Chapter 52 She had not treated this as a serious problem at the time–even if this was the first time she failed and had been rejected. But after that, everything spiraled out of her control and was beyond what she could imagine would happen. She sought out her boss and asked him to save her, but she only got more social calls than before. The payoff for the social calls was better resources for other actresses in the agency. She demanded an explanation from her boss, and he told her frankly, “You’ve been banned by Mr. Rogers. If you don’t deal with him, no one will dare hire you. But don’t worry, I will always remember your contributions to the agency. As long as our contract remains valid, your luxurious life will always be there.” She knew exactly what she needed to trade to keep her “luxurious life“. She still had dreams and aspirations. She did not want to be some call girl for the rest of her life. So, she did everything she could to get the invitation for tonight’s banquet in order to see Kevan, to get him to have mercy on her. It would be even better if she could overcome her failures and successfully get into bed with him. Luck must have smiled down on her today to give her the opportunity to meet Kevan before the banquet. She had to make good use of it, of course. “I was really forced by my boss! He made me do everything! He threatened me and said that if I didn’t do as I was told, he would blacklist me indefinitely! I really had no other choice…” Karin looked up at Kevan with a face full of tears. She had acted in various productions and knew the best way to cry beautifully in order to invoke pity. But such a tactic had no effect on Kevan whatsoever. He always hated people who cried, and he definitely […]
Chapter 51 Kevan did not explain to her. “Either you send her down right now, and I can pretend this never happened. Or…“. His eyes narrowed, and his voice got heavy. “We will follow the contract.” Vivian made up her mind at once. “Karin, please go downstairs for now!” She frantically tried to signal her with her eyes, but Karin was staring at Kevan. “Mr. Rogers!” Karin started to cry. She quickly ran toward him and knocked Larissa aside to throw herself into his arms. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. “I’m sorry about what happened before! I was wrong! That was the agency’s decision -not mine. I swear I didn’t want to do it! Please have mercy on me!” She buried her face into Kevan’s chest, her tears and snot smearing onto his white shirt. Kevan’s expression turned livid, and a sense of wintry coldness began emanating from his figure. Larissa, who was rubbing her nose while leaning against him, shuddered, and Vivian was equally just as terrified as she backed away. Yet, Karin did not seem to notice and kept rubbing her face on his chest. “I’m willing to do anything! Anything at all, as long as you stop getting film companies to ban me!” After her scheme to drug him had failed, she was kicked out of the Regal Dynasty Hotel. Soon after, the new series she had been filming for two months decided to replace her with someone else. The director cryptically told her, “You’ve probably offended someone you shouldn’t have.” This was followed by the reality shows she had arranged to be on standing her up, even though they agreed on her participation six months prior. No scripts were offered to her for a month, and any scripts she had before were no longer available to her because she was told that “The actor has already been cast.” no other way out, she even lowered herself and tried to audition for four or five productions with a bunch of B and C–list actresses, but she never got a response. Her manager kept asking her, “Who on earth have you offended?” Who else? Probably only Kevan Rogers. Kevan was not the first man she had slept with. 1/2 Under her manager’s guidance, she had been sleeping her way to the top since her debut. That was how she gained her current position and fame. Every man she met fell for her charms as long as she made the first move–except for
