By the afternoon, Sofia could no longer hold back. As the daughter of a wealthy family, she was used to being flattered and indulged-when had she ever needed to swallow her pride like this?Was Finn deliberately trying to make things difficult, hoping she would back off?How ridiculous. He would regret ever having such a foolish thought.Grinding her teeth in frustration, Sofia pushed herself up and stormed out of the waiting room. If Finn dared to provoke her, he had better be prepared to face the consequences.Just as she stepped out, she ran into Max. Seeing that she was finally leaving, Max let out a sigh of relief and was about to inform Finn-only to realize something was off.She wasn't heading toward the elevator to go downstairs. Instead, she was marching straight toward Finn's office.The moment he noticed this, panic surged through him. He quickly stepped forward to block her path."Sofia, where are you going? You're heading the wrong way-the elevator is to the left, not str
In Country A, Amber had just finished filming a scene for the day. Exhausted, she made her way to the break room. It was the peak of summer, and the sweltering heat left her glistening with sweat after even the smallest scene.“Amber, have some water. It’s lemonade—it’ll help cool you down,” Annie said gently as she approached, offering Amber a glass of lemonade she had prepared. It was light on ice and sugar—carefully adjusted to fit Amber’s strict diet.Amber took the glass with a satisfied nod, offering Annie a brief word of thanks before collapsing onto a chair.“There are still two long scenes left to shoot. I honestly don’t know if I can keep going,” she pouted.“It’s scorching outside. I barely stepped out for a moment, and I was already drenched in sweat. I really can’t stand summer,” Amber sighed dramatically, sprawling out on the couch in exhaustion.Annie chuckled, settling beside her and offering a few words of encouragement.“Come on now, push through. Didn’t you say you
Amber walked into the grand party with unwavering confidence, Annie right by her side. Just as Annie had mentioned earlier, the venue was brimming with influential figures-wealthy investors, renowned directors, and famous actors.After all, the new film in which Amber had landed a supporting role boasted an enormous budget, attracting some of the biggest names in the industry. It was no surprise that tonight's guest list was filled with power players.With practiced elegance, Amber moved through the crowd, greeting people with a charming smile. Her striking appearance didn't go unnoticed, and to her satisfaction, she was met with warm receptions.Once she had exchanged pleasantries, Amber gracefully took her seat. As a supporting actress, she had been assigned to a more secluded corner of the venue, away from the limelight. But she didn't mind-tonight wasn't about stealing attention. Her goal was simple: to make connections and leave a lasting impression.Before long, the room filled
Not only Amber, but Annie also felt so disgusted that she nearly gagged.She never expected that a seemingly dignified man like Mark could be so shameless-far beyond her worst expectations.Annie looked sidelong at Amber and saw her face flush red with fury. Then, she pointed straight at Mark, her lips curling into a sneer."You want to sleep with my assistant?"Her voice rang out, loud and clear, instantly drawing the crowd's attention. Then, with deliberate ease, she turned her gaze back to Mark."Keep dreaming. Take a good look at yourself first."Amber scoffed."A man old enough to be our uncle, looking as terrible as you do... Even if I were a fool, I'd never agree to let my assistant spend a single moment with someone as old, ugly, and disgraceful as you."Her words were merciless.As expected, Mark trembled with rage, unable to maintain his composure any longer. His hand shot up, finger jabbing toward Amber as he bellowed:"Do you even realize what you just said? Do you have an
While Annie was living a peaceful life in Country A, things were far from tranquil back home.Sofia had endured Finn's cold demeanor for quite some time, but she could no longer bear it. She had to find a way to close the distance between them, to accelerate their relationship-only then could she hasten their marriage. The sooner they were wed, the fewer uncertainties she would face. After all, Calliope had been reminding her incessantly: she had to win Finn over, tread carefully, and ensure he would never grow tired of her and cast her aside.Under mounting pressure, Sofia made a less-than-wise decision.That evening, as she waited for Finn to return from work, she lounged on the sofa, as usual, giving orders to Keelin."Wash some strawberries for me. And make sure to pick only the sweet ones-I can't stand anything sour."She crossed her legs idly, reclining on the plush cushions, waiting for Keelin to bring her the fruit. When she finally saw the maid approach, Sofia smirked."All r
In the room,After finishing the glass of orange juice Sofia had given him, Finn didn't think much of it and headed into the bathroom.However, he soon felt oddly lightheaded, a strange heat spreading through his body. His mouth was dry, and his throat was parched.At first, Finn assumed it was just the restlessness in his heart making him uncomfortable, so he kept dousing himself with cold water. But the more he tried to shake it off, the worse it became.A deep, unshakable restlessness took hold, an inexplicable longing for closeness, for intimacy. And his thoughts kept drifting back to Sofia.He recalled the way she had tended to him with such care, the moments they had shared, and the nights they had spent together. Her scent lingered in his memories, weaving through the air like an intoxicating haze.As Finn stepped out of the bathroom, an uneasy feeling settled over him. Something was wrong. But before he could think any further, the door unlocking caught his attention."Finn, a
