Chapter 8: Chapter Eight: Just Acting

**Glamorous KTV**

The colorful laser lights flickered alternately, and the people on the dance floor moved their bodies to the deafening music. Around every well-dressed, revealingly clad woman, there were a few men with eyes full of lust.

The pungent smell of cigarettes and alcohol hit her nose.

Elizabeth Forster frowned, gritting her teeth as she followed Pete Melville's footsteps closely.

"Mr. Melville?" Suddenly, a woman exuding mature charm approached them, her voice filled with surprise, "What brings you here? I must treat you to a drink today."

That tone, that look...

She had been working in this place for at least five years, or she wouldn't be so adept at flattering and pleasing.

Pete Melville didn't even glance at her, his voice cold, "I'm looking for someone, Room 308."

The woman, undeterred by his coldness, remained enthusiastic, "This way, please. I'll have our best drinks sent over. Please do me the honor of trying them."

Seeing this, Elizabeth Forster felt even more convinced of Pete Melville's words: "In this world, nothing is impossible if you have money."

With money, even the proudest people could bow before him.

Just like the woman in front of them.

Along the way, many men tried to curry favor with her, but she dismissed them without mercy.

But in front of Pete Melville...

Her fake smile was almost unbearable for Elizabeth Forster to watch.

"Mr. Melville, please come in."

The woman politely opened the door to Room 308 for them. Pete Melville walked in without a word of thanks.

Inside, several groups of men and women were chatting and laughing. When they saw the two enter, they were clearly surprised, especially Gary Baldwin, who had called Elizabeth Forster to invite her.

Pete Melville actually came?

His surprise quickly faded, and he stood up with a smile, "Come, come, sit down. You two are the main guests today. Order whatever you like to drink."

Before Elizabeth Forster could reach the sofa, Gary Baldwin pulled her to a corner, whispering mysteriously, "Are you and Pete Melville really together? What's going on between you two?"

"We..."

"Ahh!"

Before Elizabeth Forster could finish, she was pulled away by a strong force. She stumbled, nearly falling, and let out a startled cry.

The instigator, however, remained calm, saying, "Come sit with me."

Pete Melville's action clearly indicated he didn't want Elizabeth Forster to talk to Gary Baldwin alone.

Everyone could see it.

The atmosphere became awkward, and the music stopped abruptly.

"Elizabeth, being with a man like Mr. Melville is a good thing. Don't be willful anymore. Don't act like a child as you did when you were with Tim Lindberg," Gary Baldwin said, trying to smooth things over.

Mentioning one's past in front of a new couple...

It was unclear whether Gary Baldwin meant it or not.

Tim Lindberg...

This was the second time Elizabeth Forster had heard this name.

The first time was from a lawyer.

Now...

So, Tim Lindberg wasn't just her best friend, but her... childhood lover?

"Do you know Tim Lindberg? Where is he now? Do you have his contact information?" Elizabeth Forster asked, showing no embarrassment, pressing for answers.

Gary Baldwin's smile froze.

Had she really forgotten Tim Lindberg?

Or...

Was she just pretending not to know anything, avoiding the topic in front of Pete Melville?

Regardless, Gary Baldwin was determined to sow discord between Elizabeth Forster and Pete Melville. He smiled faintly, "When you and Tim Lindberg were together, we all envied you. He treated you like a child. You two were the model couple at N City University. I often wondered how Tim Lindberg could tolerate your temper, but it was because of love, I guess..."

So... she and Tim Lindberg were university classmates?

And they were the admired model couple.

Why couldn't she remember any of this?

Elizabeth Forster tried to recall, but her memories of university were blank. No matter how hard she tried, she only ended up with a splitting headache.

"Alright, alright, let's not dwell on the past."

"Yes, the most important thing today is to drink. Let's get drunk!"

"Come on, everyone, let's raise our glasses. Cheers!"

"..."

Elizabeth Forster wanted to ask more, but seeing everyone raising their glasses, she had to suppress her questions for now.

After a few rounds of drinks, everyone was visibly tipsy.

Gary Baldwin, holding a glass, joked, "Seeing Cherry Forster and Edwiin Kingsley walk out together at the wedding was hilarious. Edwiin Kingsley's face was green, hahaha."

Cherry Forster...

Everything about the Su family was a heavy topic for Elizabeth Forster.

Joannance that ridiculous wedding, Rupert Forster hadn't called her once.

How was the Su family doing now?

Would the Su and Lin families continue with the engagement, allowing Cherry Forster to enter the Lin family?

She realized that to the Su family, she was dispensable, and even Cherry Forster's actions were justified.

A flood of questions filled her mind, and Elizabeth Forster furrowed her brows. Suddenly, a pair of warm, broad hands rested on her shoulders, followed by a calm voice, "I'll accompany you home sometime. How about the day after tomorrow? It's the traditional day for a new bride to visit her parents' home."

A new bride visiting her parents' home?

She never expected Pete Melville, the powerful CEO of the Qin Group, to know such a traditional custom.

Before Elizabeth Forster could respond, envious voices surrounded her.

"Elizabeth, Mr. Melville is so good to you. How come you never told us about such an excellent husband?"

"If we hadn't seen the wedding video, when would you have revealed your husband to us?"

"Mr. Melville is so busy, yet he still finds time to accompany you to your parents' home. You should cherish such a husband, or someone else might snatch him away, and you'll regret it."

"..."

Elizabeth Forster forced a smile throughout.

"Don't take it to heart; it's just acting."

Pete Melville's words echoed in her ears, preventing her from being truly moved.

Yes, it was just acting.

Joannance Pete Melville was putting on such a show, Elizabeth Forster, as the leading actress, naturally didn't want to fall behind.

She leaned against his shoulder, smiling happily, "Yes, meeting him is my good fortune."