Aiken shook his head helplessly. “No one would’ve thought that I, the Best Actor, have to suffer this fate because of my father. To make matters worse, he orchestrated my downfall and ensured I fell hard on my face~ Geez. It’s not easy being me.”…The Horizon Awards’ award-giving ceremony was about to start. Celebrities and special guests filed into their seats under the staff’s guidance. Maia was one of the special guests, so her seat was in the front row and her celebrities’ seats were in the third and fourth rows. She saw Cedric’s name on a seat next to her and flinched. Did he arrange for this to happen? He just had to sit next to her… She could not explain it, but her lip curved involuntarily and a smile formed. Lights swept all over the venue. The host went up to the stage, but there was still no sign of Cedric. Was he not going to show up? Maia took her phone out. She was about to send a text to him when she realized there were hundreds of texts in the trash. They wer
The audience clapped loudly. Aiken stood up and nodded at the emcee before rushing to the stage."It looks like Mr. Aiken can’t wait at all!” The male emcee teased. Aiken went to Maia and accepted the trophy she gave him. He also made the other female emcee hand him her microphone. Aiken turned toward the audience. His once silly behavior changed into a charming one. “You’re right. I can’t wait to receive this award! This award means so much to me as an actor and is also a great gift to my fans. Moreover, tonight’s presenter is also one of the women I admire the most. It was such an honor to receive this trophy from her!”Maia was surprised at how eloquent Aiken was on stage. He was a different person when they met at the restaurant. Maia could tell how much Aiken had given up to be where he was today. Even if part of him was lucky, she believed he was also prepared.“We didn’t know that you admired Ms. Maia so much. Could we also ask who the other woman is? I’m sure the aud
“I don’t know what you mean.”Victor sneered, “The Best Actress is your sister and your company’s artist. I’m sure you’re smug about it. This award should have been ours.”“How are you so sure?” Maia smiled and asked.“Scarlett’s end-of-the-year results were better than Hope’s. Furthermore, her viewership was almost the same as Hope’s. Judging from all the facts, it should’ve been Scarlett’s. Besides, Hope had been a nominee for a few years, so why win now?Ms. Maia, you should stop pretending. This event’s main organizer is HL Corporation. Mr. Cedric had publicly shown that he wanted to get back with you. You got this award by sleeping with him. “He would give you anything if you slept with him a few more times. I’m sure that’s how you’ve managed to make your company such a success, too, right?”Victor’s words were revolting. It was no surprise that such unsightly conduct had been transpiring in his company. Fortunately, his disgusting acts in the industry would all be ending t
Victor’s perverted voice echoed throughout the hall as the recording played what he had just said to Maia a few minutes ago. The audience gasped in horror as they realized who he was referring to. Maia had recorded the whole conversation she had with Victor. She sent the audio file to Buck from her cell phone and got Buck to play it after airing the footage. As the recording played repeatedly, Aiken got up and yelled at Victor. “You’re such a piece of trash! How could you do such vile things as the CEO of our company? How dare you talk to Ms. Maia like that and soil her ears with your filthy words?" Aiken was well-respected in the industry, as he was an award-winning actor with a considerable fanbase. His words were more impactful than any other person’s. The audio cut was followed by more unsightly video footage. They were all about how Victor had laid his hands on his company’s trainees and how he had chosen different actresses to be sent to the hotel. He even made them p
Victor pointed at the female artists and shouted, “What are you saying? I’ll sue all of you for defamation! How could you betray me after all the company has done for you?!" Scarlett’s face was deathly pale as she turned and left the hall. Maia quickly told a staff member to follow her. The staff member nodded and ran after Scarlett. “That’s not me in the video! I’m a gentleman! How could I possibly do something like this?” Victor was already at the brink of losing his mind as he kept shouting the same phrases. He could not accept that his crimes were publicly exposed. Maia stood up as she noticed the officers entering the hall. She gave him a cold glance and said, “You should leave your excuses for the cops!” Victor was trembling as he turned around to see the officers behind him. He was arrested and taken away. The show Maia had prepared had finally come to a perfect end. As she was about to leave, she noticed Cedric had not shown up. She could not help but glance at his empty
Maia took only ten minutes to get to the resort. As she gave the keys to the valet, she ran toward the lobby without even putting on her heels. “Is Cedric’s room on the twelfth floor?”When the receptionist saw Maia, she immediately said, “Yes, Mr. Cedric’s room number is 1202.” “Get me his room keys, please!” Although the front desk receptionist was surprised, she remembered Bill’s instructions to fulfill all of Maia’s requests. Maia immediately took off toward the elevators with the keys.Inside the elevator, Maia gave Victoria a call.“Hello, Maia? I enjoyed the show you put on!” Victoria teased approvingly. “Are you in your room?” Maia asked urgently. “Yeah, why?” Victoria could sense that something was wrong. “Get to the twelfth floor, now!”“Okay, I got it.” Victoria hung up without questioning her and left.There was a direct elevator leading to the presidential suite. However, it took some time to get there. As Maia looked at the number of floors changing on the screen,