That night, Finn was nearly sleepless.But in Country A, Annie slept soundly. John kept updating her, ensuring that everything proceeded according to their plan, with no unexpected complications.In just a few days, everyone who had once done terrible things would face their reckoning. And beyond that, John hinted cryptically that an unforeseen victory was on the horizon, telling Annie to remain patient and wait.Just as John had predicted-Three days later,The largest entertainment news outlet in Country A was shaken by a shocking revelation.Mark, the renowned television investor, had divorced his wife, Ruby.But that was only the beginning.What came next was even more explosive.Ruby publicly disclosed the reason behind their divorce-a revelation that sent shockwaves through the industry."I divorced my husband because I was utterly disgusted. As an investor, he exploited the dark side of the entertainment world, forcing young actors into unspoken agreements with him. Not just wo
At that time,As Finn had threatened, early the next morning, he sent people over to evict Sofia from the house forcibly. Naturally, Sofia refused to accept such an outcome.But.Resistance was futile.The staff mercilessly threw all of Sofia's belongings out of the mansion-everything. Then, without the slightest hint ofemotion, they watched as her face turned pale with panic."Finn said that if you wish to stay, you may. But every single penny he ever invested in Galvin's company will be withdrawn."A cold voice delivered the statement with eerie indifference.Sofia was utterly terrified.It was clear-Finn knew exactly where her weakness lay. And he knew precisely how to sever all ties between them.Once their task was complete, the staff did not linger. One by one, they departed, leaving Sofia standing frozen at the mansion's gates, surrounded by scattered boxes of her possessions."Damn it! Who would have thought Finn could be this ruthless?""Just wait. Once I marry him, I'll make
A few days later,While Annie was on set watching Amber film a scene, a staff member suddenly approached her, holding out a phone."Annie, there's a scandal just breaking-something about a billionaire's fiancée caught cheating. Super famous. Have you seen it yet?"Normally, Annie paid no mind to gossip or celebrity news, so she shook her head.Unexpectedly, the staff member grew even more eager."This one-you have to see it, Annie. The girl in the photos looks exactly like you. I seriously thought it was you-you-the fiancée of that billionaire!"The staff lowered their voice, eyes wide with intrigue."Do you have a long-lost twin or something? It could really be that girl."Their excitement only deepened Annie's confusion. She took the phone hesitantly, her fingers cold with a strange unease, and glanced down at the screen.The headline was striking, splashed in bold across the top of the page:"Is the Brilliant CEO of Company X Engaged to a Faithless Woman?"Even Annie furrowed her b
Annie stood motionless, like a statue, as Amber dragged her out of the house when her makeup was done."Auntie, I'm taking Annie out to have some fun. I'll bring her back this evening-or maybe later tonight," Amber called cheerfully, waving at Isolde with a bright grin.Isolde offered them a gentle smile in return, even wishing them a good time.As for Annie, she had already given up on resisting. Amber, practically bouncing with excitement, tugged her outside and ushered her into the front passenger seat of her friend's car."Come on, get to know each other! This is Annie-the talented artist manager I told you about," Amber said excitedly from the back seat, leaning forward to make the introduction."She's even prettier in person than in the pictures, right?"Her friend offered Annie a warm smile, his gaze lingering with a trace of fascination."Hi, Annie. I'm Lay, Amber's friend. I'm two years older than you and currently the CEO of a furniture company in Country A."Out of courtesy
At first, Sofia kept up the pretense of confusion."What do you mean? What did I sabotage, exactly?"She shrugged, her expression all innocence."I really was being followed by some man. That wasn't something I asked for.""As if I'd put myself in danger just to mess with you two? I'm not crazy."Sofia tried to convince Finn, but from the beginning to the end, he said nothing. If she didn't want to admit it, there was no way he could force her.Still, from now on, he wouldn't believe a single word from her mouth."Fine. If you want to keep lying, be my guest. I have no interest in listening to your nonsense any longer."Without another word, Finn turned and walked away. Annie was no longer here-he had no reason left to keep talking to Sofia.Sofia watched his retreating figure, a faint smirk curling at the corners of her lips. So what if Finn doubted her?As long as she got what she wanted, nothing else mattered....As for Annie-After she left, just as mentioned before, she returned
