“It’s never convenient. By the way, tell Melissa she can come back and talk to me if she wants a divorce. I’ll sign the papers for her.”
George hung up the phone with a blank expression.
She had gotten bold, hadn’t she? Trying to take the lead now.
Melissa, just wait until I get my hands on you. I’ll see where you can run.
Meanwhile, after the scene Conrad caused, the whole situation surrounding the White family and Brown family’s potential marriage alliance became even more confusing.
It seemed that tonight, Conrad hadn’t even given Daisy a single glance.
But just a little while ago, when Old Mrs. White had been hospitalized, Conrad had been seen chatting and laughing with Daisy as they left together. Everyone had seen it.
So, what was up with Pandora today?
Daisy, of course, knew that people in their circle were experts at flattering the powerful and stepping on the weak. Just as she was about to get angry, she saw her parents walking out of the auction hall, looking pleased.
“Daisy, where’s Conrad? You should really thank him. He helped our family buy back the antique vase that was sold off years ago. Your grandparents have been thinking about it for years, and now it’s back with the White family.”
Daisy’s expression gradually softened, and she smiled at the people around her, maintaining the elegant demeanor of the White family’s daughter.
Mrs. Nelson glanced around. “Where’s Martin? I haven’t seen him since earlier.”
“I don’t know. Young people these days, probably ran off to meet some friends, went off to have fun somewhere.”
Once Mrs. Nelson left the banquet hall, her smile faded. “What is Conrad trying to do today? Is he deliberately trying to embarrass our family? First, it’s the movie queen, and now it’s that Lillian.”
“He’s already making you suffer before you’ve even married him. Daisy, if you don’t want to marry him, let me know. I’ll go tell your grandparents we’re backing out of this marriage.”
Daisy smirked. “Mom, he’s helping Lillian because she works for his company now. Didn’t you notice he didn’t take her with him?”
It was Pandora who left with him today, and it was Pandora who had embarrassed her.
“Lillian doesn’t even matter. Alvin’s dead. What’s she worth now? She’s just going to be someone’s mistress. Which family in City N would want her? But Pandora is highly respected by the public. After she debuted, the only scandal she had was with Conrad, and their relationship is still unclear. You can’t let your guard down. Do you know how many actresses would kill to get into his circle? You can’t compete with them.”
“Mom, I know, but I can’t give up now. I just can’t… I’m not willing.”
“Well said!” Mr. Nelson suddenly interjected.
“Dad.”
“Daisy, listen. The most important thing for a woman is to be patient, to endure. Any man with a bit of ability is a flirt, and they all like to keep mistresses. And Conrad, being young and handsome, if he didn’t have women, that would be a real surprise. Whether it’s Pandora, Lillian, or any other woman, Conrad can figure out for himself who brings him more benefits and value. These women can’t shake your position. Behind you is the White Family Group. You don’t need to waste time on those low-tier women.”
“Yes, Dad.” She was different. Conrad was a businessman; he would know how to make the right decisions.
******
On the other side, Martin was glaring at Evelyn. “Why did you say that earlier?”
Evelyn looked innocent. “I really saw her go upstairs.”
“Do you know Lillian?” Martin began to suspect.
Evelyn appeared confused. “How could I know her? I just thought she looked familiar.”
“Didn’t you say you were Conrad’s girlfriend? Why didn’t you show up earlier?” Martin was starting to feel like the woman in front of him was full of lies.
He had been so naive, thinking that someone who looked like Lillian would be different.
“I…”
“You don’t need to explain. You don’t need to contact me anymore. Here’s your room card; consider it my last favor to you. You don’t need to look for me tomorrow morning.” After saying that, Martin walked away.
Evelyn watched him disappear into the distance and wanted to chase after him.
How could she give up on a man who could get so close to Conrad’s circle? She couldn’t let this chance slip away.
Holding her chest, she called out weakly, “Mr. Martin…”
Martin turned around, and Evelyn, her face pale, collapsed. He quickly stepped forward and caught her. “What’s wrong with you?”
Evelyn grabbed his shirt collar and leaned against his arm, staring at him with those eyes. “Mr. Martin, I really don’t know Lillian. I only spoke up after I saw her go upstairs. Please don’t blame me; I never meant to lie to you. I swear, I won’t do it again.”
Looking into her eyes, Martin couldn’t bring himself to scold her.
“Alright, don’t say anything more. I’ll take you to see a doctor.”
Evelyn quietly sighed with relief when he wasn’t looking.
******
The first actress to win the Golden Mountain Best Actress award, Helen, who had retired from acting for many years, returned to City N. The topic of her competing with Pandora on stage shot up to the trending list, remaining at the top since last night.
Especially as Helen’s old fans came out of the woodwork.
“Pandora, Helen’s successor.”
“Two leading actresses on the same stage.”
“Passing the torch.”
“Helen’s secret husband…”
“Peter.”
And other related topics flooded the internet, leaving people stunned.
Lillian turned off her phone.
Since returning last night, Conrad had gone straight to sleep and only left for work this morning.
Lillian had breakfast with him and then came along. It wasn’t until he went to his meeting that she had time to call Jack back.
“I was wondering when you’d contact me. Peter’s team reached out to me. How did you pull it off?!” Jack was practically over the moon.
The long-stalled project had now attracted investors because of the buzz, and it seemed like the project would finally take off.
“I thought of a few things.” Lillian couldn’t really share his excitement at that moment.
Jack was still talking about what to do next, but Lillian suddenly spoke up. “Mr. Jack, can I… withdraw from the project?”
Jack paused on the other end of the line. “Why? Why, Lillian? I know how much time and energy you’ve invested in this. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have spent the last six months working odd jobs. You could’ve joined another crew by now.”
“Mr. Jack, I… I’m just not in a good state. Maybe the next project, if you’re still willing to take me on by then.”
“This opportunity is so rare. Why would you give it up? Tell me, is something going on? Did you suffer some kind of injustice?”
Lillian smirked, glancing at the Brown Family Group building downstairs, where there was a new ad for Pandora’s latest jewelry campaign. “It’s not that I’ve suffered. I’m just a bit tired, and anyway, it wasn’t me who persuaded Director Peter.”
“Lillian, you’re overthinking things. I can’t say much, but think about it carefully. I don’t want to give this chance to anyone else. You deserve it. And by the way, Evelyn is no longer our school’s spokesperson. The principal only kept her enrollment, and the school’s anniversary is coming up. They’re waiting for the documentary. If she doesn’t show up, that works perfectly.”