Chapter 165

Chapter 165

As she pulled her gaze away from the distant view, she suddenly locked eyes with Natalie seated in the corner of the row ahead.

Natalie? No way

Gracia halted mid–step with disbelief on her features. How could someone who had spent four years at some no–name college abroad possibly deserve to be there? It was like seeing a ghost in broad daylight!

Their eyes locked for a few tense seconds, and Gracia couldn’t believe her eyes.

“Now,” a voice boomed from the stage, “I have the honor of presenting the jury’s prize, awarded unanimously for a performance that struck us as extraordinary despite the actor’s youth. The script, the story, and the acting talent deserve this prestigious recognition.”

At this moment, a deep, magnetic voice filled the room.

“Natalie?” the director beside Natalie whispered, nudging her gently, “Get ready. You’re about to go up.”

Natalie promptly averted her eyes, turning to look at the dapper man on stage. She hadn’t expected Brian to be the one presenting the award.

Slightly bowed head, Brian was examining the card handed to him by a staff member.

The award went to an indie film called ‘Palm‘, a work of Country Bluestar Productions.

The card listed the director’s name, along with the lead actors.

Brian’s gaze lingered on the name of the lead actress.

Natalie. She had made something of herself.

She’d done so well abroad yet returned home to play a supporting role.

Any actor with a shred of ambition wouldn’t settle for that.

To him, Natalie’s choices didn’t add up.

As Natalie rose from her seat, she felt Brian’s piercing gaze from the stage, fixed intently on her.

She bowed slightly, pretending ignorance, and joined the director and lead actor on stage. She positioned herself in the corner deliberately, remaining silent during the acceptance speech. All she wanted was for this to end soon so she could get off the stage and leave this place.

?

During the award and bouquet presentation, Brian handed the trophy to the director and then naturally stopped in front of Natalie with a rose in hand.

Chapter 165

His left hand held the bouquet out for Natalie while his right hand subtly reached for her waist, suggesting an embrace.

Natalie stared at him, unmoving. All she could think of was the scene of Gracia lying on the messy couch, undressed, with Brian showering in the bathroom.

She didn’t want his touch. It felt disgusting.

Noticing Natalie’s stiffness, the director sensed some history between her and Brian. Just as he was about to smooth things over, Brian abruptly thrust the bouquet into Natalie’s arms, wrapping his other arm around her waist and pulling her in forcefully!

Teetering in her high heels, Natalie nearly lost her balance before steadying herself against

Brian.

He leaned in, whispering at the perfect height for her ear, his breath hot and tense.

“After the event, come to my room. We need to talk,” Brian murmured through clenched teeth.

Natalie bit her lip, refusing to respond.

Brian’s tall frame shielded her from the prying cameras of the audience. No one could see the

tension between them.

Seconds later, Brian released her, resuming the facade of a gentleman. He shook her hand lightly, smiling. “Congratulations.”

Natalie felt as if the hand he had gripped was being crushed.

It was not until the director reached out to Brian that Brian released her, his expression indifferent.

They descended the stage together, and Brian lifted Natalie’s elaborate gown to prevent her from tripping.

Despite her best efforts, Natalie found herself unable to avoid him. He didn’t let go of her waist until they reached her seat.

Chapter 166