Annie glanced at Finn before they both hurried inside. She hadn't even had the chance to press the doorbell when Sofia swung the door open, her face a mixture of panic and worry."Annie, Finn, you're here. I was really so worried," she exclaimed, voice trembling slightly.Annie stepped in, her eyes sweeping around the house. Noticing the absence of anyone else, she looked at Sofia with a hint of suspicion."Where are the police? Why are you here alone?"Sofia's pale face revealed a flicker of discomfort. Clearing her throat, she replied somewhat awkwardly,"They came and searched the area. When they didn't find anything suspicious or dangerous, they left."A spark of surprise flashed across Annie's eyes."That quickly...?"Before she could dwell on it further, Sofia swiftly changed the subject."Thank goodness you and Finn made it in time. I honestly don't know what I would've done otherwise. You have no idea-just a little while ago, I even heard someone trying to enter the wrong pass
"I'll ask one more time-who is he?"Finn frowned, repeating his question with a sharp edge, clearly irritated by Annie's stunned silence. But Annie, still frowning deeply, only stared at him in confusion.Thankfully, Nathan reacted swiftly. He pulled Finn's hand away from Annie and stepped in front of her protectively, his eyes fixed on Finn with wary intensity."And who the hell are you to ask?" Nathan shot back. "As far as I know, she doesn't have a boyfriend or a husband. So what gives you the right to control her?"The easygoing air Nathan had carried before was now gone, replaced by a cold, guarded demeanor. He didn't forget to gently pat Annie's hand in reassurance either-an action that only fueled Finn's growing anger.By now, Annie had regained some of her composure. She leaned slightly forward, giving Finn a displeased look."That's exactly what I was about to ask you." Her voice was cool, clipped."Who are you? What right do you have to interfere in my business?"She couldn'
Annie stared in shock, her voice rising with concern."Why are you suddenly kneeling? Did something happen?"Indeed, Sofia's unexpected gesture had startled her, and her tone had a hint of urgency.Sofia, however, merely curved her lips into a faint smile, one laced with sorrow."Annie, will you please grant my request? I beg you."Annie stepped forward, trying to help her up, but Sofia remained kneeling, unmoved. Her face was pale, and tears welled in her eyes-she looked pitiful, almost heartbreakingly so."Alright. But stand up first and explain everything. Don't just kneel like that without reason."Only then did Sofia slowly rise to her feet, though her voice still trembled with sobs as she spoke, word by word."Don't mention Finn again. I think... he's figured out there's something different between us. That's why, not long after you left, his attitude towards me suddenly turned cold and distant."What Sofia said left Annie stunned. She hadn't expected it - that Finn would be so
Sofia tilted her chin toward the bar, speaking with a calm air."Same as last time. I'll treat you to a few drinks."She fell silent for a moment as if recalling something unpleasant, before continuing,"But don't worry-nothing like that will happen again."Her voice had dropped to a barely audible murmur, and Hubert couldn't help but chuckle. He raised an eyebrow at her and let out a low "Oh?", finding her rather adorable at that moment.True to her word, their conversation was more serious this time. Hubert had overheard a few harsh words from the man earlier, enough to piece together some context, so Sofia no longer tried to hide anything."Right now, I'm fighting against my stepmother. It's been a long time since I last went home," she admitted. "But my stepmother and father aren't ready to let me go."Sofia took a sip of her drink, bitterness flickering across her face."The company's finances are in trouble, and they're too impatient to wait for a real solution. They wanted me
A few days passed.Sofia had been caught up dealing with the financial loopholes in her father's company, leaving her with no time to meet Annie. Meanwhile, Annie was equally consumed by her own work and assisting Amber with her new film shoot, barely sparing a thought for Sofia.As for seeking Finn's help with the financial issues-Sofia knew full well it wasn't an option. If she brought it up now, there was a real chance their relationship would reach an impasse. Annie had already returned home; Sofia no longer had many means to keep close contact with Finn.What's more, if Finn truly wished to bestow Annie with the title of fiancée, then surely, he would be all the more eager to see Sofia make a mistake. That way, he could pursue Annie openly and justifiably, making them a rightful couple in everyone's eyes.And that was the outcome Sofia feared the most.So, when it came to this matter, she was as good as lost-on the verge of losing her mind. At times like these, she often ended up
After giving Finn a quick reminder, Mike smirked and told him to wait outside. Then, straightening his collar with a calm, confident air, he cleared his throat and stepped into the room."Everyone, may I have your attention for a moment? I have something to announce," Mike called out, his voice carrying easily across the space.Once he was certain all eyes-including Annie's-were on him, he continued in a bold, theatrical tone."Today, my friend, the CEO of a very well-known company-you've definitely heard of it-Company X happens to be in the area."He paused deliberately for effect."He decided to drop by and visit me. And not just that-he's generously sponsoring lunch and afternoon tea for all of us during the shoot. Let's give a warm welcome to my friend, Finn!"Mike's playful tone lifted the mood instantly, drawing laughter and applause from the crew. He sneaked a glance at Annie, and sure enough, caught a flicker of unease on her face-her complexion paled slightly, her expression