In the past two years, Jones Enterprise had been looking to expand its production capacity. They needed a new factory, especially since the perfume department had launched a new product line. Eliza had been eyeing a piece of land right next to the existing Jones Enterprise factory, but the land had not been released for sale. A month ago, the Land Management Bureau issued an announcement, saying that the land was up for auction. Jones Enterprise seized this opportunity to submit the required documents for bidding. However, the bureau rejected Jones Enterprise's application, citing priority for nearby businesses without factories. Eliza was troubled by this for a few days. What should she do? "Mr. Lincoln just received a notification too, saying that the Land Management Bureau has agreed to allow Jones Enterprise to participate in the auction," the assistant said. Melanie nodded. This was good. Even though Eliza couldn't return because she had to deal with some matters abroa
"Me?" Melanie asked in surprise.The director nodded. "I've noticed you, Miss Melanie. Every time you appear on camera, you become the center of attention. You’re a natural, and you make any shot look good.""I can't do it," Melanie chuckled, waving her hand dismissively. "I'm neither an actress nor a model.""Do you know why we want to pair actresses and models with Stephen?" The director began to persuade her. "It's because they bring their own fame. But Miss Melanie, your popularity now rivals that of some lesser-known models, especially after Vivian added fuel to the fire."Hearing this, the crew members chimed in, "Miss Melanie, give it a shot. Not only will it save time, but it will also cut down our costs.""That's right. We don't need you on screen too much. Just a few shots. It's not difficult," the director added persuasively.After weighing her options, Melanie gritted her teeth and reluctantly agreed.As Melanie began her makeup, she was surprised to see Vivian accom
Online, the four beauty influencers who had previously collaborated with Vivian unexpectedly turned against her. They claimed that the night before using the perfume, Vivian had invited them to dinner and tampered with their fragrances during the meal.The scandal escalated when they realized something was amiss. Upon analyzing the perfume's ingredients, they found an element known to cause allergic reactions. This ingredient was absent from other samples, leading them to conclude that Vivian was behind the tampering.To make matters worse, the most influential beauty blogger leaked chat records with Vivian. These records confirmed that after the incident, Vivian had continuously encouraged him to manipulate public opinion online, aiming to utterly ruin Jones Enterprise's perfume line.Vivian's motives stemmed from personal revenge. She had initially shot the first commercial for the perfume but was edited out significantly due to her unsatisfactory performance. As a result, view
It would be better if Jeffrey didn't come, Stephen thought as he discreetly pocketed his phone.-Having finished handling the documents on his desk, Jeffrey pondered over Stephen's unusual question earlier. He instructed William, "Find out what Stephen is up to."Soon after, William reported back, "Sir, Mr. Stephen is shooting the second advertisement for Jones Enterprise's perfume today. Moreover... Madam has replaced his co-star."What?Jeffrey furrowed his brows. "Bring me the last advertisement proposal that Jones Enterprise submitted!""Yes, sir!"Without delay, William quickly presented the plan before Jeffrey. Jeffrey's eyes darkened as he reviewed the advertisement plans, which involved a lot of hugging and close contact.He promptly ordered, "We're going to the studio!"-Stephen began filming his solo scenes while Melanie sat in a chair and scrolled through her phone.Online sentiments were overwhelmingly negative toward Vivian.Critics labeled her as jealous a
"Cut!"The photographer called for a break. "Let's take a break. Maybe you're tired, Stephen. Take a moment to refocus."As Stephen stepped out from the glow of the spotlight, he immediately caught William signaling him urgently from the shadows. Stephen hurriedly went over.-In the dressing room, Jeffrey was already waiting.Seeing his uncle's cunning eyes, Stephen was reminded of the vulnerability he felt when stripped bare at the high-society event. Instinctively, he covered his chest with a hand."Uncle Jeffrey? Didn’t you say you weren’t coming?" Stephen cautiously asked."If I didn't come, I wouldn't have found out you had the guts to do something like this!" Jeffrey eyed him coldly."Uncle Jeffrey, please don't misunderstand. You saw it earlier! I kept my distance! I didn't even dare to look Aunt in the eyes!" Stephen swore.Jeffrey snorted. At least the boy had some sense! Had he looked, he wouldn't be treated so lightly now!"Take off your clothes," Jeffrey or
"Mr. Nathan!"Seeing the familiar man, Melanie's thoughts quickly returned to her time at the hospital in Azure City. This man had visited her on behalf of the International Socialites Gala.She remembered his name was Nathan Quinn.The eyes of the elegant and humble man before her lit up with surprise. "Miss Melanie, you actually remember me?"Melanie smiled slightly without explaining.The reason she remembered Nathan's name was that Jeffrey seemed particularly concerned about him."So, Miss Melanie, are you here to look around, or do you have your eyes on a particular piece of land?" Nathan asked, exchanging pleasantries."My family is planning to build a new factory, and we do have our eyes on a particular plot," Melanie replied gracefully."I see," Nathan nodded with a smile. "So do I."As they exchanged pleasantries, neither noticed a mother-daughter pair standing in another direction.It was Lena and her mother.After being ousted by Jones Enterprise, then spurned by
The auction began.The first few plots of land presented were highly sought-after. Some had prime locations, some were close to water sources, and others offered great value. All of them sparked intense bidding wars.However, Melanie remained indifferent. Occasionally, she'd glance at updates on her phone. Vivian's talent agency had completely abandoned her, and the internet was filled with criticism against her. Melanie felt she got what she deserved.As the auction neared its end, the final plot of land up for bidding was the one Melanie was interested in.After a brief description by the host, the opening bid was announced at forty million."Forty-five million!" Melanie announced loudly, raising her paddle.Some men turned their heads in surprise. Hers was the first female voice heard in the auction. Everyone seemed satisfied when they saw her appearance, as her looks matched her confident bid."Fifty million," came a voice from another direction.Lily glanced over and
Lena almost choked on her saliva!She had tried so hard to get close to Nathan, and now she found herself near him, only for Melanie to ruin the moment completely!Melanie seemed like her jinx!Lena clenched her fists tightly as Nathan and Melanie moved away. Her lips turned pale from how hard she was biting them.-"Mr. Nathan, thank you for your concession earlier," Melanie said, breaking the silence first.Nathan smiled and shook his head. "Just call me Nathan. Why were you interested in that plot? It doesn't seem to offer much value."Melanie explained about Jones Enterprise's plans for a factory location and then turned the question around, "What about you? Why did you want that piece of land? If I hadn't persisted, you would have had it."Nathan looked down with a smile and paused before he said, "Because... it's a place someone I once loved dearly was fond of.""Oh," Melanie quickly responded, sensing Nathan's hesitation and the pain in his eyes. "I'm sorry to hear that