"I won't allow it!" He pressed her tightly, his voice carrying a hint of roaring anger.She wore a tight short dress, and the dress had shifted, moving to the side of her thigh. With just a slight movement, it would reveal more. Maia felt a bit nervous, looking at this man in front of her, who seemed clear-headed yet confused."Don't mention other men in front of me," he leaned down, his deep voice speaking by her ear.Maia was puzzled for a few seconds, not understanding what this man was up to. Although his words sounded arrogant, his tone seemed more like he was negotiating. Then, his deep voice, tinged with an unclear sadness, resounded again, "You answer their calls, reply to their messages, but you've never answered my calls or replied to my messages."At this moment, he appeared like a heartbroken grown-up boy, holding Maia tightly. He had not engaged in any inappropriate behavior. If one were to say it was crossing a line, it might be this hug, as if he wanted to meld her i
"Rita is your mother. Why did you help me collect evidence? You should be well aware of what that painting signifies. Once it falls into my hands, I'll investigate every detail and leave no trace untouched. "I will make Rita pay the price for hurting me. As her son, you should have destroyed that evidence to protect your mother. But why did you pass that painting to me through Vicky?""In my heart, no one can compare to you!"This seemingly simple statement could mean so much. Was she more important to him than his own mother? Did he know what he was saying?"Am I really that important to you?" she insisted.With his remaining sanity, he calmly said, "I've said it before, you are more important than my own existence. I live for you, and if I die, it will be for you."He regretted his memory loss, as losing her made him even more remorseful. Now that she had returned, how could he not cherish her? However, his affection troubled her, and his love made her unhappy. The rising
Amanda came to sit next to Maia as she said, “I’m glad you’ve noticed this as well. Lauren is usually quite into the drama that she’s watching on TV. Today’s episode was a sad one, so I was wondering why she was still so happy watching it.” Lauren smiled back at them and replied, “I’m just really happy. I’ve never thought that I’d be able to see my eldest son again and that he has such a kind and beautiful wife by his side. “Eddie was also able to find his loved one, and I was lucky enough to be a grandmother. I never thought that I’d be able to go on a family trip with all my sons.” She started to tear up.“Lauren, don’t cry,” Maia said as she handed Lauren a handkerchief to dry her tears. Lauren wiped her tears as she smiled and nodded. “Don’t worry about me. I’m just being dramatic.” She looked around and asked, “Where’s Cedric? Is he with Eddie?”Maia nodded. “Yeah. This new project is a bit of a hassle, so he went over to try to help.” Lauren sighed, “Eddie’s father an
Cedric just smiled when he saw Maia’s worried reaction. “You sure you’ll keep your promise?” Maia tugged the blanket closer to herself and nodded. Maia would not dare to say no. If Cedric decided to do as he had said, she would just end up in bed the whole morning. “We can register our marriage anytime. You mean it?” She knew that Cedric was just baiting her, but she had no choice. She did not know what he would do next. When she glanced at his handsome face, her heart could not help but skip a beat. Just then, Cedric took out two pieces of paper from the bedside drawer. Maia was taken aback as she saw the document. They were marriage registration forms, and they were already filled in. “T-This was a setup! You’ve already had this all planned out from the beginning!” Maia scanned through the forms and was surprised to see that the only section left empty was the signature. Maia did not know when Cedric had started to prepare all this, but it looked like it had been a whil
Cedric glanced at Baz and asked, “How does it feel to miss someone so much?”Baz’s smile froze as he shook his head quickly. “Now, I can finally understand why you hate being separated from Ms. Maia.”Cedric just looked at Baz coldly. Baz quickly added when he noticed Cedric’s glare, “I’m just saying that you love your wife very much, and that man who’s like you would definitely understand.”“That’s a fact,” Cedric replied as he turned around and walked back into the bedroom. Baz immediately stopped him as he asked. “Mr. Cedric, why don’t you tell Ms. Maia the real reason why you’re so against calling Ms. Lauren your mother? Why didn’t you tell her the scars on your back were inflicted by Ms. Rita?” It was a horrible and unimaginable part of his childhood. “I don’t want to frighten her.”“But it’s difficult for you as well, Mr. Cedric. Calling Ms. Lauren your mother brings back horrible memories for you too.” “It doesn’t matter. I’ll do anything for her.” Cedric replied as he
