her. As soon as he entered the private room, he had already spotted her. She was stunning in a red velvet gown that perfectly accentuated her gorgeous figure. Her slim waist and curvaceous arms crafted a seductive silhouette. Today, her legs were hidden, yet she was even more captivating than the day before. Despite this, she walked past him expressionless.Hayden squinted and called out, "Wyneth."Wyneth halted, casting him a sideways glance. Her eyes were as captivating as a hook, but her voice was frosty. "What can I do for you, Mr. Hamilton?"She bore no resemblance to the sweet, gentle, and flirtatious Wyneth he had spent time with the previous night. A headache crept up on Hayden. He raised a hand to massage his temple, drew closer to her, and whispered, "Wyneth, don't speak to me like that."
"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