“I don’t need a personal assistant,” Conrad replied matter-of-factly. “It’s more convenient for a woman to take care of a woman. But since Alice doesn’t know her place and keeps making things difficult for you, she can stay in the company and do the bare minimum. As long as her Pink family continues working for my Brown Family Group, I’ll give her a paycheck. But beyond that, she shouldn’t expect anything.”
Conrad glanced at his reflection in the mirror, frowning slightly at her handiwork.
“Your skills have gotten rusty,” he commented. “You should practice more.”
As he spoke, he gave her a light slap on the butt. “Now get dressed.”
Lillian never would’ve guessed that Alice had been arranged for her sake.
She’d always assumed Alice was someone Conrad had assigned to himself. Alice was just too obvious about her intentions, her eyes filled with blatant desire, as if she might as well have the words I’m going to seduce you written on her face.
Conrad, however, didn’t seem interested in her at all.
Lillian suddenly recalled the first time she’d met Alice. It had been so abrupt.
She had been wearing pajamas, gleefully jumping down the stairs to throw herself into Conrad’s arms. That’s when she noticed Alice standing behind him, her presence icy and out of place.
Alice was older than her, exuding the poise and allure of a mature woman.
With a cold expression, Alice introduced herself.
To Lillian, professional women like her always seemed intimidating, almost unapproachable.
After that, every time Alice came to deliver something to Hillside Villa or Taylor Mansion, she would look down on Lillian with a condescending gaze. She’d remind her to behave herself around Conrad, not to be so greedy.
Lillian had always assumed those were Conrad’s messages, relayed through Alice. That’s when she started working outside.
After all, every penny a man spent on you came with an unspoken price. There were no free lunches in this world.
But now, he was telling her that Alice existed because of her?
“What are you spacing out for?” Conrad asked, lifting a piece of lingerie from the bag.
Lillian’s face darkened as she studied the style-it was sexy lingerie.
“Did Assistant Ford pick these out?” she asked stiffly.
“Ford? How would he know your size? I had someone else prepare them under my instructions,” Conrad said calmly.
His tone made it clear: no one but him had the right to such intimate knowledge about her.
Lillian pressed her lips together, picking up the clothes and heading toward the bathroom to change.
“Change here,” Conrad said, disapproving of her constant attempts to maintain distance. There was nothing to hide.
The new lingerie proved difficult to fasten.
“Come here,” he said.
She stepped closer, and he pulled his hands from his pockets to adjust the straps for her.
“See? I knew it’d suit you perfectly. Lillian, these exquisite things-they’re made for someone like you,” he said softly.
He needed to work hard, to earn more, just to provide for his little caged bird.
When Conrad and Lillian returned to the base, they discovered the entire film crew had already arrived.
Jack was behind them, frantically signaling to Lillian with his eyes.
The moment Conrad stepped out of the car, a crowd swarmed him.
To their surprise, not only was the main director present, but even Peter, an external collaborator, had brought his entire team.
A handful of media reporters were also on-site, documenting everything.
Pandora, dressed in a sleek and simple outfit with oversized sunglasses, was the first to step forward with a bright smile the moment Conrad got out of the car.
Pandora’s public image was that of a composed and capable woman. She rarely smiled so warmly, and the sight immediately drew the attention of the media, who rushed to photograph her and Conrad together.
The commotion left Lillian and the others completely overshadowed as they stepped out of the car.
Jack tugged on Lillian’s sleeve, whispering, “Why didn’t you reply to all the messages I sent you?”
“My phone died,” she replied flatly.
“Fine, but the main director and the rest of them are all here today. They heard Conrad was coming and didn’t want to risk offending him. What about Mr. Gordon? Wasn’t he supposed to be here too?”
“He had an urgent matter and had to leave,” Lillian explained.
“You should’ve told me earlier,” Jack scolded.
Both Gordon and Conrad were individuals the crew couldn’t afford to upset. If either of them were dissatisfied, the entire project could fall apart.