Chapter 50 The sounds of the curtain rings rubbing against the rod made their way into Vivian’s. ears, and fear enveloped her. Jolting, Vivian’s heart also skipped several beats. “Vivian!” Larissa rushed out before Kevan could when she heard her voice. I’ve picked the gown. What do you think?” Her heart settling, Vivian hurriedly turned while plastering a professional smile on her face. “Of course.” She took a look and was amazed. She knew Larissa was beautiful, and knew just how gorgeously fairy–like the gown was, but she did not expect that the combination of the two would create something so extraordinary. She said sincerely, “It suits you well.” So well that it seemed that the gown was meant for her. Having Vivian’s approval, Larissa regained some of her confidence. She let out a relaxed smile and said, “That’s great.” “Why don’t you head in and wait for a bit?” Vivian instructed her. “I still have something to do. Once I’m done, I’ll style your hair and do your makeup.” Larissa glanced at Karin, who was stony–faced next to Vivian. She took two seconds to deliberate whether or not she should greet her before deciding not to–after all, their last meeting was not a happy one. “Okay.” The moment Larissa said that, Karin raised a finger and pointed at her. “I want to try the gown she’s wearing.” Silence fell when that was said. Vivian was in a dilemma again. “We only have one design for each gown. That one has been chosen by the young lady… The new arrivals still have some really good ones. Do you want to try them?” “No.” Karin never stopped staring at Larissa. “I want the one she’s wearing.” Larissa was also stuck in an awkward situation. She had just randomly tried a gown that Kevan did not even like. Who knew that Karin would like it? ‘I guess I’ll change out of it then.” It did not matter to her what she wore anyway. There was no need to cause a scene over something as trivial as this. Although Vivian found it regrettable, she was grateful for Larissa’s concession. She knew Karin’s personality well–if her desires were not met, she would cause a huge scene. Bringing her upstairs was already a mistake, if she caused a scene and offended Mr. Shields, then the consequences would be catastrophic. “Wait a moment.” Larissa was retreating to the fitting room when she smacked into a wall of flesh upon turning around. “You will not change.” Kevan gripped her arm, but his gaze was locked on Vivian. ” Ms. Watts, I seem to recall telling you not to let anyone upstairs.” His cold voice showed just how displeased he was. The very thing she feared had come true. Vivian nearly blacked out, her body growing cold even as she began to sweat. Mustering what courage she had left, Vivian slowly looked up. “Mr. Sh…” She started to say when Karin cut her off. “M–Mr. Rogers!” Karin was pale, and she was trembling like a leaf. It was as if she had seen a ghost. Her strange reaction raised several questions for Vivian. Not to mention her address for “Mr. Shields“… “Mr. Rogers?” Vivian looked at Kevan in confusion.
Chapter 49 Kevan remained expressionless the whole time, and Larissa could not tell what he thought of this gown at all. Startled, Kevan slowly returned to his senses. “What?” he asked. Larissa was disappointed. He clearly did not like this gown, so much so that he could space out while looking at her. “What do you think of this one?” she asked again without much hope. “It’s alright.” Kevan casually threw down those two words. It was just as she thought. Pursing her lips, Larissa said, “Then please leave. I’ll try the other ones.” “Don’t.” Kevan waved his hand. When he saw Larissa’s confused gaze, he explained with gleaming eyes, “It’s late, just wear this one.” “Oh, okay.” The financial backer had spoken, so Larissa did not dare disobey. “Then I’ll wait here for Vivian to do my makeup.” Kevan found an excuse to leave. “I’ll call her. He did not dare stay alone with her in such a small space. He was afraid…that he could not hold himself back. With Vivian, she had gone back to the stairs where Karin was waiting for her. “Sorry, Karin,” Vivian said helplessly. “That customer was rather aggressive, and hoped for no disturbances at all.” “Then what am I going to do?!” Karin’s temper exploded once more. “I only wear haute couture to attend events–not to mention the number of socialites attending the banquet tonight! I refuse to be outclassed by them! I don’t care, Vivian.” She grabbed her arm. “You must let me pick an haute couture gown!” “But…” Vivian was in a dilemma. “There are no ‘buts‘!” Karin could not wait any longer and dashed to the third floor. How am I disturbing them by picking a gown? I’ll take care of any consequences that come from this!” “Karin, wait!” Vivian could not stop her in time. She stamped her foot in frustration and chased after her. Karin was prepared to confront the aggressive customer that Vivian talked about, but when she got there, there was no one on the third floor. “Where’s that customer?” she asked Vivian, skepticism written