“Is that true?” Gigi asked her grandmother.Lauren nodded and said, “Of course it is. Has grandma ever lied to you?”“Wow! Grandma, what was Daddy like when he was a kid?” Gigi was excited. She was not sleepy anymore as she pestered Lauren to tell her more. “Whenever I brought him to attend events, he would always cry. I still remember he had wet his pants once in kindergarten.” Gigi covered her mouth and giggled happily. Amanda laughed and looked at Eddie. “Did you really wet your pants?”Eddie palmed his forehead and told his mother, “Stop embarrassing me in front of my daughter, Mom.” Lauren just smiled happily back at her son. At the same time, Maia tugged on the hem of Cedric’s shirt and questioned cheekily, “Did you wet your pants when you were a kid?” Cedric drew her into his arms in response and threatened, “Maia, it seems like you won’t be able to go to bed tonight.” “I’m not afraid of your empty threats,” Maia replied. “Are you sure about that?”Maia nod
It was hard to believe he’d change his mind out of nowhere. She blinked and gawked at him. She almost forgot to breathe because of the sheer shock. Her face turned red from it, too. “Hey, breathe.” Cedric frowned. He realized her eyes were widening and her cheeks were completely reddened. Then, her lungs worked, and she started drawing breath again. She gripped the hem of his shirt instinctively. “Hmm?” Cocking his brow, he looked at her casually while taking her hands in his. “Do you want to know why I changed my mind?”She nodded immediately. Needless to say, she wanted to spring that question on him, but she wondered if she should. On the other hand, he merely chuckled and didn’t say anything. All he did was fix a deep, passionate stare at her. His eyes were filled with love and affection when he did it. Realizing that he wasn’t going to talk, she was bewildered. “W-Why aren’t you saying anything?”His grin widened at what she said. Reaching out, he pinched her fair ch
Taking his hands, she rested her fair cheeks on his palm.“Is there another reason you did it?” She asked. “I had someone plant something in the painting.”“What do you mean?” She pressed.“A wire.”Then, it hit her. “D-Does this mean you knew Fidelia would buy the painting at all costs?”“Mm-hmm.” He nodded.Pursing her lips, she said, “I guess it tracks. After all, Fidelia will surely buy anything you donate to Nordic College. She loves you so much that she peeled an entire bowl of prawns for you.”“Do peeling prawns mean she loves me?” He cocked his brow.She nodded instinctively.“Well, then. Do you know how much I love you now?”Maia was initially pondering something, but she was scattered the moment she heard what he said!Her face turned red. She couldn’t decide if she should nod or shake her head now. The only thing she could do now was change the topic. “Wait a minute. I just asked Gigi to bid on it. Did I almost mess up your plan?” Her brows were furrowed. She
“Maia!” Amanda called out to her and hastened over. “D-Did you just say I was already on trending search?”“Mm-hmm.” Nodding, she handed her phone to Amanda. Amanda saw the search topic ‘Amanda Tate Burst Out Laughing.’ and was rooted to the spot.“H-How’s this already up there?”Maia chuckled. “There are so many people in the dining hall. There’s no way you can keep it from spreading on the internet for long. Even Gigi and Eddie got on the trending search. They were right behind you. “Valentines Group has also started working on the public relations angle. I browsed the internet and didn’t find any overly vicious remarks either. None of the marketing accounts were trying to stir up trouble either. All of Gigi’s pictures were censored as well. So, there’s nothing to be worried about here.”Amanda let out a sigh of relief at what she said. “It’s a good thing that no one attacked Gigi on the internet. Otherwise, I’m going to start chasing them with a machete that’s one foot long!
“Why, you!” Fidelia took the glass of fruit juice from the table and spilled it all over him!The sticky juices clung to his cheeks for a second before rolling down them.“Listen up, plastic face! It doesn’t matter if I can’t lay a finger on Maia because Cedric loves and protects her. It isn’t your place to make fun of me! Who do you think you are, Neilson? “You’re nothing more than my family’s lap dog. Look at how stiff your face is. You’ve wasted a perfectly good glass of fruit juice!”Staring at him angrily, Fidelia warned him nastily. She was so gripped with rage that her chest was rising and falling hastily. Then, she gritted her teeth and threw the empty glass at him.Catching the glass midair, he lowered his head. “You make a fine point, Ms. Fidelia.” Wiping the fruit juice from his cheeks, he apologized again. “Please calm down, Ms. Fidelia. You have to look at where we are now. It’d be wise not to make Mr. Thomas mad again.”“Are you seriously warning me again? Who do
Maia made up a reason so Amanda could take Gigi away. Amanda nodded, carried her daughter, and left the scene. All Gigi did was speak the truth, but Fidelia’s face grew grim and shot the three-year-old girl a terrible look. It was clear that Fidelia might do something outrageous to Gigi again if she didn’t divert her attention from the little girl. After all, Fidelia didn’t care about the consequences of her actions at all!So, she looked at Fidelia and said, “I’m not sure why you kept trying to win my husband’s heart, but I’ve been sitting here the whole time. Are you ignoring me on purpose? Or, are you so arrogant that you care only about Cedric and nobody else?”Fidelia immediately shifted her gaze to Maia. Glaring at her, she directed all of her anger and frustration at Maia. “What are you trying to say, Maia? My dad saved Cedric’s life. So, is there anything wrong with me peeling the shrimp for him? What’s the problem if I try to win his heart? What does it have to do with