Lillian glanced at Pandora standing next to Conrad. She had no idea what the woman was saying to him, but Pandora’s radiant smile made her shift her gaze. “I’ve scouted the location for the Bamboo Grove Altar,” she said, “but I’m not sure if it’ll work. I took some photos.”
“That’s not urgent to discuss now. We’ve already reviewed it earlier. Director Karl is very impressed with your work this time.” Conrad replied.
“Mr. Conrad, it’s rumored that this project involves a massive investment. Is it true you joined because of Miss Pandora?”
“Mr. Conrad, there have been ongoing rumors about your engagement to Miss Daisy from the White Family Group. Do you have any plans in that regard?”
“Miss Pandora, can you comment on your relationship with Mr. Conrad?”
The cacophony of voices and flashing cameras made Lillian’s head ache. Feeling drained, she followed Jack to inspect the newly constructed set.
“When Mr. Gordon came over last time, we didn’t have this many reporters. I bet they’re just trying to stir up buzz early,” Jack muttered.
Lillian forced a faint smile. “Probably.”
“This section was revised before, wasn’t it?”
Lillian straightened up, trying to focus. “Yes. We submitted the concept art earlier, but Director Karl said it didn’t match his vision. He thought the colors weren’t traditional enough. I spoke to the art department, and they’re working on adjustments over the next few days.”
“Good work. We’re having our own challenges training the actors. Some of those resource-backed stars they pushed on us aren’t cooperating. At least the lead actress is confirmed-it’s Pandora. Evelyn got booted from the cast.”
Lillian nodded. “Pandora’s popularity and acting skills are among the best in the industry. Having her as the lead guarantees box office appeal.”
“Plus, Helen’s joining the cast too. The buzz is already building. This is your first major film project since graduation. If it’s a hit, it’ll be a standout achievement on your resume.”
Jack expected her to be thrilled, but Lillian just smiled faintly. “Is that so?”
She spent the rest of the afternoon trailing Director Karl and the others as they toured the base. Finally, she returned to the break room.
“Hi, Director Lillian.” The assistant, busy tidying up, greeted her.
“Hmm. I’ll take a short break. You can carry on.”
“Then I’ll step out for now.”
“Okay.”
Lillian sank into the recliner, gazing at the still-damp ground outside the window. Without realizing it, she closed her eyes.
Her sleep was always light when resting in unfamiliar places, especially when others were around. It didn’t take much to wake her.
Pandora set down a glass of water on the table and smiled as she sat at the vanity. “I hope I didn’t disturb your rest?”
Lillian sat up. “Not at all.”
“Haven’t we met somewhere before?” Pandora asked, pretending to think.
Lillian wasn’t in the mood for small talk.
Every encounter she’d had with Pandora had been far from flattering. The first was at a fancy restaurant, where Lillian, desperate to see Conrad, had shamelessly thrown herself forward, even taking over the waiter’s job of pouring wine. The second was on a cruise ship, where she’d been falsely accused of stealing Pandora’s crown.
Either way, it wasn’t hard for Pandora to remember her.
Now Pandora’s question left Lillian wondering what introduction she should give herself. A woman willing to do anything to get close to Conrad? And now someone who’s wormed her way into the director’s team?
Pandora, sensing the tension, didn’t let the atmosphere grow awkward. She smiled and said, “I thought I was mistaken earlier, but it really is you. Looks like we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other. Nice to see you again.”
Lillian stood and extended a hand. “Miss Pandora, nice to see you again.”
Pandora let go of her hand and said, “Director Lillian, with your looks and charisma, have you ever considered becoming an artist?”
“I don’t have any ambitions for acting,” Lillian replied. “Not everyone is cut out to be an actor, and I’m definitely not suited for it.”
Pandora glanced at her watch and smiled faintly at Lillian. “Director Lillian, you don’t need to be so wary of me. We both know the nature of our relationship.”
Pandora paused for a while, and then continued, “Mr. Conrad will never have just one woman by his side. Honestly, we’re in similar positions. Since neither of us can marry him, we might as well get along and work together. After all, there’s only so much to go around. If another woman takes our share, it would be a loss for both of us. Director Lillian, I have no hostility toward you. You can trust me and treat me as an ally.”