The night air was slightly chilly, as the wind gently blew the curtains, revealing a hint of coldness. Henry Russell's long eyelashes drooped, and as he breathed, a faint scent filled his nostrils. Extending his hand, he lifted the woman's soft chin, their lips pressed together, creating a lingering taste.
A moment later, Charlotte Cooper turned her face as her delicate fingers lightly wiped away the red mark at the corner of Henry's lips, smiling ambiguously, "I can't imagine how heartbroken Lily would be if she sees us like this."
Henry looked at her expressionlessly.
Charlotte just smiled.
Regardless of whether Henry had ulterior motives or genuinely wanted to return to his family, the ever-present shadow of Lily McKenzie would forever be an insurmountable obstacle between them.
The two finished their dinner in silence, and as Charlotte was about to return to her bedroom, Henry, who had been quiet for a long time, suddenly raised his eyes, his gaze heavy on her.
"Without Lily McKenzie, there is only…us. Now and in the future."
Only…us?
"That's nice, Mr. Russell." Charlotte curved her lips into a sweet smile, her eyes however, betrayed nothing, showing that she didn't believe him.
That afternoon, there was a scheduled advertisement shoot, planned a month before, naturally using the resources of the Russell family. The product being promoted was a luxurious perfume brand, and the shooting location was at Flower Sea Manor in the outskirts, with many top celebrities invited to participate.
When Charlotte arrived at the set, the other actresses were already prepared. Upon her appearance, she felt several sharp gazes directed at her.
"Being a big shot is truly amazing, appearing whenever you want since the whole crew has to wait for this almighty master. Having a powerful backer sure boosts one's arrogance. " A voice with a thick hint of anger rang out suddenly, causing everyone to turn their heads.
Linda Davis raised her chin slightly, her gaze boldly meeting the challenge.
Despite arriving an hour and a half earlier than the brand's scheduled time, Charlotte didn't bother to defend herself. She casually removed her sunglasses, smiling at the sour face, and softly replied, "I'm sorry, but you really have no choice but to wait, do you? If you're unhappy, you can also go find your own backer to lodge a complaint. "
Charlotte didn't forget that the young lady standing before her, Miss Y, had once been involved with her husband on a trip to Europe. She never had an interest in dealing with her husband's flings, but since the other party took the initiative to provoke her, she saw no reason to be polite.
Linda's face darkened after being pricked by her words.
A powerful backer?
The Mr. Russell she had gone through so much effort to get close to was now completely unreachable. If she hadn't lost that support, why would she be playing second fiddle to Charlotte in this advertisement?
The more Linda thought about it, the more depressed she became. Looking at the dazzling and proud face before her, she couldn't help but mock, "Miss Cooper really has quite the skill, to climb to this position. I wonder how many people you've had to sleep with. But you seem to lack self-awareness; believing that by being a pet kept by a powerful figure, you can marry into wealth? Wake up, those wealthy families always have proper wives, and you're not even worthy of polishing their shoes!"
Listening to these words from Miss Y, Charlotte, as a proper wife, felt comfortable, but it was somewhat discordant coming from the other party. If Miss Y knew that Mr. Russell's proper wife was standing right in front of her, her face would be quite interesting indeed.
Charlotte actually began to look forward to that day.
She looked at Linda sympathetically and replied with a smile, "Oh, sorry, I can't understand the feeling of being a neglected pet. But it can't be helped, since I am just so charming. I have so many endorsements and ads that I can't even keep up with them. The film endorsements have been piling up too. What can I do, it's just so distressing~"
She raised the corner of her eye slightly, looking very pleased and tauntingly sultry.
Linda wanted to rush up and tear that arrogant face apart, but still managed to hold herself back. She laughed coldly, "Don't be too happy, it's still uncertain who will win in the end. Just wait for the day when you're kicked away after getting tired of you, it won't be so miserable."
At the end of the day, they're both only relying on their beauty for support, and no matter how beautiful, they will eventually be forgotten. When that time comes, she will let Charlotte taste despair.
Linda sneered, her sinister laugh complementing the sudden downpour outside, creating an eerie atmosphere.
"Indeed." Charlotte casually turned her face away.
Outside the window, the rain was pouring down heavily. Leaning on the sofa, she took out her phone and dialed a familiar number.
Three seconds later, the call connected.
"Darling, there's a heavy rain outside, and I forgot to bring a coat. It's so cold here~" Charlotte feigned a whiny voice.
Henry Russell: "…"
Linda Davis: "…"
"I'll be there soon." After a moment of silence, Henry spoke calmly.
"Darling, you're the best. Mwah~" Not changing her expression, Charlotte blew a kiss to the phone.
Linda felt disgusted, as she suppressed a cold laugh, mockingly saying, "Miss Cooper is truly impressive, with backers everywhere. Just a sweet whisper and someone even personally sends a coat. How old is this backer? If he's too old, don't make him suffer; you wouldn't be able to handle it if something happens."
Charlotte laughed, and said with feigned distress, "I don't want to trouble him, but he just can't bear to see me suffer even a bit of cold and insists on bringing me a coat. What can I do? There's just too much trouble from being too beautiful, which is something Miss Davis can't understand."
Linda Davis: "…" How annoying! But she couldn't refute it!
Although she was unable to argue with Charlotte, Linda secretly waited for the opportunity to mock her.
What could an oily, old man offer besides a few resources?!
What a joke.
The rain poured down harder, making the air even colder. The shooting continued, as the actresses in their revealing backless dresses struck perfect poses for the camera.
"Oh my god, isn't that the heir to Fenton Pharmaceuticals?"
"Yes, indeed! That heartbreakingly handsome, alluring face is simply unforgettable!"
"Wow, he's like a walking sculpture!"
"But what is the Fenton heir doing at our shooting location? Is there business?"
"He's probably just visiting the set; he was on a magazine cover with one of our actresses a few days ago…"
In the torrential rain, a tall figure approached calmly, like a painting of ink and water, with no hint of haste or embarrassment.
Under the black umbrella was an aloof, handsome face, and a pair of gray-brown eyes, quietly scanning the area.
"Mr. Russell!"
Linda exclaimed in surprise.