Betty was silently trembling with rage beside Lauren, her lips twitching. She wanted nothing more than to tear at Lauren's face right now.This fucking bitch! Did she really think that she could do as she pleased just because Landon was protecting her? Betty thought menacingly, "I'm going to kill you if it's the last thing I do!"…Though Sophia had insisted on a low-profile celebration, she had still allowed the media to get word of it. After all, she needed it like a fish needed water.The reporters were pacing around the hotel prior to Sophia's arrival. They quickly surrounded her when she arrived, though she remained behind a circle of bodyguards as she walked into the hotel, looking like some kind of big shot."Mrs. Beckett!""Madam Sophia!"The reporters cried, snapping all the photos they could get of her and her family.Javier was displeased with this turn of events but remained indifferent before the reporters."Your family has arrived for your wife's birthday celeb
The ballroom was a pitiful sight with how empty it was. The few men who had attended were Javier's business partners instead of anyone Sophia knew. The only women in the room besides Sophia and her daughters were the hotel staff and the pianist they hired! All the rich men's wives and mistresses who appeared to be on good terms with Sophia were nowhere to be found!Damn it! Damn it to hell!If the reporters hadn't been present right now, Sophia would have thrown a tantrum right then and there.Javier's brows furrowed just the slightest, but besides that, he didn't show much emotion.Meanwhile, Betty was shocked. She had known how bad her mother's relationships in their social circle were, but not to this extent!"Hurry up and take those photos! This is going to make the headlines!" a reporter cried, followed by frantic snapshots of the virtually empty ballroom."We can title this 'Madam Sophia Beckett's Birthday Bash—Truly Bashed! No Longer the Starlet of Yesterday'!" "This i
Just like that, a red crescent appeared on Lauren's cheek."Mom is already so angry because of that bitch Alyssa's meddling! Why must you still come to her defense? You're already useless as it is!" Betty shrieked."Alyssa isn't a bitch!" Lauren grew angrier, meeting Betty's yells."Then who is?" Betty roared, making the guests shoot her inquisitive looks."Not her!" Lauren cried, standing up to glare right into Betty's eyes, which were now shocked.Lauren could tolerate Betty scolding her and hurting her, but she wouldn't let her humiliation of Alyssa stand!"How dare you conniving little beast yell at me? You think you're so powerful now that Landon has your back, do you?" Betty yelled, reaching out to grab Lauren's arm. She'd had enough of Lauren's jabs tonight.Just then, the ballroom doors opened.All eyes turned as a man walked in steadily."L-Landon … " Lauren murmured, her eyes tearing up as she called out to him.Landon met her gaze, his own fervent with passion and
"Ow!" Betty winced, nearly falling backward."Lauren." Landon stood before Lauren, gazing lovingly at her as she blushed. "You look beautiful tonight.""Huh?" Lauren mumbled, her heart pounding in her chest."It's so boring here. Do you want to go somewhere with me?" Landon extended his hand to her."Go where?" "Wherever you want. Just name it, and I'll take you there." Sincerity filled Landon's eyes.For some reason, Lauren wanted to cry. She had always been the slowest yet most obedient child in her family. She never learned what it was like to be doted on or have what she wanted fulfilled. This was a first for her."I … I want to find Alyssa and my brother," she mumbled, her voice small."Alright. I'll take you to them." Landon held her hand and turned to leave with her.The hall was dead silent.When the two reached the entrance, Landon stopped in his tracks suddenly, nearly making Lauren slam right into his back.He turned around and nodded respectfully to Javier b
Landon held Lauren's hand as he steadily walked forward. He smiled, feeling the sweat on her palm from how nervous she was."L-Landon, why aren't we going to the parking lot?" Lauren asked worriedly when they reached the hotel lobby."The underground parking lot takes too long to drive through. My car is parked right outside.""But … but the reporters are outside." Lauren suddenly stopped in her tracks, growing rigid with fear. "I-If we go out right now, the reporters are going to write nonsense.""Nonsense? What kind of nonsense?" Landon took off his coat and draped it around Lauren's shoulders, then buttoned it up for her.He was such a caring boyfriend!"If this nonsense they write just so happens to be what I genuinely feel, then it wouldn't be nonsense at all," Landon said."Um … you know … they're going to say we … we're in that kind of relationship … " Lauren mumbled, her face flushed red. Her voice had grown softer the more she spoke, tickling Landon's heart like a gen
"Fuck me! Seriously? I've heard of the Beckett family daughter who never shows herself … So this is her? Wow, she's even prettier than I imagined!""That sister of hers, Betty, is always flaunting herself around like she's some great beauty. But now we know her sister is far more beautiful than her!""Tsk … Mr. Harper's taste in women really is fine!"Seeing how chaotic the situation was becoming, Angelina swiftly sent two bodyguards to help create a path for Landon amidst the crowd.As the camera lights flashed in their faces, Lauren shyly buried her face in Landon's shirt."Don't worry. I'm right here," Landon murmured in her ear."Okay."That simple response made happiness bloom in Landon's chest."Is Ms. Lauren your new girlfriend, Mr. Harper?""Mr. Harper, are you two officially dating?"Excited, the reporters tossed out one question after the other.All of Solana City knew just how much of a playboy Landon was. However, he had never shown himself in public with any of
KS World Hotel was brimming with activity in comparison to Berenike Hotel. Luxury cars filled the streets outside, and their owners were all well-known members of elite society. Many were dressed exceptionally well, bejeweled, and dazzling in their own way.Though Winston had agreed to Lyla's request to make this celebration as low-key as possible, who could maintain a low profile in the Taylor family? They held a formidable position in society and were already planning on developing further in Solana City, so it was only natural for their guests to show respect by turning up.Plus, Winston was father to the latest star on the rise—Alyssa Taylor!In order not to steal Lyla's spotlight, Colene and Mandy remained upstairs, where they tended to their close friends instead of joining the party. Rather than feeling left out, they were glad to have such a relaxed time to themselves.Meanwhile, Tatiana was helping Alyssa tend to the guests since it was her mother's birthday after all.
Sean was stunned. Alyssa's actions always seemed to catch him by surprise."But both Josh and his wife, Clarissa, are here tonight. Won't Brie cause a scene? It's Madam Lyla's birthday after all. Wouldn't it be better to end the night on a positive note?" Sean asked, concerned."That's why I'm not going to let her past the front door and let her become a pain in everyone's ass.""Do you mean?" Alyssa narrowed her eyes, a dangerous glint in them. "Don't you worry. I'll be sure she's taken care of before the celebration officially starts."…Meanwhile, Tatiana had gone to the restroom. After she finished powdering her nose, she hurried back outside. "You stupid beasts! What are you stopping me for? Can't you see I have an invitation?" The familiar yet irritating voice made Tatiana stop in her tracks. Her heart sank briefly as she turned to look at its source.Tatiana spotted two security guards holding Brie back not far away while she yelled at the top of her lungs, flinging