"Do you know her?" Jade asked, puzzled.Julian averted his gaze, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. "How could I possibly know a celebrity? I just think she doesn't compare to you at all."His expression and tone clearly indicated he was hiding something. Since he was unwilling to explain, Jade didn't press further. She had no interest in prying into others' private matters.The two had been sitting in the private room for nearly 20 minutes, and Tiffany and Melanie had yet to arrive.Julian, growing increasingly anxious, frequently checked his watch. "Are those two riding snails? Why aren't they here yet? I'm starving."Jade also felt the wait was getting too long. Just as she took out her phone to call Melanie, her phone rang. Seeing it was Melanie, she quickly answered. "Hello, Melanie."Melanie's tearful voice came through the line. "Jade, something terrible has happened. I made a huge mistake."Jade's heart tightened at the sound of her friend's sobs, but she remained cal
After a long moment, the car window slowly lowered, revealing an exquisite face. The woman wore large sunglasses that covered most of her features, making it difficult to see her clearly. Still, her contours suggested she was young and beautiful.The car's interior was luxurious, with a delicate pendant hanging in front of the window, featuring a striking ruby that caught the eye.Jade stared at the woman's face, feeling a sense of familiarity but unable to recall where she had seen her before."Hello, could you step out for a chat?" Jade asked, noticing the woman had no intention of getting out of the car. "We need to discuss the compensation."Despite her genuine attempt, the woman wasn't swayed. With a slight smirk, she said, "Sorry, there's nothing to discuss. My car is in this state because of you..."She glanced at Jade and then at Melanie, raising an eyebrow in disdain. "Do you think you can afford to compensate me?"'What an arrogant woman,' Jade thought.She hadn't expe
After Elena finished speaking, she quickly sealed the car window. Jade couldn't see Elena's face through the glass, but she was certain that Elena's mood must be terrible right now.The Maserati swiftly sped away, leaving Melanie and Tiffany utterly confused. How had Jade's brief conversation led to such a hasty retreat?"What happened? Why did she leave?" Melanie asked, her face full of puzzlement.Tiffany was equally baffled. "The car owner wasn't easy to talk to. Melanie and I kept apologizing and discussing compensation, but she never even rolled down her window. She was very arrogant."Since it involved Elena, Jade didn't want to say much, to avoid causing her unnecessary trouble. Since Elena had decided to back down, Jade saw no reason to make things worse for her."It's fine now. I've already talked to the car owner, and I'll cover the repair costs," Jade declared grandly, thumping her chest.Her exaggerated tone made Tiffany frown. "Alright, we get it, you're wealthy an
The dishes at The Lochan were famously delicious. A lively meal was enough to lift everyone's spirits, easing the earlier tension.Julian, with his warm and friendly nature, quickly bonded with Tiffany and Melanie."Melanie, since you’re into design, why not enter the costume design contest for the 'Like a Dream' production?" Julian suggested while eating, sharing some exciting news with Melanie.Melanie, who had been worried about how to make money, immediately perked up. "Are you talking about the historical drama that the current top actress, Elena Bennett, is preparing to shoot?""I've heard about that too. Didn't they just hold a press conference a few days ago? I heard a lot of big stars are joining. The lineup is quite impressive," Tiffany added, equally excited as she was always keen on entertainment news."Yes, that's the one," Julian confirmed. "They've secured the funding, but they’re still struggling with the costume designs. They've gone through several designers but
Julian made a reassuring gesture. "If you don't believe me, I'll call right now and prove it."Ignoring the surprised looks from Jade and the others, he took out his phone and dialed a number. Within seconds, the call connected."Hello, it's me." Julian had barely uttered those three words when the person on the other end abruptly hung up. He held the phone awkwardly and muttered, "That was unexpected. Let me try again."He called again, only to be hung up on once more.After several attempts, he was visibly annoyed. "What's going on? How dare they keep hanging up on me?!"Tiffany observed the situation and softly remarked, "If it doesn't work out, just forget it.""No way. Failure isn't in my vocabulary." Julian's pride wouldn't allow him to be belittled in front of Jade. Determined, he sent a text message and counted under his breath, "One, two, three..."Before he finished, his phone rang.Clearing his throat, he answered with a forced calmness. "Finally decided to take my c
In the afternoon, Julian received a call from his friend, informing him that he should bring the portfolio to the set at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. She would arrange for Melanie to meet the director, but whether it would be successful depended on the work itself."Melanie, this is wonderful news! It's a rare opportunity," Tiffany said, sharing Melanie's excitement. If Melanie succeeded, it would be a turning point for her.Jade patted Melanie's shoulder, encouraging her, "Don't be afraid, Melanie. Believe in your talent."Melanie nodded earnestly. "With you all by my side, I'm not afraid."After some laughter and chatter, Tiffany suddenly realized a problem. "We can't have you meeting the director in anything shabby tomorrow. We need to get you an outfit."Jade had the same thought and chimed in. "Tiffany's right."Melanie shook her head. "There's no need. If I buy clothes, I won't have enough for my living expenses this month.""Of course, I’ll buy them for you. I’m counting o
Indeed, one should never judge a book by its cover."The fitting room is this way," the sales assistant said, taking down the clothes and handing them to Melanie. She led her to the fitting room.Meanwhile, Tiffany had no desire to buy clothes. She sat on the side, reading a magazine.The perceptive assistant brought her a cup of coffee.Jade was busy picking through the clothes racks. She hadn't been in the mood for shopping lately, and her old clothes had become a bit tight, especially around the chest area, making her feel quite embarrassed.Jade glanced down at her prominently swelling chest, feeling even more self-conscious. She had no idea when her chest had started growing like inflated balloons."Can you help me with this dress..." Jade was pondering whether she should get an S or M size when a small, pale hand suddenly snatched the dress away. A crisp female voice followed."Wow, this dress is so pretty! I want to try it on. Can you get me an S size?"Jade's outstretch
Others might be deceived by Chenelle, but not Jade.She watched Chenelle's poor performance with indifference, inwardly wondering why Chenelle had come to provoke her for no reason.Just as she was thinking this, a familiar voice called out, "Chenelle, what's going on?"Upon hearing that voice, Jade's whole body stiffened as if struck by lightning. She felt as if she had no strength left to walk.She didn’t turn around but could clearly feel a scorching gaze fixed on her, like a tightly woven net ensnaring her.When Chenelle saw the newcomer, her eyes lit up, and she happily ran over to cling to Caelan’s arm, her voice soft. "Cael, why are you here? Didn’t you say you were meeting a client? You didn’t need to come here just for me. I’m only buying some clothes, so there's need to worry about me."Her expression and tone were not those of someone speaking to her brother, but rather like a lover being coy.Tiffany shuddered, nearly choking at the sight."How pretentious," she mut