Annie tapped her fingers lightly on the table, raising an eyebrow at Sofia. She had no intention of getting entangled in any drama, but Sofia's behavior had truly crossed the line, so much so that she couldn't help but get angry and argue back.Sofia's expression shifted like a palette of colors-now pale, now flushed, now ashen. She bit her lip, staring at Annie in silence.Seven thousand dollars wasn't an astronomical sum, but it wasn't pocket change either. Right now, Sofia doesn't have that kind of money readily available."No money?" Annie sneered. "Then let your lover pay it for you, why don't you?"She covered her mouth with a mocking laugh, mimicking Sofia's haughty manner from earlier. The imitation was so spot-on it made Sofia boil with rage, yet she couldn't find the words to retaliate.In the end, though clearly unwilling, Roy had to step in and pay the seven thousand dollars to Annie on Sofia's behalf. Only then did the two of them leave the restaurant, visibly uncomfortab
Finn and Annie waited for a short while before the waiter brought out their food. Finn carefully cut the beefsteak for Annie and smiled as he handed her the plate."Eat a little more. You've gotten too thin lately."Annie accepted it politely and bowed her head to begin eating. The flavor was quite good - the beef fresh, and the sauce delicately prepared. After finishing, she took a few sips of juice, feeling more at ease."How are things at the company these days? Everything going well?"Finn nodded."Pretty good. We just started a promising new project in collaboration with a foreign car company to launch a new vehicle line. It looks quite hopeful."Annie nodded thoughtfully, about to say something more, when a sudden chill crept over her, making her flinch. A crimson liquid poured down from her hair, soaking into her clothes and staining her once-white blouse a deep shade of wine red."Oh, I'm sorry, my dear twin sister. I didn't mean to," came the mock-apologetic voice."You're no
After having lunch with her colleagues, Annie retreated to her room for a short respite. When afternoon rolled around, she plunged back into meetings to map out her upcoming plans.One decision was already firm in her mind: she no longer wished to manage Nathan. The company, sensing her resolve, had offered her a different artist-another male singer. He was a recent debutant, practically unknown in the industry, though undeniably promising, with striking looks and an impressive physique.Her superior regarded her with a weary sigh."Annie, do you want to trade Nathan for this newcomer? He's barely made a ripple so far. Turning him into the next Nathan will cost you no small measure of effort-and time."Annie understood all too well. She remembered the countless struggles she had endured to raise Nathan to his current fame. Yet the prospect of beginning again did not daunt her. More importantly, remaining Nathan's manager would force her into constant, awkward contact-something best av
Finn's words caught Annie off guard for a moment. She lowered her head, remaining silent for a long time.He was right-there were things in life that, when dealt with decisively, could save a lot of trouble. Cutting ties with Nathan completely, with no lingering attachments, would make everything so much easier.But deep down, Annie knew... she was far too soft-hearted to do that."If you need any help, please tell me. I'm willing to help," Finn said gently, his voice warm and steady.A faint smile tugged at Annie's lips. Afterward, Finn took her to an elegant restaurant for dinner. The private space, adorned with fresh flowers, helped her relax little by little.But it was clear at a glance-what Finn had spent tonight was no small amount. Annie cast him an embarrassed glance and smiled softly."Next time, there's no need to go through all this trouble. It's just dinner," she said, a hint of awkwardness in her tone.She didn't want him to go to such lengths or spend too much on her. B
She stood frozen for a long moment.Even Amber-the one who always teased her without restraint-seemed stunned into silence. She couldn't say a word.Only after a long while did Annie finally hear Amber mumbling, her voice tinged with fear."This can't be real... It just can't be.""Nathan's lost his mind. He must be insane."Annie let out a quiet sigh. She, too, felt that Nathan had gone completely mad-to confess like this in the middle of a concert.But Nathan clearly had no intention of stopping. Seeing Annie sitting motionless, her expression filled with confusion, he spoke gently, trying to soothe her."Annie, could you come up here? Whether your answer is yes or no, I'd like you to say it on stage. Would that be alright?"Hearing this, Annie could only wish she'd gone deaf in that very moment. Did Nathan even realize what he was doing?How could he take it this far?If he wanted to stir up drama, that was one thing-but why drag her into it? Why force her on stage like this?Didn'
While Amber was teasing Annie, Nathan had already reached the final song of his performance. Before he began to sing, he held the microphone gently in his hand and looked down tenderly, engaging with his fans."How was the concert today, everyone? Was it satisfying?"The crowd roared back with a resounding yes, some shouting praises about Nathan's good looks, his amazing voice, his dancing, even calling him "husband." Nathan only chuckled in response, but then his expression shifted, becoming suddenly serious."Now," he said softly, "I'm going to sing the last track from the Love album. It's also a song I co-wrote with the composer."His fans erupted into cheers, thrilled by the idea of their idol dabbling in songwriting.Nathan's smile deepened as he saw their enthusiasm."This song is also a message I want to send to a girl," he continued, voice warm and sincere. "She's gentle, sweet, and comforting. Every time I'm with her, it feels like everything in the world slows down, becomes
In the days that followed,Finn and Annie grew closer than ever. Whenever she had a moment to spare, Annie would call Finn, as if afraid he might feel lonely."Well, well, how sweet. I wonder when I'll finally find someone like you to enjoy such a lovely romance with."Amber teased as she approached from behind and playfully smacked Annie on the shoulder. Annie blushed and quickly hung up, her gaze darting away."Don't tease me. I only called Finn to let him know I'm busy tonight and can't see him, that's all."Amber raised an eyebrow and let out an exaggerated "Ohhh," her tone clearly teasing."Is that so? Are you sure that's all it was?"She winked and giggled mischievously, causing Annie to grow even more flustered. Her cheeks flushed red as she bowed her head and mumbled,"Don't say stuff like that... Besides, you're a famous actress now. You don't have time for love, do you?"Amber pouted, unconvinced."Even if I'm a celebrity, I'm still human, you know. Just wait-I will find som
She blushed slightly and, in the end, said nothing more. At that moment, the car happened to stop at a parking spot near the restaurant. Annie, flustered, quickly got out as if trying to escape."We're here. I'll go in first."Finn watched her retreating figure with a gentle smile. Everything was gradually shifting in a better direction. That was a relief.They entered the dining room together, chatting as they ate. Annie's demeanor had naturally become much softer, and Finn, too, began to relax.He had been worried that Sofia might have twisted the truth and painted a distorted version of past events, so he slowly began recounting everything to Annie, step by step."The day you left and Sofia showed up, I already knew the two of you were nothing alike. Please don't worry. I didn't expose her because I feared she might lash out and hurt you. But I kept my distance-completely. I avoided her whenever she came near. I never had any sort of intimacy with Sofia. No matter what she says, pl
In the days that followed,The malicious rumors surrounding Annie vanished without a trace. Gradually, clarification statements began to surface, allowing the public to grasp the truth of what had truly transpired.First to speak out was Finn, who publicly stated that his engagement to Sofia had long been annulled-he was a free man, and thus, perfectly within his rights to pursue Annie.One by one, Nathan, John, Lay, and the other men who had appeared in the supposedly "intimate" photos with Annie also stepped forward. Facing the press, they each clarified that their relationship with Annie was nothing more than a casual friendship, entirely devoid of the ambiguity and innuendo implied by the circulated video.At the same time, they took the opportunity to defend Annie's character, describing her as gentle, well-mannered, and far from the flirtatious or shameless figure portrayed by gossip. They implored the public not to misunderstand her or slander her name.Lastly, it was Hubert-th