all over her face as she studied the stylist. “Are you lying to me?” “Why would I lie to you about this?” Vivian countered quickly. “What good would that do for me?” She turned to observe, it was true that there was no one. There was only one place that people could hide in on the third floor, however, and that is the fitting room. The curtain was firmly closed, which meant that someone was inside. But for both of them to be in there… A few suggestive images crossed Vivian’s mind. “They’re probably in the midst of trying on the clothes.” Vivian pushed Karin and spoke to her in a low voice. “Hurry, take this chance and pick your gown!” Karin was a little indignant. “Why should I act like a damned thief when picking clothes? I’m a superstar, for goodness‘ sake!” “Of course, you’re right!” Vivian quickly soothed her, but pulled a pitiful countenance soon and begged, “But have mercy on me, and let me make a living, please?” “If it weren’t for your sake…humph!” Karin lifted her chin and went over to the clothes rack with the latest season’s haute couture from various luxury brands before going through them carefully. “Don’t go through them like that!” Vivian kept glancing back at the fitting room to see if there was any activity. She instructed Karin anxiously, “Just scan them and pick any good ones you like. You can go through them in detail downstairs!” “Fine.” Karin’s finger traced the whole rack. “Bring down all of these!” Vivian was stunned. “My goodness, please don’t joke around with me like that! There’s no time!” However, Karin said primly, “I’m not joking. I think these are all nice. I’ll have to go through all of them in detail.” Vivian closed her eyes as despair engulfed her.
Chapter 48 Kevan swallowed again, his dark eyes teeming with intense emotion. “Can you see the hair that’s stuck?” Larissa’s question broke him out of his thoughts. Blinking, Kevan shoved his fanciful thoughts out of his mind and turned his gaze slowly to the zipper. The dark strands that were caught in the zipper were rather obvious. “It might hurt. Try to bear with it, alright?” Kevan’s throat was dry, and his voice was hoarser than usual. He pinched the top of the zipper together to make sure that the teeth were aligned while his other hand slowly pulled the zip down. His movements were very gentle, and he was so focused on the task that it was as if he were handling a precious thing. Larissa accidentally glimpsed his face in the mirror, and her shock caused her to freeze on the spot. The Kevan now and…and the one she knew were quite different. Her heart began pounding so hard she felt like it might burst from her chest. All she could hear was her heartbeat drumming in her ears, and she quickly looked down to avoid looking at him through the mirror. Kevan successfully brought the zipper back down to the bottom, and in the process, he carefully tugged her hair out. “Did it hurt?” he asked, and Larissa shook her head. “No.” But the moment she moved her head, her scalp was pulled on, and she hissed in pain. Kevan chuckled, and said in a low voice, “Idiot.” Larissa had no energy to retort. Now that the zipper was fully open, her back was almost completely exposed to Kevan. He still remembered how her skin felt–smooth like silk, and delightfully addictive. Hearing nothing behind her, Larissa asked nervously, “Are you finished?” “One moment,” Kevan replied. He pinched the zipper again and began zipping upwards. In the process, a knuckle on his middle finger gently brushed across her spine, like a feather, tickling both their hearts. Even though Larissa knew that he was not touching her deliberately, she could not help but tense up and hold her breath. “Done.” The zipper was finally closed, and Kevan let go reluctantly. Larissa also let out a long exhale. “Thank you,” she said. Kevan stuck his hands back into his pockets to curb his urge to touch her. After getting a grip on his breathing, he said coolly, “Turn around; show me.” Larissa let go of her hair and turned around shyly. She was a rather conservative woman and did not like showing too much skin. She had worn strapless gowns before, but only on a handful of occasions. The way Kevan was staring at her made her tug the gown upward with discomfort in an effort to cover herself. But Kevan noticed none of that. When Larissa turned around, his throat tightened, and his mind blanked out. He stared at her, and could only think of one word–fairy. A gorgeous, pure, and saintly fairy–his little fairy. “How is it?” Larissa asked tentatively.
