Chapter 108

"Do you know how long Miss Loxley plans to stay at tonight's event?" Eric asked, breaking Van's brief moment of recollection. That memory was hardly innocent. While it had a platonic ending, the chaotic process in between left his throat tight. He unbuttoned a collar button. "I'll pick her up at nine tonight. For now, let's head to the office." Eric, sharp as ever, knew the office stop was incidental since the company building was closer to the venue. He advised, "You've just been to Germany for meetings and then to Tanzania. You're still recovering from that cold. Why not head home and rest? When the time comes, I can arrange for someone to pick her up." "OK," Van ended Eric's persuasion with a simple response. Closing his eyes for a brief rest, he listened to the host escort Winnie off the red carpet. Although Marlowe Group had competent staff across the board and a highly efficient remote work system, Van's half-month absence had led to a backlog of important decisions awaiting his review and approval. The chairman's office at the MARS Tower was brightly lit, just like the dazzling "Starry Diamond Night." Yet, while one was a serene space filled with the faint aroma of agarwood and a man immersed in thought, the other was bustling with distinguished guests, laughter, and the hedonistic clink of champagne glasses. Winnie had won an award—though the name was so unremarkable she couldn't remember it. On stage, clutching the crystal trophy, she delivered a polished and graceful acceptance speech. Her custom outfit for the evening truly stole the show. The strapless design with a high waistline featured a layered pink skirt that bloomed extravagantly, thanks to the voluminous underskirt. Under the spotlight, she shone like a star in full bloom, drawing countless admiring gazes as she moved across the stage. The attention she commanded was lively. Wyatt watched her with something close to fascination. Mia glanced at Winnie, then at Wyatt. Meanwhile, David lingered by the side of the venue, ready to intercept Winnie as soon as she stepped off the stage. As expected, after taking just a few steps offstage, Winnie ran into David. She handed him the trophy. "Here, take it. Put it in your office." "Don't dump it on me—I'm not running an exhibition." Winnie let out a soft laugh. "I'm off the clock now." "Off the clock?" David checked his watch. It was barely 8:30. "Yes. What's the big deal?" Winnie said as she quietly made her way along the edge of the venue. "Besides, shouldn't you be looking after your Mia? She is the 'Most Promising Actress of the Year' after all." David couldn't help but laugh helplessly at her teasing. "Alright, I admit I was wrong. But if you leave now, who's going to take the center spot? When the group photo gets posted later, everyone will notice you're missing." "So what? I'm not obligated to be everywhere all the time," Winnie replied, a faint smirk on her lips. "A garden full of blooming flowers doesn't always need me in it." "Winnie," David called her name softly as he followed her. They understood each other too well for him to miss the undertones in her words. "No other talent agency can offer you the same position or resources as Raven," David said. "You've been the leading star here for twelve years. Anywhere else, you'd have to settle for second place. The roles you want—I fight to get them for you. But if you change agents, they'll have their own favorites to prioritize." "What are you even talking about?" Winnie replied lazily. "What's your point?" David knew she was putting on that sweet, coy, dismissive act again, but he wasn't swayed and pressed on. "Raven has its own investments and productions. With our resources, we can guarantee you a regular presence on the big screen every year. Other agencies might have solid commercial opportunities, but they don't have the capacity to produce their own projects. In the end, you'd be performing on someone else's stage. How could that ever feel as comfortable as being with your own stage?" "Mm-hmm." Winnie nodded. "You're right. I know all that." "What happened on your birthday was my oversight—I didn't handle it well. Even Alan, who rarely gets involved, stepped in. He's invited you to dinner as an apology. If there are any terms you want to negotiate, feel free to bring them up with him." "It's okay. The company and Alan have treated me so well—I'm deeply grateful." The venue's pathways twisted and turned, but Winnie finally found the entrance to the VIP elevator. David fell silent for a moment and stood by her side, waiting for the elevator. "Change your outfit, and let's grab some late-night snacks." "No." Winnie glanced at the elevator display, then turned back to him with a smile. "I've got a birthday gift to collect." The elevator arrived. Winnie stepped inside, gracefully extending her arm to block the doors for a moment. "Stay here, David. What are you so worried about? Over a hundred million—I wouldn't dare give it up." David looked at her intently. "I'm afraid you would." The elevator doors slowly closed, concealing Winnie's beautiful face behind the cold metal panels. She gave him one final, serene smile. "Don't worry, David. I promise I won't easily leave your sight." Her relaxed smile was as refreshing as a spring breeze, but her eyes were clear and resolute. Her words, spoken deliberately, landed with unmistakable weight. David was momentarily stunned and let her go just like that. The elevator display showed that it didn't go up to the lounge but instead descended to Basement Level 3. The Maybach was already waiting, silent and poised like an elegant beast. Winnie lifted her voluminous skirt, dragging it carelessly across the parking lot floor. Instead of entering through the opposite side, she opened Van's door and climbed in on one knee. The long pink train of her gown spread out like a blooming rose, only to be gathered up by the man's slender, graceful hands and pulled inside. Winnie knelt on Van's lap. Familiarity bred boldness—she was utterly fearless now. "Do I need to remind you that your seat is actually on the other side?" Van, helpless against her antics, pressed the Maybach's automatic door-close button with one hand while placing the other firmly on her waist. "This spot is better," Winnie replied as she leaned in, planting a quick, feather-light kiss on the corner of his lips. The tips of her ears turned pink. Eric drove steadily, his eyes fixed on the road and his expression calm. However, he was starting to feel overwhelmed from being the third wheel for so long. Van didn't raise the partition. He calmly held her gaze for a few seconds until Winnie finally gave up. Only then did he reach out and rub her earlobe, right where her little mole was. Leaning close to her ear, his voice was deep. "Winnie, you're becoming more and more bold."