Chapter 907: Something's Not Right About the Water
Susan and Little Bunny were acquaintances, their encounters stemming from Theodore. Susan had nothing further to say.
Little Bunny continued, "Can you help me keep secret that Theodore and I are married and have a child?"
"Sure," Susan replied.
Though unfamiliar with show business intricacies, Susan understood its unspoken rules. A married actress with a child would face significant career obstacles, especially without established fame.
"But," Susan said, looking at Little Bunny, "Theodore is different. Publicly acknowledging him as your husband would garner you respect here, including from the organizer who's been exceptionally attentive to me." Susan wanted Little Bunny to leverage Theodore's influence.
Little Bunny laughed. "Sooner or later we'll divorce—it was a pre-nuptial agreement. Using Theodore makes things easier for now, but this is the real world. After our divorce, I'm unsure how many will ridicule me. It's better to rely on myself from the start; building my career independently is more secure."
Susan nodded, relieved by Little Bunny's pragmatism. "Alright," she said.
"Miss Phillips, I must leave," Little Bunny said politely.
Susan frowned. "Just call me Susan."
"I prefer Miss Phillips in public," Little Bunny replied, establishing professional distance. Susan respected this, sensing Little Bunny's reluctance to use relationships for career advancement.
Susan nodded. Little Bunny smiled faintly and left the bathroom. Susan freshened her makeup and returned to the dining hall.
There, she saw Little Bunny offering another toast. Susan, observant of show business dynamics, suspected potential complications regarding Theodore. She returned to her seat as others approached.
"Miss Phillips, why didn't you mention Miss Stern's father is Stephen Stern from City Hall? I almost overlooked her."
Clara had just revealed her identity. The attendees, eager to curry favor with City Hall officials, now treated Clara preferentially. Clara was adept at leveraging her connections.
Susan smiled. "Miss Stern works diligently and never lets family influence her work. I'd forgotten her father's identity, honestly. Her dedication belies her privileged background. I commend her family's influence."
This apparent praise subtly embarrassed Clara. Clara's earlier self-identification was an attempt to avoid further drinking and to project superiority. Susan's words now made continuing to use her connections awkward. Susan was far more astute than she appeared.
The organizer echoed, "To Miss Stern, and your dedication."
Clara gritted her teeth. She disliked drinking, had prior commitments, and resented being trapped by Susan. She forced herself to continue drinking as others seized the opportunity to toast her.
After a while, Clara excused herself, claiming a restroom visit. Instead, she went to the bar, ordering water. She added a powder to it, a malevolent smile playing on her lips. Susan would pay dearly, she thought.
Clara returned, placing the doctored water next to Susan's, discreetly switching the glasses while Susan chatted. However, Susan had consumed minimal water throughout the evening, preferring wine to water.
Clara, growing impatient, said, "Miss Phillips, your water."
Susan glanced at her glass. "Okay," she replied, but chose soup instead.
Clara waited, then began actively toasting others, finally approaching Susan with her own glass. "Miss Phillips, it's your turn. Here's to you. You can drink the water."
Susan noticed Clara's repeated references to the water. A suspicion formed: was something wrong with it?