Chapter 47 Vivian did not expect herself to encounter such a difficult person like Kevan. She did not relish this experience, but she could only swallow this bitter pill as she was the unreasonable party in this matter. “My apologies, Mr. Shields, I will decline her at once.” She bowed lightly and backed away a bit before turning to leave. She had just left when the soft, yellow curtain was cracked open. Poking her head out, Larissa called out softly, “Vivian?” However, she only saw Kevan on the sofa. “Where’s Vivian?” she asked him in confusion. “I just heard her.” “She’s gone to deal with something.” Kevan stood up, both hands in his pockets as he went to Larissa. “Is there something wrong?” He stopped before her and looked down at her due to their difference in height. Larissa had no makeup on her face due to the styling appointment today. In such close proximity, Kevan could clearly see the soft hairs on her face and a little red spot behind her right ear. Her skin was so soft, though he did not know why her face was so red. Even her ear lobes had an irresistible pinkish hue to them too. He really…wanted to bite them. When this thought made itself known, Kevan could not help licking his dry lips and swallowed. “Um…” Larissa worried at her lip, unsure if she should tell him what was troubling her. She asked, “Did Vivian say when she would be coming back?” “No.” Kevan’s gaze remained fixed on her ear lobes, all kinds of romantic scenes flashing through his mind’s eye–like him sucking gently on her lobes. His eyes darkened and his breathing got a little heavier. “Then… I’ll wait, I guess.” Larissa was about to draw the curtain when a hand shot out and stopped her. “Whatever it is, you can tell me too.” Even though he was no longer so composed on the inside, Kevan’s face was still nonchalant as ever. “I don’t know how long Vivian’s going to take.” “Er…” Larissa bit her lip in clear hesitation before saying, “Could you help me with the zipper on the back? I accidentally zipped my hair into it when I did it earlier. I tried pulling it myself but it’s still stuck, and the zip is stuck too…” “Sure.” Kevan did not hesitate. He pulled open the curtain and stepped into the fitting room. Although it looked shabby on the outside, it was the complete opposite on the inside. Apart from a large mirror that took up the space of a whole wall, there was a long table and a high stool as well as a half–human–sized chest of drawers Larissa’s back was facing Kevan, one hand holding up her hair at the back of her neck. She was currently trying on a long strapless gown made of thin and delicate chiffon. The top and the skirt were adorned with white flowers. The color and the petals shone against her soft skin, making her look like a gorgeous fairy–of course, that was only if you overlooked the zipper that was only zipped halfway up her back. But Kevan’s attention was completely drawn to her exposed neck and shoulders. As he was so much taller than her, he could even see her alluring collarbones.
