Her life was entangled by that single contract. She did not like that atmosphere and wanted some quiet time alone."Do you still want to walk away? The women's restroom might not be convenient for me to enter," Shawn's voice echoed.Ivy paused, suddenly turning back. "Mr. Wood? Why are you here?"She was quite surprised. Did Shawn come personally to find her?"I don't like such occasions either." Shawn walked up to her, hands casually in his pocket. "But it's because Gale begged me for a long time. I decided to come."He rarely attended these dinners, usually delegating them to the vice president or department heads. Only if his presence was absolutely necessary would he show up."Sorry, Mr. Wood. It's my fault, causing trouble for you," Ivy said."No need to apologize. You did nothing wrong.""Mr. Wood, this favor is too much; I can't repay you."Shawn's expression remained indifferent. In front of other women, he always presented this cold and unapproachable demeanor."You
These paparazzi were unlike the ones who had secretly photographed Nicole the last time. They specialize in the entertainment industry. They were good at stirring up scandals from mere angles and clever photography tricks. They strategically choose moments that evoke fantasies and cause trouble.For example, when Shawn handed over the coat, or Ivy put it on, Shawn instinctively raised his hand to adjust the hem.The paparazzi intentionally twisted his lens and blurred the background. From the photos, it looked like Shawn personally put his blazer on Ivy."Mr. Wood, wearing your clothes back to the room will make things even more weird." Ivy sighed. "All they know is dinners where mutual benefits are arranged. They will undoubtedly think that we're in such a relationship."She did not mind, though. She was single and did not have a boyfriend or husband. However, Mr. Wood was different. He had a family and children.Shawn retorted, "Do you think we'll go back?"Ivy thought about it
"My wife is your fan. This is what she wants. As long as it's something she wants, I'll help her fulfill her wishes," Shawn replied.Ivy's heart was beating really intensely. Once he said that, she calmed down.Well, of course, Shawn loved his wife. He was known to dote on her. How could she entertain such presumptuous thoughts! Besides, Mrs. Wood was her benefactor!"Everything I do is for my wife. I've also explained that she's repaid the favor on your behalf."Ivy smiled, forcing herself not to look at Shawn and to stop indulging in wild thoughts. He is married. He loves his wife."Mrs. Wood is truly fortunate to have you." Ivy sighed sincerely."No, I'm the fortunate one to marry her."Ivy was momentarily stunned.Having spent so long in the entertainment industry, she had seen all kinds of complicated relationships. She witnessed cheating, one-night stands, and more. She was starting to lose faith in love, let alone believe that there could be someone who loved another per
"Well, best wishes to you," Shawn said. With that, he took a step forward. "Fiona will contact you tomorrow. Goodbye."He had done what he needed to. Fiona would take over now.Shawn just had to show up to the extent he was needed. The agency had a firm grasp on their talents, so he needed to show up to sort that out."Mr. Wood! Let me see you off!"It was a small gesture. She could not do more for him anyway. He lacked nothing, and what he lacked, she could not give.Ivy adjusted her jacket. She caught a whiff of Mr. Wood's faint, yet refreshing cologne.Shawn did not even stop. "No need."He just wanted to get home quickly. If Gale were not back yet by nightfall... well, then he would have to go fetch her himself. Being a mother, how could one play so carefreely and not look at the time? What time was it anyway?Shawn continued walking ahead while Ivy hurriedly trailed behind.How could she let Mr. Wood walk alone?"Wait for me, Mr. Wood… Ah!"Before Ivy could finish her s
Ivy could not help but wonder what Shawn's affectionate side would be like. Surely, only Gale could see it. Even after Shawn had been gone for a long time, Ivy still stood in the same spot. The paparazzi were snapping away crazily, especially when she had slipped earlier. It was like they were blessed! "At first, I thought these deliberately angled shots might not be up to par, considering how much the buyer would pay for it. I never expected such a scene to suddenly unfold!" "It's like they're handing me money, Ivy. I declare you my lucky star. I wish you a bright future and a soaring career in the entertainment industry!" "Perfect! This is more than enough! Each one can stir rumors!" The paparazzi enthusiastically admired the photos on their camera. Ah, Ivy and Shawn in an embrace, eyes locked… Fantastic!He removed the memory card, whistled, and left the hotel. However, he did not drive away immediately. He looked around to ensure no one was watching, took out his phone f
If Shawn could change his mind naturally, it would take even less effort on Aurum's part."Alright. You did well," Aurum said."As long as you're satisfied, I feel good." The paparazzi grinned. "If there's anything like this again, feel free to call me anytime!"Aurum asked, "Have you seen me before?"The paparazzi hesitated for a moment, then quickly responded, "No, I haven't. I've never seen you before. I don't even know what you look like. We're just strangers.""Good. Keep your mouth shut. If you breathe a word of it...""I promise I won't! I have professional ethics! You can trust me!"Aurum nodded, stepped on the gas, and the car sped away.He was in high spirits.He hoped Shawn would fall for Ivy. It would work out well. Shawn with a female star, and he would have Gale. He would not need to break them up then.As the night progressed, Shawn was driving back home.His phone rang."Hello?"Nicole's complaining voice came through. "Daddy, why aren't you home yet?""I'
He thought, 'In the future, I'll set up a curfew for her. She must be home before eleven at night to prevent her from hanging out with Summer and losing track of time!'Shawn's car slowly pulled over by the road. He got out of the car but noticed a familiar vehicle. He raised an eyebrow and swiftly strode over. He tapped on the car window and said, "Joe, what a coincidence.""Oh, Shawn." Joe rolled down the car window. "Here to pick up Gale?""Yeah, what about you?"Joe looked nonchalant. "I'm here to pick up Summer."Shawn did not buy it. "You were on the same plane as Summer, but you weren't invited to this dinner. Don't you know where you stand? Why pretend in front of me?""I... I didn't want to intrude on their girlfriend's reunion. What would I do with two women chatting away?""Obviously, it's them who didn't want you there!"Joe got out of the car and leaned against the door. "I haven't settled accounts with you. While Gale and Summer have their gathering, we boys shoul
"Shawn, come on, do me this favor." Joe softened his tone. "I won't say much more. You know what I mean, right?"Shawn stared at him. "Are you really planning to pursue Summer?""I... Well...""Don't beat around the bush. I want a straight answer."Joe pursed his lips. "Why these questions? Anyway, you're already living happily ever after, so why would you care about my personal matters?"He was jealous of Shawn. With a wife, son, and daughter, Shawn was winning in life. Working during the day, enjoying family time in the evening and on weekends—his life was practically a fairy tale!Shawn replied, "If you're serious about pursuing Summer, then come up with a plan. Be open about it. Let everyone know you're pursuing her, no more hints, no more holding back.""Why? What if she rejects me? That'd be so embarrassing."Shawn countered, "Is your pride more important, or is having her as your partner more important?"Joe fell silent."I'm speaking from experience. I've been through