Pamela's Cunning Behavior

The vibrant chandeliers glow warmly over the elegant ballroom, their iridescent light reflecting off the polished marble floor. Daniel's engagement party was in full swing, and it seemed as if everyone who was anyone had gathered to celebrate the happy couple.

Not only was Daniel Arthur's best friend, but he was also the well-known businessman and CEO of a successful land development company. As such, the media had flocked to the event like moths to a flame, eager to interview Arthur, the billionaire bachelor accompanying his sister Nathalie as his date for the night.

"Arthur, this place is absolutely stunning," Nathalie whispered into her brother's ear as they surveyed the room. Her mysterious brown eyes sparkled with delight as she took in the lavish décor. "Daniel really outdid himself."

"Indeed, he did," Arthur agreed, his fair skin glowing under the soft lighting. "I'm glad we could support him on such an important day."

A striking woman caught Arthur's eye as they entered the crowd. She was tall with a toned figure and long, flowing hair that cascaded down her back like a fiery waterfall. She moved with grace and purpose, weaving through the sea of guests as she approached Arthur. He immediately recognized her – Pamela Lewis, a woman Arthur knew for her beauty as much as her cunning.

"Arthur Hendricks!" Pamela exclaimed, feigning surprise as she extended her hand toward him. "What a pleasure to see you again."

"Hello, Pamela," Arthur replied, taking her hand briefly before letting it fall back to her side. He was polite but distant, knowing all too well the games she played.

"Your sister looks enchanting tonight," Pamela purred, glancing at Nathalie. "And I must say, having you two attend together has caused quite a stir among the media."

Arthur inwardly rolled his eyes – this was precisely what he wanted to avoid. He knew Pamela had a way of drawing attention, and the last thing he needed was more speculation about his personal life and even their family issues.

"Ah yes, the media," Nathalie chimed in, her voice dripping with disdain. "Always eager to get their hands on a juicy story, aren't they?"

Nathalie was aware Pamela was referring to the full custody case that was filed by Arthur and, of course, the rumor of Arthur and Pamela in a romantic relationship. She wouldn't be surprised if Pamela or her family had anything to do with the rumors.

"I hope you're okay that you're with your brother now, Nathalie," Pamela said as if she was insinuating something. Her red lips smirk like a devil.

Nathalie and Arthur exchanged looks at Pamela's audacity to invade their privacy. They both know what she is capable of.

"I'm okay, Pamela, especially with my brother beside me. He can always protect me from cunning people."

"Lucky you! You have a very powerful brother," Pamela said, sipping her champagne.

"Pamela, do you have anything to do about the rumors?"

Pamela almost choked on her champagne. "W-what?" Pamela asked, swallowing a lump in her throat.

"I mean. Do you know anyone who might be spreading the rumors recently about you and my brother dating?" Nathalie rephrases her question. But she did ask the first question purposefully to see Pamela's reaction.

"Oh," Pamela was relieved to hear Nathalie's new question. "Honestly, I have no idea. It could be anyone. Like you said earlier, they always want juicy stories. They could make it on their own as well. Producing one article to another. You know how they work."

"Brother, what do you think?" Nathalie asked Arthur.

Pamela was tensely waiting for Arthur to answer, gripping her champagne glass while eyeing how he reacted to Nathalie's question.

"I have an ongoing investigation about the issue. I'll let you know when I get the satisfying result soon."

"Good," Pamela said, smiling. "You better teach the press some lessons," Pamela said before she gulped her champagne.

As if on cue, a swarm of reporters gathered around them, thrusting microphones and cameras in their direction. The flashes from their equipment were blinding, but Arthur maintained his composure.

"Mr. Hendricks, what brings you to Daniel's engagement party tonight?" one reporter asked, clearly fishing for some scandalous tidbit to print.

"Daniel is my best friend, and I'm here to celebrate his happiness," Arthur replied diplomatically, subtly guiding Nathalie away from the intrusive journalists.

"Can we expect to see more of you and Ms. Lewis in the future? There've been rumors circulating about you two," another reporter prodded, unwilling to let it go so quickly.

"Rumors are just that- rumors," Arthur responded firmly, hoping to end any further questions about his relationship with Pamela.

Nathalie glanced at her brother, her eyes filled with concern. She knew how much Arthur cared for Helena and was worried about how all this unwanted attention might affect their budding romance. But for now, they could only navigate the sea of reporters and focus on celebrating their friend's engagement.

Arthur couldn't help but notice the eager gleam in the eyes of the reporters as they circled around him and Pamela. He clenched his jaw, wishing to enjoy the evening without being scrutinized under the media's watchful gaze.

"Arthur, is it true that you and Pamela are dating?" a petite reporter with a pixie haircut asked, shoving her microphone toward Arthur's face.

"Absolutely not," Arthur replied firmly. His voice left no room for doubt, making it clear where his loyalty lay – with Helena. "I am here to celebrate my friend Daniel's engagement."

Pamela laughed lightly, her infectious smile drawing attention from those nearby. "Well, there's still time for us to become a couple, isn't there, Arthur?" she teased, her tone playful yet laced with an underlying sincerity that made Arthur uncomfortable.

Arthur offered a polite, tight-lipped smile but remained disinterested in the prospect. His thoughts wandered to Helena, wondering what she would think if she were here. Would she understand his position? Or would she feel betrayed by the mere implication?

"Looking at you two right now, one might say there's quite the chemistry," another reporter said, snapping Arthur out of his reverie.

"Thank you for the compliment," Pamela responded graciously, placing a hand on Arthur's arm. "But tonight is about Daniel and his lovely fiancée, Chelsea Jacobs."

Arthur appreciated Pamela's attempt to divert the conversation back to the engaged couple, but he couldn't shake the feeling that these rumors would only fuel more speculation. He decided it was best to remove himself from the situation altogether.

"Excuse me," he said curtly, extracting his arm from Pamela's grasp. "I'd like to congratulate the happy couple in person." With that, he strode away from the reporters with Nathalie.

As they moved away from the crowd, Nathalie frowned at the lingering photographers who continued to snap pictures of them.

"Mr. Hendricks, tell us about the full custody you filed for your sister Nathalie. Is there something serious going on with Nathalie and your mom, Alicia? Is she being abused?"

Arthur looked at Nathalie with concern in his eyes. Nathalie was clearly shocked by the question; tension was evident in her eyes.