Chapter 46 A series of heel clicks could be heard rushing up, revealing the impatience of the newcomer. Soon, a head poked out from the corner where the stairs were. “Vivian!” The grating voice caused Kevan’s brow to furrow. Having spent so many years in the entertainment industry, Vivian’s observation skills were as sharp as a tack. The moment she noticed Kevan’s expression shift, she immediately went and blocked the newcomer at the stairs. “Karin! Why didn’t you let me know that you were coming?” She grinned. Karin’glared at her. “Don’t I often come by without telling you that I am? But this is the first time I’ve been intercepted by your staff downstairs.” She still had a nasty countenance, but the insolence and arrogance shown toward the staff before were not displayed in front of Vivian. Only her tone remained unfriendly as she complained. Vivian hugged her arm with affection as she tried to soothe her gently. “Well, that’s because someone booked the third floor! Just wait downstairs for a little, hmm? I’ll be finished soon, and it’ll be your turn to be styled, alright?” “No,” Karin said. Seeing the smile freeze on Vivian’s face, Karin’s attitude turned soft at once, and an expression of being wronged appeared on her face. “I have to attend a banquet today. It starts at 7 pm. I have to leave here at 6:30 pm at the latest. You know as well as I do that it takes two to three hours to style me…‘ Η Vivian had worked with Karin several times, and their relationship was pretty good. Not to mention the fact that Karin was an A–list actress, Vivian naturally did not want to offend her. As for that “Mr. Shields“… although he was not a man of many words, he was clearly not someone to trifle with either, based on his powerful and imposing aura. Vivian could only come up with a compromise. “If you’re really in a rush, I’ll intercede on your behalf. You pick your clothes on the third floor and try them on downstairs. Let Amanda style you, how about that? She’s the second–best stylist in this studio right after me, and she’s styled many socialites for banquets and is quite experienced.” Although Karin was very displeased, she still agreed to it. “Fine.” Vivian was one of the top stylists in the industry. She needed her in the future. Thus, she did not want to create an embarrassing situation. Having taken care of Karin, Vivian was partially relieved. Right after that, she ran back to Kevan in her heels. Larissa had gone to try on her clothes, and Kevan was waiting for her on the sofa. Hearing the sound of clicking heels, he turned over to look, a hint of suspicion in his apathetic eyes. When she locked eyes with him, Vivian was shocked to feel her heart racing. After taking time to compose herself, she carefully said, “Mr. Shields, it’s like this…” Because she was asking him for a favor, she bent her head. “I have a customer who is in a rush. Would it be possible for you to do us a favor and let her come up to pick a few clothes? I assure you that she won’t disturb you or your companion.” Kevan raised an eyebrow, and his voice was cold. “I do seem to recall that I reserved this floor.” He did not show much emotion, but it was easy to sense that he was unhappy. Smiling apologetically, Vivian continued politely, “We just need ten minutes, and I’ll refund a portion of the payment you made as compensation.” Seeing that Kevan was unmoved, Vivian brought out her trump card. “You might know the customer, Mr. Shields. It’s the famous star, Karin Gallagher.” The name got Kevan’s blank face to shift. Vivian was just rejoicing in secret when she heard him say, “Not even for a second.” Staring at the stylist, Kevan said, “Ms. Watts, we signed a contract.” His sharp gaze caused Vivan to hunch and look down. “If you insist on letting her come up, that means the contract is breached. I have the right to demand for double compensation–not just something as simple as a partial refund.”
Chapter 45 Vivian reacted quicker than Larissa. She grabbed the latter’s hand and studied her briefly, nodding. “Of course.” To Larissa, she said, “Go pick out a few gowns that you like.” She waved her hand generously. “The clothes on this floor are all high–end customized designs from major brands over the years. Take your pick.” “High–end customized designs” meant that these clothes were haute couture- clothes that represented the pinnacle of fashion design. Many superstars always wore high–end customized gowns with pride–even if they were out of season–to attend major events. And whether or not they wore haute couture, the choice of the brand, when the clothing was released, and the haute couture of a specific season- all became ways for celebrities to compete with each other. Larissa felt that she was dreaming–no, she could not possibly even be dreaming about this. She really wanted to ask, “Can I really pick whatever I want?” but was afraid that the question would expose her lack of exposure to high society. So, she forced herself to look nonchalant, and answered with a soft hum, her chin slightly raised. Vivian explained to her. “The clothes closer to us are the latest designs.” Larissa made another noise of affirmation with a poker face. Vivian then asked Kevan, “Mr. Shields, do you prefer to have a seat and wait here, or… Kevan cut her off. “I’ll pick with her.” Larissa jolted and turned to look at him in surprise. Kevan looked straight into her eyes and said, “I don’t trust your eye for beauty.” There was a hint of scorn in his voice. Larissa really wanted to give him a good shake by the shoulders and scream, “Didn’t you just say that the outfit ‘doesn’t have to be too pretty‘?! Shouldn’t my shitty ‘eye for beauty‘ fulfill