Chapter 266: She's Back

Charlotte's father was framed by enemies, allowing the king to consolidate his power. Discovering this treachery, Charlotte was heartbroken and publicly confronted the king, humiliating him. Enraged, he banished her to a remote palace, where she experienced the harsh realities of court life. However, the king, who spent considerable time with her, gradually developed feelings for her, moved by her resilience.

Despite this, Charlotte's time in the palace was difficult. Her family was falsely accused, and her sister died a humiliating and tragic death. She lost several close allies, ultimately realizing that only power and status could protect her loved ones and prevent further humiliation.

Meticulously, Charlotte planned her return to regain the king's favor. She made a vengeful comeback to the royal court, exacting revenge on her enemies. However, this pursuit of vengeance extinguished her love for the king, replaced by affection for a young general.

Analysis of Joyce's Role:

Maggie believed Joyce was perfect for the role of Charlotte. While Joyce, an aloof and well-educated woman, excelled in portraying Charlotte's initial detached persona, the character's later, darker transformation posed a challenge. However, Maggie knew Joyce possessed the strength to portray it convincingly; Joyce had endured even more horrific events in her past life than the script depicted. Her gentle nature masked a resilience and fortitude that allowed her to lie low for years to avenge past humiliations – a parallel to Charlotte's journey, albeit expressed differently. Maggie was confident Joyce could convincingly portray Charlotte's shift from a deceived and hurt woman to a cold and ruthless one, believing this transformation would only enhance the character's allure. Maggie saw this role as a significant opportunity to broaden Joyce's career, granting her greater influence and resources in the modern entertainment industry.

"Just so you know," Maggie mused, "I've recently become interested in entertainment industry projects. I'll select some and send them to you."

Joyce, surprised by Maggie's newfound interest in investment ventures, didn't dwell on it, assuming it was related to her own career.

They spent the evening watching a mediocre romance movie, chatting casually and drinking as the night progressed. Finding solace in their quiet corner, they escaped the bustling world. (The following sentence is unintelligible and has been omitted.)

Around midnight, they became tipsy. Mia switched from the movie to music, singing occasionally. Fortunately, Maggie's house was well soundproofed. With flushed cheeks and her hair in a casual bun, Joyce seemed less aloof and more warm.

"Maggie, are you feeling down?" Joyce asked.

Mia turned and asked, "Did Nathael upset you?"

Maggie sighed softly. "He rejected me." Their relationship ended badly.

Maggie briefly recounted her story, then added with self-deprecating humor, "So, now I feel humiliated."

Joyce rested her head on her hand, looking at Maggie with warmth. "His refusal and anger stem from his belief that, during a time he perceived as mutual affection, you tried to make it transactional."

Maggie was momentarily dazed. Then, self-mockingly, she said, "So he thinks I'm trying to compensate him out of guilt, to get into bed with him?"

"Nathael is too proud," Mia responded. "He's indulged you for years; he wouldn't value such compensation." Maggie remained silent for a long time.

Was there a sense of compensation and guilt? Perhaps subconsciously. But she felt a greater urgency and pressure in life pushing her to extremes. "Let it be," Maggie said, changing the subject and drinking more.

Elsewhere:

Nathael was also feeling down. Jimmy suggested the Rogue Club, and they gathered some friends.

The club was a scene of flashing lights, loud music, and palpable tension. Women in short skirts danced, and men boasted over drinks, displaying wealth and excess. Jimmy had a woman on each arm. Their bad moods seemed coincidental.

"What's wrong, Mr. Hansen? Do you want me to?" A woman, greedily eyeing Jimmy, tentatively touched his shirt.

Jimmy was strikingly handsome, alluring, and aloof—possessing the arrogant air of a wealthy man. His light brown eyes held a chilling unpredictability.

Jimmy roughly grabbed the woman's hair. "Didn't Moses teach you manners? Who do you think you are?"

The woman, terrified, apologized.

Moses, the club manager, oversaw the young female staff – high school students, not typical club hostesses. To qualify to serve clients like Jimmy, they had to be well-educated, attractive, and virgins. Moses enforced strict rules.

However, the lure of easy money often bred greed, tempting shortcuts. In Aquapolis, a handsome and generous man like Jimmy was bound to attract young women.

Tammy was one such girl. Despite knowing his ruthless nature, she harbored the hope of changing him.

"Get lost," Jimmy said harshly, pushing the woman away. His hostility was evident.

Nathael remarked, "That much anger?"

Jimmy's eyes were deep and inscrutable. After a moment, he said quietly, "She's back."