Because of a woman

Alice walked gracefully while the sea of cameras moved with her. Listening to her Dad's song playing in the background, a smile of satisfaction & pride appeared on her face. Her smile made the crowd squeal in delight. The artists from the agency stood up in her support & then accompanied her to the stage.

"Please give a huge round of applause for our new member of the family, the daughter of the famous pop-star Jones Buds", Riley smiled at her. The hall burst out in loud applause as she stood in the stage. She was passed the mic & gently bowed to the crowd below. Her melodious voice echoed through the hall, "Hello everyone. I'm Alice Buds & I'm glad to announce my comeback with the signing of this contract. I feel grateful to the people who stood beside me through the last year."

Actually, no one was beside her during the last one year, the thought of which made Daniel silently gnash his teeth. Alice passed the mic back to Riley & made her way to the seat beside Daniel. She smiled at him.

"You look beautiful!", Daniel complimented happily.

"Thanks, you too", Alice smiled.

Lin, who was standing beside them, was getting goosebumps from their casual conversation, even though he knew that the actual fact. The artists from the agency stared at them with wide eyes. They'd never seen their boss smiling so much before. Very soon, Riley handed over the mic to Daniel & he made a short speech.

The conference ended with the smiling faces of the reporters. They found such a great thing to write about. While the reporters made their way out, the artists of the company & their managers were supposed to join a banquet in honor of Alice.

,,,

Banquet Hall

Everyone was already present there. Someone was eyeing Alice & perhaps sensing the gaze, she turned her head to look. She saw Lily watching her hideously. Alice narrowed her eyes at her but soon was pulled into a hug by Catherine.

"Hey! Nice to meet you", Catherine almost yelled.

"Me too", Alice hugged her back.

"You two know each other?",a male celebrity asked her.

"Oh yes! About the music video, I'm part of, she's the lyricist & singer."

The crowd burst in applause while Lily gritted her teeth angrily. Daniel gestured everyone to take their seats. Then, he toasted them personally. Everyone erupted in applause as they gratefully toasted back.

,,,

Lily kept on drinking & drinking until she's stinking. She stumbled upon her seat & after much effort stood up. She soon made her way towards Daniel. Everyone, especially Alice, eyed her suspiciously.

"Daniel, why do you keep ignoring me?",Lily almost hooked her arms around his neck while Lin pushed her away.

Daniel rolled his eyes, "Take her out of here!"

Lin tried calling the bodyguards but Lily stopped them. She kept talking in her drunken stupor, "Where would I get such a big thigh to cling to? Other than yours?"

Everyone expected Daniel's sharp-tongued retortion & by God's grace he fulfilled it, "Someone like you is not worthy of clinging to my thigh!" The room erupted with laughter. Lily pursed her lips angrily. Then she pointed to Alice as she yelled, "Then, she? Is she more worthy than me?"

Everyone grew tense as they were thinking about what their boss would say next. Daniel smirked before replying, "Why not? Everyone present here is more capable & worthy than you! My bad luck, I chose you for the job in my precious studio."

Everyone was speechless as they internally cheered on him. Lily was so angry that her little frame was shaking violently. Her eyes roamed around before settling on a glass bottle nearby. She grabbed & crushed it, revealing its sharp edges. Her actions startled everyone when they saw her charge at Alice. Alice dodged out of her way & a heavy kick landed on Lily's knee. She fell on the ground with a heavy grunt before she collapsed on the floor. Everyone was amazed by her move. Everything was cleaned up as nothing happened.

Soon, the celebration ended & everyone parted ways. Alice & Daniel made separate ways to Pink Villa.

---

Pink Villa

Daniel arrived before her. As soon as she saw him, she flung her arms around his neck. He knew she was a bit drunk.

"Daniel...", she called softly.

"Hm?"

"I love you."

"I love you too", Daniel smiled, "You should go to bed now."

"Why?",Alice asked with an annoyed tone.

"Your shooting starts tomorrow. Remember that!"

"Oh yeah! I almost forgot about it", she nodded, "But you're staying here tonight."

"Sure", Daniel lifted her in his arms while she giggled with pleasure.

---

The next morning

Room 513, Hotel River Flint

Lily woke up when the pointed sunrays evaded her eyes. Moreover, her head was bursting with a headache. She supported herself & sat up on the fluffy bed. She pushed away from the velvet blanket & looked at the unfamiliar surroundings. She was still in the clothes from the previous night. Blurred memories came to her & she covered her mouth in shock. She smacked herself on her head & rubbed her temples.

Oh no! What'd she do? Argh!!! I need to look for Aunt.

---

Adley Mansion

"Madam, Miss Lily has come", the maid informed the woman who was sitting in front of the mirror, applying mascara.

"Let her in", she ordered calmly as she put down the mascara.

Lily strode in & cried out to the reflection in the mirror, "Aunt!"

"Hm? What's wrong?"

"I failed again. And this time, because of a woman", Lily stomped her foot angrily.

"A woman?", a brow was raised in the reflection.

"Yeah!"

"Keep trying my girl. Send me her photo. I'll make sure she gets out of your way."

"Thanks, Aunt! You're the best!" Lily's face brightened up, "Well, I'd take my leave now."

"Hm", the woman in the mirror, nodded.

Lily turned around & left. An evil smirk appeared in the reflection, "Silly girl! You're just the pawn to break him. Everything will eventually be mine!" She let out a hyena's cackle. The maid waiting outside shivered in fear.

She knew that the one in her Madam's target would not escape unscathed. She could only pray for her safety.