that requirement of yours then?!” But she restrained herself. She even forced herself to squeeze out a very dry smile and said, “I suppose I will have to trouble you, Mr. R- Shields.” There were so many gowns here that Larissa was completely dazzled. She had never ever had difficulty in choosing anything before, but now that she had experienced this, she did. She drifted between the rows of clothes, feeling that they were all so nice and pretty, and she did not know which one she wanted. Kevan, on the other hand, was more decisive than her. He just looked at the latest designs from the current season and picked the one he thought was pretty. He removed the item in question from the clothes rack and draped it over his arm. Soon, he had a píle in his arms. “Try these,” he said to Larissa, who took them from him. Just as she was about to head over to the fitting room that was segregated by a curtain, she heard a commotion from downstairs. “Ms. Gallagher, you can’t go to the third floor! Why don’t you explore the second floor first? We’ve had a batch of new arrivals recently, no one has rented them yet!” “Why can’t I go up to the third floor?! I’ve only ever chosen clothes from the third floor! Who cares if the clothes are new in the second? I refuse to wear anything that isn’t haute couture!” “But the third floor has been reserved… It was booked several days ago. If you really insist on going up to the third floor, could you please wait for a while? Once that customer leaves, I’ll take you up.” “Reserved? Who made the booking? How much was paid for it? I’ll give twice that/ amount. Get whoever the hell it is down right now!” “Ms. Gallagher, it’s not an issue of money… We are a business; we can’t be unreliable. “I don’t care. I want to go up to the third floor! Where’s Vivian? I’m done with you. Get Vivian out here to see me!” “She’s styling for the customer now, I’m afraid she doesn’t have time to see you.” “Fine then, if she doesn’t come to me, I’ll go to her instead!”
Chapter 44 The window on the passenger’s side lowered as soon as she knocked. Larissa bent down to look inside. Unexpectedly, her gaze was met with a pair of dark. eyes. “Mr. Rogers?” She looked at the man in the driver’s seat, surprise filling her voice.” Where’s Dylan?” Kevan retracted his gaze and looked straight ahead, leaving nothing but a cold profile in her direction. “Something came up suddenly and he wanted me to pick you up.” His reply was concise and to the point. “Oh.” Larissa nodded. Then, she was faced with a difficult decision. She didn’t know where exactly she should sit. If she sat in the passenger’s seat, Kevan’s imposing presence might be too much for her to handle. On the other hand, if she sat at the back, she couldn’t help but feel as if she would be treating Kevan as her chauffeur. She was afraid she would end up offending him. “What are you waiting for?” Kevan turned to her and narrowed his eyes impatiently. ” Do you not want to go anymore?” “No! Of course not!” She decided to stop overthinking and pulled the door on the passenger’s side open. Fortunately, Kevan did not say anything. Before, when Dylan was around, the atmosphere in the car would still be somewhat lively. Now that it was just the two of them, the air felt unusually charged, the silence surrounding them thick and heavy. About half an hour later, the car stopped in front of a three–storey building in Roseville. “We’re here.” Kevan unfastened his seat belt. Roseville was filled with quaint, historical buildings. Because of its unique architecture, it was very popular among young artists. A lot of people visited the area for their wedding photos, and it’d even been featured as a backdrop in numerous fashion magazines in the past. In the past few years, more and more photography and styling studios had been established on this particular street. The studio Kevan was bringing her to was one named “V. Style“. Larissa had read about the studio online before. It was a well–known studio founded by the renowned stylist, Vivian Watts, and it specifically catered to acclaimed stars. Never in her life did she imagine she would ever find herself here to receive the same treatment given to prominent,celebrities worldwide. The studio had a reception hall for its guests on the first floor. Its interior was bright and ornately decorated. “Do you have an appointment?” a stylish, young woman greeted them and asked with a smile. Kevan gave her Dylan’s name. The smile on her face widened. “So, it’s Mr. Shields! This way, please!” They ascended the spiraling staircase directly to the third floor. “Vivian is waiting for you inside.” The woman gestured to the door. Larissa followed Kevan into the room, observing her surroundings as she walked. The entire third floor was connected, with no partitions in between. It did not feel empty, however. Rows of clothing were arranged in a messy but orderly fashion according to the year and season of their release. At the heart of the room, a warm yellow screen stood. In front of the screen was a couch, which a woman currently occupied. Upon hearing their footsteps, she put down the tablet she held and stood. “Mr. Shields, I’m the founder and manager of V. Style, Vivi-” She stopped mid- sentence, staring at Kevan unblinkingly, a startled expression on her face. After a long pause, she regained her composure and continued. “Vivian Watts. You can call me Vivian.” Kevan did not bother to correct her even though she’d mistaken him for Dylan. He nodded at Larissa, who was standing by his side, and said, “Style a simple and elegant outfit for her. It doesn’t have to be too pretty.” His request left both Larissa and Vivian stunned.
