"For the money!" Nancy answered directly. After sizing up the disparity in status between herself and the mysterious man before her, Nancy realized that there was nothing to hide from him. She had come to understand that, with this enigmatic man, a straightforward approach was less likely to backfire. After all, she used to be a public figure, and if he were truly interested in her, it would not be hard for him to find information about her. Upon hearing her answer, Yaacob looked her up and down, his expression revealing a trace of disbelief. Nancy noticed his gaze lingering on her limited-edition handbag, and explained, "This is the last designer bag I have left. The others were pawned to pay off debts." "All that's left are the clothes on my back, preserving the last bit of stubborn pride of a washed-up actress," Nancy said wryly. "After my divorce, I lost all sources of income. I was used to the good life, but now poverty hits me every day like a never-ending nightmare. Give
Nancy's current home was a small house of less than 40 square meters in a low-rent district. Upon returning from the hotel, she stopped to buy dinner. When she reached her temporary rental house, she had to push aside half of her bed, filled with clothing and random belongings, just to lie down. There was no space for much else. After moving out of the Shaw family home, she found that she simply could not fit her life into this tiny space. She now slept hunched in a corner against the wall, the cramped bed laden with remnants of her former existence. She needed a place to call her own, a haven. That was why she had endured Yaacob even knowing that he was using her. She hoped he was not merely toying with her. Otherwise, she might just lose her temper and confront him with a bucket of red paint. Even if the marriage proposal was uncertain, at least she had helped him drive away his troublesome fiancée that day. She expected some compensation, at least enough to get a bigger place.
Nancy's eyes sparkled at the sight of the new limited-edition yellow dress that was just released that day. It was a strikingly well-designed piece. She was drawn to it as soon as she stepped into the store. The shop assistant, noticing her interest, promptly fetched the dress for her to try on. "Miss, you should try this on! With your figure, you'll look even more beautiful!" Nancy had only planned to make a quick purchase and leave with her face hidden behind a mask. However, as many women knew, it was never that easy to walk away from an appealing piece of clothing. Besides, she had just waited three hours in line outside for this exclusive item. Trying on the dress, even if she could not afford it, would be a small reward for her patience. Nancy could not resist it, so she took the dress into the fitting room. Her face was still covered by her mask when she emerged from the fitting room. Her slender figure did nothing to hide her beauty. The shop assistant was nearly brea
"Spencer, I saw this store when I was driving by yesterday. There's this incredibly beautiful yellow dress in the window. I want it so much!" Teresa's eyes sparkled, her voice gentle and feminine, filled with longing. She grabbed Spencer's sleeve and tugged it, the way a child might beg for candy. Her face was bright, hopeful, and irresistible. Spencer looked at her with a smile, his gaze softening as he said, "You could have it sent directly to our home. Why even bother coming to the store?" "But it's not the same! I love shopping with you. I only buy things if you say they look good on me!" Teresa's voice was authoritative yet playful, full of the youthful zest of a woman demanding her boyfriend's company while shopping. Her tone was so sweet it could melt a man's heart, making one want to reach out and pat her head as if she were a pretty little cat, and that was exactly what Spencer did. Nancy turned away, unwilling to watch their flirting. Perhaps this was how a normal r
"What do you want with me?" Nancy's voice was as frigid as the chill in the air. Her eyes met Spencer's, and all she could see was a replay of the past month. The car accident, the hospital bed, the narrow escape from death, and then the divorce papers. His signature was already there, but he was nowhere to be found. The pressure had come from all sides. The Shaw family's parents had visited the hospital several times, not to see how she was recovering, but to insist that she sign the papers. Their fake concern later turned into outright threats and bribes. Nancy had left the Lawson family, given up her career for Spencer, and played the dutiful housewife for six months. Now, she had no power and no way to fight back. Ultimately, she had signed the papers. But it was not over. Even divorced, they would not leave her alone. The subsequent disputes with the agency were like a relentless pursuit to destroy her. Did Spencer know? Was he aware of what was happening? Was Teresa, no
Spencer was truly stunned by Nancy's words, rendering him momentarily speechless. A simmering tension was in the air, a clash of wills frozen in a moment in time. Fortunately, the astute store employees recognized the sensitive situation and the importance of Spencer as a customer. They quickly and deftly dispersed the gathering crowd. Teresa noticed a tinge of genuine guilt in Spencer's eyes as he looked at Nancy, so she quickly changed the subject to lighten the mood. "Spencer, do you think this dress looks good on me? Nancy likes it too. We've always had similar tastes since we were young!" she said. At her words, Spencer tore his gaze from Nancy. His eyes softened as he looked at Teresa, his admiration pure and sincere. "Yes, you look beautiful in that dress!" he complimented. This was the sort of affection a man reserved solely for a woman he cherishes, something Nancy could only witness as a bystander, especially when Spencer looked at Teresa. She thought she had moved on
Nancy took back the declined card and felt a pang of embarrassment. She then offered another card. "I'm sorry, miss, but this card is also rejected," the sales assistant said. "How could that be?" Nancy muttered, taking back the card and looking at her PayPal. Had her customer not sent the money for her to make the purchase? How utterly awkward! The dress was priced over a thousand, and Nancy had less than a hundred in her account. Sure, she could find a way to get the money, but time was not on her side. Especially not with Spencer and Teresa watching, and she could not afford to lose face in front of them. "Do you have another card to pay with? If not, I'll have to give the dress to Ms. Lawson! You should've known better than to pretend," the sales assistant said as she narrowed her eyes at Nancy. She was already displeased at Nancy's attitude toward Teresa earlier, and now, she did not bother to hide her contempt any longer. In high-end and exclusive shops like this, the s
Nancy looked up and was stunned to find that she had run into Yaacob! He was the last person she expected to see there, and now she found herself at a loss for words, dumbfounded in shock. At that moment, Yaacob, with a calm and collected demeanor, pulled out his card and handed it to the sales assistant. "I'll pay for it," he declared. The sales assistant, initially hesitant and not too cooperative, changed her tune completely upon seeing the card. It was a black card, a Centurion Card issued by American Express! Even Spencer's earlier offer to pay with his black card could not compare to this. Taking the card from Yaacob, the sales assistant's hands trembled as she processed the payment. She returned back the card, stuttering, "S-Sir… your dress is wrapped. I-Is there anything else I can help you with?" Yaacob accepted the dress and held it out to Nancy, but she refused. "I said I didn't like it. I don't want it!" "Take it anyway. Cut it up or burn it at home so you don't h