Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Chapter 13 The Fake Act “Oh! Isn’t she Melanie Jones, the heiress of the declining Joneses? She’s the one whose fiancé was stolen by Lena Jones! Is she really this naive or just putting on a show by coming here to aid Lena?”

Two unknown celebrities led the mockery, quickly joined by others.

Melanie remained composed. Before she could respond, someone stepped up to defend her.

“How can you say that? Melanie is my cousin! When you criticize her, you’re criticizing me!”

Lena, with a sweet and innocent appearance, navigated through the crowd and took Melanie’s hand. She whispered in Melanie’s ear, “Mel, I knew you wouldn’t be mad at me. Last night was just a huge misunderstanding. There was nothing between me and Bryan.”

Melanie turned to Lena, her lips curved into a sarcastic smile. “Is that so?”

Lena’s eyes glittered. She continued. “Of course, Mel! There are too many people here. Let’s talk later. But I’m grateful that you’ve already secured an international endorsement deal for me this morning.”

Melanie’s eyes simmered with a hidden resolve. She had secured not just one but several endorsement deals for Lena in the past couple of days.

As Lena’s public image continued to crumble in the days to come, the combined penalties from the breached contracts would be enough to leave her financially ruined. That was Melanie’s way of holding Lena accountable for her behavior and her role in stealing her fiancé.

Unaware of Melanie’s true intentions, Lena believed that her naïve cousin was here to support her. Lena expressed, “Today’s talent show is super important for me. With you by my side, I feel confident.”

“Who said I’m here to support you?”

Melanie pushed Lena’s hand away, her gaze icy.

Lena was taken aback. If Melanie was not here to support her, did she truly come here for the talent show? A cripple like Melanie?

At that moment, the elevator doors opened again, and a naturally stunning figure emerged–Stephen Morgan. He had recently dyed his short hair chestnut color, and his fair complexion and youthful appearance left a lasting impression.

Some folks in the crowd urged Lena. “Hey, Lena. You know Stephen, don’t you?”

“I do, we’re about to start filming together.”

“Could you go say hi to him and maybe introduce us? We might be able to probe for some information about the talent show“”

Lena was flattered by their praise and took a deep breath. She adjusted her bangs and approached Stephen. “Stephen? Are you free later? Our previous contract...”

Stephen frowned, clearly irritated as he glanced at Lena. He cut her off. “Have we met?”

A few people in the crowd could not contain their laughter.

Lena’s face turned ugly with displeasure. To her surprise, Stephen walked toward Melanie and initiated a conversation. “You’re here, just as I expected!”

Melanie had a striking appearance and an air of self–assuredness. It was easy to see why she had managed to captivate his uncle’s unyielding heart.

That leg of hers though...

Thankfully, there was a renowned acupuncturist within the family. When Stephen’s uncle suffered a severe injury and was left paralyzed, experts from all over the world had declared his condition incurable. Yet it was this renowned doctor who had managed to heal him. Melanie would be cured in no time as well.

Watching Melanie and Stephen’s casual interaction, Lena clenched her fists. Her nails dug deep into her palms.

That witch!

+15 BONUS How could she possibly know Stephen? She must have gotten in touch with him behind the company’s back. Even Bryan was kept in the dark!

“Here’s your number tag.”

Stephen handed a card to Melanie.

Lena was shocked by this revelation. Melanie was genuinely participating in the talent show!

Had she lost her mind? How could Morgan Group possibly select a lame person for the International Socialites Gala?

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