Chapter 22

As a result, what she thought was a secret was now openly exposed.

“You know why I didn’t expose you before? Because it doesn’t matter to me. You work so hard to act in front of me. I have to compensate you, don’t I?” he said lightly.

She was stunned, her face flushing crimson. It was humiliating and painful.

“However, I don’t like people who overact and take themselves too seriously.” Brian’s face darkened. He pulled the two-million-dollar watch from Evelyn’s wrist and said, "Do whatever you want. Otherwise, the bigger a star I make you, the harder you’ll fall.”

His fingers loosened, and the watch fell heavily to the ground, cracking the surface.

Evelyn gasped, her body stiff with fright.

“Also, you don’t have to go to tonight’s party,” Brian said before leaving the lounge. Evelyn didn't even get a chance to explain.

Evelyn stared at the shattered watch. It was worth over two million dollars—the most expensive watch she’d ever worn. He’d thrown it away so casually! Was he implying he could do the same to her? That despite public adoration, she was nothing more than disposable to him?

Evelyn clenched her fists. She blamed Grace for everything.

Tonight’s party was a gathering of Emerald City’s elite. She’d eagerly anticipated it, even ordering a dress from France, hoping to impress. It was a crucial opportunity to boost her profile and network. But because of Grace, she couldn't attend.

Grace would pay for this.

Emerald City’s elite parties naturally attracted journalists, though access was limited. Many were forced to congregate outside, hoping for a glimpse of something newsworthy.

Luxury cars continuously arrived. Their occupants were Emerald City’s celebrities.

A black Bentley pulled up. Experienced journalists, recognizing the license plate, lowered their cameras without instruction. The man inside detested being photographed.

One less-informed journalist snapped a photo and posted it online. The photo was swiftly deleted, and the journalist lost his job and was forced to leave Emerald City.

Among journalists, a common saying circulated: Don't photograph Jason. If you accidentally do, don't publish it. A picture of his back was acceptable; otherwise, he would retaliate.

The Bentley door opened, and a tall figure emerged. The crowd gasped in awe.