The night was quiet. Aeston was blanketed in white, looking desolate and dreary. The endless night could not hide the sorrow in Summer Lancaster's heart. She picked up her wineglass and gave a cold smile, one filled with sorrow and despair. It had been two years. It seemed she should be used to it by now. Yes, she was well and truly used to it, and yet...
"Director Lancaster, what's wrong with your staff? Don't you know my preferences? I only drink coffee made from freshly ground beans, yet you bring me a cup of instant coffee. Does no one here want to keep their job?" Audrey's eyes flashed with malice as she spoke. Yes, she hated Summer Lancaster. Kenneth Yates should have been hers. Why was Summer the one who became Mrs. Yates? Even if it was a title in name only, she still coveted it. 'One day, I'll kick you to the curb. Hmph.' Her posture grew even more arrogant.
"I'm sorry, but we really don't have time to go buy coffee for you right now. You're here for the ad shoot, and there's a swarm of reporters outside, every single one of them wanting an interview..." Before Summer Lancaster could finish, Audrey cut her off.
"It seems I'll have to reconsider your company's sincerity. An A-lister like me isn't someone just anyone can hire." She stroked the diamond ring on her finger as she walked toward Summer Lancaster, step by step. That was the diamond ring Kenneth had given her. She had once flaunted it extravagantly to the media, claiming it was a birthday gift from him. When the press had asked about her relationship with Kenneth, she had smiled coyly and said they were just good friends. But anyone with eyes could see their relationship was anything but ordinary. What kind of friend gives a diamond ring? Most of the reporters at the Yates Group today were also here to ask about their relationship, with rumors swirling that Audrey had only landed the jewelry endorsement through her connections.
"As for our company's sincerity, you'll have to ask President Yates. We are all just following his instructions. Also, about your gown—you hadn't gained weight when it was custom-made, but now it doesn't fit. We'll have to make the necessary adjustments." She remained outwardly respectful. 'This is my job,' she told herself. 'I can't let personal feelings get in the way.'
"You—"
"President Yates!" Seeing Kenneth arrive, Audrey's demeanor changed in an instant.
"Kenneth, you're here~" she cooed. "I've missed you terribly these past few days."
Kenneth Yates flashed a warm smile, then reached out and gave Audrey's rear a hard squeeze.
"Oh, Kenneth, there are so many people here," she protested, then gave a coquettish smile.
"How's the ad shoot going today, hmm?" Kenneth Yates asked, straightening his suit.
"Well, I just wanted some coffee, but they brought me instant. I was a little upset, so I asked Director Lancaster about it. But then she told me it was all President Yates's arrangement and even said I've gotten so fat I can't fit into the gown anymore~" Finished, she folded her arms, casting a sidelong glance at Summer Lancaster, ready to enjoy the show.
"What's going on? Fletcher, go get Audrey some coffee." Although Zane Fletcher disliked Audrey, he couldn't disobey the president's command and left to buy it. Then, Kenneth tucked his hands into his suit pockets and advanced on Summer Lancaster, one step at a time. He was impeccably elegant, exuding an air of nobility with his every move, yet all Summer Lancaster felt from him was an immense coldness and... contempt.
"Director Lancaster, have you forgotten your place? She is my woman. You are nothing but a dog of the Yates Group. What right do you have to boss her around, then try to push the blame onto me? Summer Lancaster, it seems you don't want this job anymore." Audrey watched from the side, a faint smile on her lips. Kenneth turned back to her.
"Audrey, let's go. I'll take you out to eat."
As Audrey walked past, she deliberately bumped into Summer Lancaster. Caught off guard, Summer staggered, nearly falling. 'Heh. Summer Lancaster, what's wrong with you?' she chided herself. 'Are you going to let a little squall like this knock you down?'