Chapter 27

Daphne smirked, stopping Wendy from charging forward. "I earned my endorsement through hard work. How you got yours, I have no idea. And by the way, have you checked the trending topics? My announcement is getting far more attention than yours."

"What's the deal? You're useless, and your fans are useless. Looks like I'm winning this one, huh?" Daphne shook her head mockingly, feigning sympathy for Yvonne.

Yvonne's face went from pale to green and back to white with rage. She was practically stomping her feet. "So what? Even after all these years, Wilson still gave me the Story deal that you couldn't get!"

Just as they were about to resume their argument, Wilson appeared. Dressed in a sharp black suit, he approached them with several bodyguards. His presence created a clear distance between himself and the others.

"Wilson, what are you doing here?" Yvonne purred, softening her tone and linking her arm with his. "I told you not to come. Why are you so clingy?"

Her attitude was a complete 180 from the smug, condescending one she'd just displayed towards Daphne.

Wilson glanced briefly at Daphne but ignored her. He turned to Yvonne, brushing her nose with his finger. "I had to check on you. Who knows what would happen if you were left alone?"

Daphne couldn't contain her disgust, letting out a dramatic gagging sound.

Wilson's eyes narrowed. His tone was icy. "Looks like you haven't settled your contract issue, huh?"

Because of Wilson, almost all of Daphne's endorsements had been canceled. The worst was Hugo, who had stalled the contract termination to please Wilson, preventing her from securing resources.

"Wilson, you overestimate yourself," Daphne retorted, meeting his icy stare. "Without you, I'm still making money. But as for your mistress, I bet she'd starve without you."

"She doesn't have to work. I'll take care of her," Wilson retorted sarcastically. "What about you? Without me, you're nothing."

"Without you, she's got me," Sebastian's voice interrupted.

Sebastian appeared, wearing a bold, patterned Regal Manor-style coat, hands casually in his pockets. He looked like he'd walked off a fashion magazine cover. He walked past the stunned group to Daphne, his gaze softening. "Tired yet? I've got snacks in the car."

His unexpected arrival surprised Daphne, but she felt strangely at ease. "Why are you here?"

"Of course, I came to see you," Sebastian replied, as if it were obvious.

Daphne's heart softened. She playfully scolded him, "What's so special about me?"

"Everything about you is special," Sebastian replied, his smile making her heart flutter. Wilson's eyes narrowed, watching their closeness. "Sebastian, I didn't know you were into other people's wives. Guess you like used women now?"

Yvonne, seizing the opportunity, chimed in, "Yeah, Wilson, I didn't expect Daphne and Mr. Turner to be so close. No wonder there are so many rumors about them…"

Yvonne's words hung heavy in the air.

"Wilson, your taste has really gone downhill," Sebastian said disdainfully. "How does your taste go from a knockout like Daphne to someone like… this?" He glanced at Yvonne condescendingly, shaking his head.

"Daphne is the global ambassador for Turner Group. I'll protect my ambassador. If she's a 'used woman,' then you're just a step down."

Daphne laughed, mentally giving Sebastian a thumbs-up for his retort. "Well said, Sebastian! Some people need a clue!"

After a long day of shooting, Daphne was exhausted and wanted to leave Yvonne and Wilson. She tugged Sebastian's sleeve. "Let's go, Sebastian."

Wilson's eyes locked onto Daphne's hand on Sebastian's sleeve; his expression turned cold. "Daphne, I think you've forgotten something."

Daphne paused, confused. "Forgotten what?"

Wilson remained silent, his gaze intense and unreadable. His eyes were dark, almost like a deep ocean.

No one knew what he was thinking. After a tense silence, Wilson finally said, "Stop playing dumb."