Chapter 365
As Evelyn recalled running into Miranda and her family earlier that day, she found herself staring at the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
She murmured, almost inaudibly, “If I had known things would turn out this way, I might have been better off accepting Miranda back then…”
At least Miranda didn’t have such an infuriating mother or an indecent brother.
Tina sighed as well. “Yeah, true…”
If her mom had accepted Miranda back then, Miranda and Hansel might even have a child by now, and she wouldn’t have had to compete with her for the graduate spot.
Unfortunately, there were no “ifs” in this world.
Winter left the restaurant after receiving a call. Before heading out, she made sure to pay the bill and gave Miranda a stern warning, “This meal is on me for your parents, so don’t you dare fight me on it.”
With that, she rushed out of the restaurant and sped off.
Half an hour later, her car pulled up in front of the Blue Maple Entertainment building. A young man standing by the revolving door brightened up when he saw her vehicle.
He hurried over, opened the passenger door, and slid in.
“Babe, you’re finally here.”
The man, Duane Dunn, was a rising star known for his appearances in short dramas. He was good-looking, with fair skin. He stood at six feet one inch and had a charming presence.
Most importantly, he had the personality of a clingy, adorable guy who knew how to be affectionate—exactly Winter’s favorite type.
“What’s going on? You sounded urgent on the phone,” Winter asked.
Duane bit his lip slightly. “My manager set up a dinner meeting, and I’m kind of scared. Could… could you come with me?” His eyes reddened as he spoke, adding to his appeal.
His fair skin made the redness stand out even more, and his cautious, pitiful gaze tugged at Winter’s heartstrings. She simply couldn’t resist.
“Sure, I’ll go with you. Don’t worry.”
“Winter, you’re the best…” Duane immediately brightened up, and the tears he’d been holding back began to fall.
Winter’s heart melted even more. She gently stroked his chin. “Alright now, why do you cry so much?”
“I don’t!” he protested.
The car stopped in front of a private club. Winter glanced at the sign displaying two words, “Leisure Club,” and her brows furrowed.
She had never been there before but knew about the place. It was rumored to offer excellent privacy, with a bar and dance floor downstairs, dining and private rooms upstairs, and even overnight accommodations for guests.
Anything that happened there would stay there. That was the kind of place Leisure Club was.
“Your manager booked a dinner here?” she asked.
“Yeah. Willie said he’s trying to get me the role of the third male lead in an A–list series.”
However, when they reached the second floor and entered the private room, Winter realized that Duane’s manager wasn’t there.
Instead, the room was filled with several powerful industry figures. There were even a few familiar faces. Calvin took a sharp breath and nudged Zach. “Hey, isn’t that your official girlfriend? And who’s the guy with her? He looks kind of familiar…”
It didn’t take long for Calvin to remember. “Isn’t that the guy who starred in those two short dramas I invested in? What’s his name again, Duane… something?”
Once Duane entered, he casually draped his arm around Winter’s shoulder, guiding her to the table. He even pulled out a chair for her. “Have a seat, Winter.”
“Where’s your manager?” she asked, her eyebrow raised.
Duane’s eyes flickered nervously. “Willie texted me earlier saying he got stuck in traffic. He’s probably still on the way.”
Winter’s eyes narrowed, and her gaze settled directly across from them.
Zach was there, sitting with a stony expression. It was as if someone owed him millions, and his icy glare was now fixed right on her.