Chapter 1

Elise Bennett, the beautiful and talented actress at Horizon Stars Entertainment, was seeing her career soar higher with each passing day. New scripts and advertising contracts piled up on her desk, leaving her no moment to rest.

The door to her room swung open, and Natalie, her sharp-minded manager, entered with a bright smile and a long list of schedules in hand. “Good morning, Elise! Today’s another busy day. This morning, you have a photoshoot with Glamour Elite magazine. In the afternoon, you’ll be heading to the set of 'Shattered Dreams.' And this evening, you need to attend the launch party for the 'Luxe Enchanté' fashion brand.”

Elise let out a deep breath but maintained her smile, setting her coffee cup down on the table. “Sounds wonderful, Natalie!”

“Yes, I know you'll do great,” Natalie replied with a smile, her eyes shining with confidence.

Natalie quickly helped Elise prepare the necessary accessories. With her usual meticulousness, Natalie selected refined and elegant items that perfectly matched Elise's style. Together, they double-checked every last detail, from hairstyle to jewelry, ensuring everything was flawless as usual.

Once everything was ready, Natalie opened the door and invited Elise out. The two stepped into the company car that had been prepared, the morning sunlight gently illuminating Elise's radiant face.

“If you feel tired, just let me know, and I'll adjust the schedule,” Natalie reminded her with a caring tone as she sat down next to Elise.

Elise smiled softly, responding gently, “Don’t worry, Natalie, I’ll be fine.”

When Elise stepped into the headquarters of Glamour Elite, a renowned magazine that everyone in the entertainment industry longed to collaborate with, the entire photo studio seemed to freeze for a moment. Her radiant beauty immediately captured every gaze.

Elise was dressed in a ruby-red silk gown with a deep V-neckline, hugging her figure and accentuating every alluring curve. Her golden hair cascaded smoothly over her bare shoulders, her deep blue eyes like an autumn lake, and her enchanting smile made it impossible for anyone to take their eyes off her.

“She’s even more stunning in person than on TV,” one photography assistant whispered to another, eyes fixed on Elise.

The staff in the room quickly moved to prepare everything, stealing glances at her as they worked. The sound of the camera clicks began, the flashlights sparkling around her, as if she were the center of the universe.

The magazine director, a powerful man with an elegant appearance, approached and greeted her warmly.

“Elise, you’re always the shining star of our magazine.”

“I’m thrilled to be working with everyone,” Elise responded with a warm smile, her blue eyes shimmering with professionalism and passion.

With a decisive nod, the magazine director turned to his team. “Everyone, get ready! This photoshoot must be perfect. We can’t afford to disappoint Elise.”

The photographer for today’s shoot was Robert Sterling, a renowned name in the industry, famous for his bold and seductive style. Many stars would do anything to work with him, even if only once.

Robert approached, gazing at Elise with admiration.

“Elise, you’re breathtaking,” he murmured, his eyes filled with both awe and desire.

Elise smiled, her eyes gleaming with confidence. “Thank you, Robert. I’m looking forward to creating some amazing photos today.”

The photoshoot began, with Robert capturing each shot, exuding Elise’s allure.

“Relax, Elise. We need a bit more sensuality in this shot,” Robert instructed as he moved closer to adjust her pose. He placed his hands on her waist, feeling the softness of her skin through the thin fabric. Slowly, his hands moved down toward her firm curves, his eyes filled with hunger.

Elise shivered slightly, fully aware of Robert’s inappropriate behavior. She kept her composure and gently said, “You’re making me tense,” she remarked, skillfully lifting his hand away from her, her gaze firm but her smile still graceful.

“Elise, just turn slightly to the left, yes, that’s it,” Robert directed, but his eyes never left her, as if every movement she made mesmerized him.

Elise followed his instructions, her every move radiating both charm and professionalism.

As the photoshoot ended, Robert walked into the dressing room, finding Elise alone. He slowly approached from behind, suddenly wrapping his arms around her.

“Elise, I’ve been waiting for you,” he said, his voice filled with affection, his eyes gleaming with undisguised desire.

“What do you think about a very special photoshoot just for you?” he whispered into her ear.

Elise tried to free herself from Robert's embrace, responding politely,

“Aren’t the photos from today beautiful enough?”

Robert raised her chin with his hand, “Your nude photos would be a masterpiece,” his voice low and husky, clearly revealing his intentions.

Elise could feel the threat in Robert’s words. Her heart pounded, but she kept a seductive smile on her lips. “Thank you, Robert, but I’m not ready for that kind of shoot at the moment. Perhaps in the future, we’ll have the chance to collaborate.”

At that moment, Natalie’s voice called from outside,

“Elise, the car is ready. We need to leave now.”

Robert smirked, a disappointed look in his eyes as he reluctantly let go of Elise’s enticing presence. Before leaving the room, he quickly pulled out a business card from his pocket and slipped it into her hand.

“Whenever you’re ready, give me a call. I’ll take those photos for you... free of charge,” his voice lingered with an implied meaning, his eyes never leaving her face.

Elise glanced at the business card in her hand, her blue eyes skimming over the text before looking up to meet Robert’s gaze.

“Thank you, Robert,” she replied calmly, but the rejection was clear in her eyes.

Robert raised an eyebrow, as if he understood but didn’t care. His gaze remained fixed on her as he stepped back and exited the room. The door closed, leaving Elise in a brief moment of solitude. She exhaled, as if shedding a troublesome burden.

Elise got into the waiting car, sinking into the back seat, trying to relax for a moment before resuming her work. She picked up her phone, idly scrolling through social media on the anonymous account she used to keep her personal life private. Her eyes stopped on an image that appeared on the screen: Daniel and Sophia, both beaming radiantly together. Below the picture was information about their upcoming engagement.