Chapter 43 Larissa thought he wanted to discuss something important with her, so she immediately replied, “I’m available.” She had to work the night shift at the hotel on Thursday night, but after she got off work on Friday morning, she would have the rest of the day as well as Saturday off to recharge. “In that case, would you like to accompany me as my plus one to a banquet that night?” Dylan asked. As if he were afraid that she would refuse him, he added, “I’m new to Covenford, and you’re the only female friend I have. Everyone else is bringing plus ones, and it would be very embarrassing for me to show up without one.” He even added a pitiful emoji at the end. Larissa hesitated. If Dylan had been an ordinary lawyer, she would have agreed to help him without having second thoughts about it. However, he was Microworks Corporation’s second -largest shareholder. This banquet must be no small occasion. She wasn’t afraid of the business magnates she was sure would be present as well. She was simply afraid that she would appear clumsy and inexperienced in front of everyone else, and that she would end up embarrassing Dylan. “Don’t you worry, it’s just a small event with acquaintances.” “Everyone there is really decent. There won’t be any creeps or perverts.” “Besides, being my plus one is very simple. You don’t have to drink or talk to anyone. All you have to do is stand by my side and support me.” Dylan sent her a series of texts in rapid succession when she failed to reply for a long time. Larissa thought about it again. Ever since the two of them met, Dylan had helped her out multiple times, both in her business and private matters. If she refused to help him now, she would’ve appeared to be too ungrateful. So, she typed out an “okay” and sent it. Since she’d decided to accompany Dylan to his banquet, she wanted to do her best to avoid embarrassing him. “Are there any dress code requirements I should follow?” she asked him. “Don’t worry about that.” Dylan had already thought about everything in advance. “I will pick you up before the event to meet with a stylist.” Larissa released a sigh of relief. If Dylan had arranged everything for her already, she was happy to sit back, relax, and let him do his thing. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about making any potentially embarrassing mistakes anymore. Larissa guessed that Travis had successfully persuaded his parents to leave her alone when, for two days in a row after the incident in the hospital, Mrs. Hardy did not show up at the hotel. As such, Larissa no longer needed to sneak out from the back door every day like a thief. Before she knew it, it was already Friday. As soon as she got off work, she went home and slept through the morning. When she woke up, it was already three in the afternoon. Dylan had instructed her beforehand, “There probably won’t be much to eat at the banquet. You should eat something at home first in case you get hungry during the event.‘ Remembering his advice, Larissa cooked a bowl of instant noodles, but could only bring herself to eat two bites. She was afraid that if she ate too much, she wouldn’t look as good in a tight–fitting, formal dress. At about four in the afternoon, Dylan called her. “Ms. Seymour, I’m already downstairs. You can come down now.” Larissa grabbed her bag and hurried downstairs. There was indeed a car parked downstairs, but it wasn’t Dylan’s. Larissa looked around the area for a long time before confirming
