Chapter 9: Chapter Nine: The True Face of the White Lotus

After the gossip had been fermenting for three days, Levi Graham finally posted a clarification on his Twitter.

["There is no romantic relationship between me and Venus Kellogg. The paparazzi only captured me taking her to the hospital because she was sick. That's all there is to it."]

Ten minutes after his post, Venus Kellogg also released a statement on her Twitter.

["Bro is my senior in the industry and has always taken care of me on set. The situation is as he described, please don't misunderstand."]

Once their posts were out, Levi Graham's fans were overjoyed; their idol hadn't been "tainted" by an 18th-tier actress.

However, some more extreme fans accused Venus Kellogg of opportunistically trying to ride on Levi Graham's popularity by posting her statement after him. The insults were quite harsh.

Venus Kellogg had anticipated this outcome, so she didn't react much and returned to the set, acting as if nothing had happened. But she did feel the need to thank Levi Graham for his help.

"It's nothing, just a small favor," the man said with a warm smile, like a piece of fine jade.

He paused, then added, "Don't take those online comments to heart. As public figures, we inevitably encounter a few haters."

Feeling the comfort in his words, Venus Kellogg felt a warmth in her heart. "Is that so? Does Bro have haters too?"

"Every celebrity does," Levi Graham continued to reassure her. "The more haters you have, the more popular you are."

Venus Kellogg couldn't help but laugh.

Malcolm Godwin stood not far away, watching the two with cold eyes, his expression icy.

Venus Kellogg shivered, and her sixth sense made her look in his direction. The man in a black trench coat was standing three meters away, his cold gaze like a chilly wind, gloomily staring at her before turning and leaving without warning.

Venus Kellogg watched his retreating figure, frowning deeply. What was wrong with that man?

Venus Kellogg's role in the drama wasn't significant, primarily serving to be tormented by Kristin Bennett, adding to the audience's satisfaction. So, she wrapped up her scenes quickly, and Nelson Francis even held a wrap party for her.

Having endured so much torment in the show, Venus Kellogg was relieved to be done, and everyone was happy for her. As the star of the wrap party, she chose a bright red dress, which made her look stunning and vibrant. Her features, while similar to Kristin Bennett, were more alluring, and the red dress accentuated her beauty. Paired with carefully selected jewelry, she was a unique sight.

When she appeared at the party, she became the center of attention, overshadowing Kristin Bennett even without standing next to her.

Seeing Venus Kellogg's dazzling entrance, Kristin Bennett instinctively looked at the man beside her. He was staring at the woman in the red dress, his eyes filled with emotions, yet he restrained himself from approaching.

His behavior that day, when he intended to help Venus Kellogg, was so restrained and controlled, unlike the person she knew.

"Oh, Bro is here too!" Kristin Bennett feigned innocence. "Is he here to see his girlfriend's wrap party? Sister Shuyi is so beautiful, Bro has good taste!"

"We've already clarified our relationship, but it's normal to attend a friend's wrap party, right?" Levi Graham emerged from the corner, explaining, "But why would President grace us with his presence at a minor character's wrap party in such a small production?"

From the corner, Levi Graham observed everyone's reactions, a playful glint in his eye, a gentle smile on his face. He snorted, thinking, How foolish!

"Aren't you the supporting actress, Venus Kellogg? You're really beautiful. The entertainment industry truly produces beauties," a well-dressed man said, admiringly.

Nelson Francis nodded, smiling, "Shuyi, come here. Let me introduce you to Mr. Collins, one of our investors."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Collins." At the party, such formalities were necessary.

Venus Kellogg handled the social interactions with ease, her smile perfectly in place. She had already arranged for Xiaolan to replace her drinks with water, so she felt no discomfort.

"What's the point of drinking this?" A pair of thick, short hands held out a glass of mixed liquor. "Drink this instead!"

The glass, filled with a mixture of liquors, shimmered under the lights.

Venus Kellogg's smile faltered as she sized up the man. He was clearly targeting her! But... she didn't think she had offended him.

"What? Don't want to give me face?" the man said, raising an eyebrow, clearly displeased.

Nelson Francis, sensing the tension, quickly intervened, "President, you're joking, aren't you?"

He gave Venus Kellogg a meaningful look, signaling her to take the drink.

Venus Kellogg's smile was forced, but she took the glass, scanning the room. Almost everyone was watching, expecting a show. In their eyes, she was just a lowly actress, and they saw no reason to stand up for her.

In the entertainment industry, status was everything, so she had no choice but to drink.

Hesitating briefly, she downed the drink under the man's disapproving gaze.

She turned the glass upside down, "Finished. Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom."

Without waiting for a response, she hurried away, brushing past Malcolm Godwin. Her unsteady steps didn't pause, and she dared not look into his cold eyes.

In the restroom, Venus Kellogg forcefully induced vomiting, getting rid of most of the alcohol. She was sweating and feeling weak, sitting on the floor.

After a moment, she touched her belly, laughing bitterly, "You must be suffering, following me."

*Tap tap tap!*

The sound of high heels approached. Venus Kellogg struggled to her feet.

The footsteps stopped outside, and the door was kicked hard. Venus Kellogg's heart clenched as a familiar voice demanded, "Come out!"

Unlike her usual soft tone, Kristin Bennett's voice now sounded imperious.

"Miss Bennett, is there something you need?" Venus Kellogg opened the door, facing the woman who stood like a princess, looking down at her.

Kristin Bennett sneered, seeing her pale face. "Vomited, huh?"

Venus Kellogg remained silent, not surprised by the change in Kristin Bennett. This was her true self!

"This drink and those slaps are a lesson. Stay out of my way in the future."