Chapter 157: Fake Drama Becoming Real?

Chapter 157: Fake Drama Becoming Real?

Ian naturally understood what he meant and smiled faintly, "I think Mr. Foster has misunderstood—"

"That's good then." He cut him off decisively, his expression still maintaining a well-bred, pleasant demeanor. "She's not someone just anyone can touch. I hope Mr. Taylor won't forget what I'm saying today."

His face turned toward Sophia, looking at her with an expression clearly different from how he looked at Ian—it was a calm yet menacing gaze. He spoke coldly: "If you drag her into any more ridiculous scandals, Ms. Taylor, I don't want to become your enemy."

His expression made Sophia's heart skip a beat, an inexplicable fear creeping up on her. Was James warning her?

Sophia forced a laugh, "Since your target is her, I think we could work together. Win-win, how about it?"

At this moment she suddenly realized that James was definitely not someone to mess with. On the surface he was pleasant and gentlemanly, but in reality he had another side that wasn't often exposed—a side no less cold than Alexander's.

This was also a man not to be underestimated. If she could cooperate with him like she had with Liam before, her chances of winning would be much greater. Although she'd been constantly threatened by Liam back then, she believed James was no ordinary person.

James's face still wore a gentle smile as he refused directly with a light laugh, "No need. I'm a man."

His tone made it clear—because he was a man, he wouldn't use the scheming tactics women use against romantic rivals. Charlotte was right there; if he wanted to win her heart, everyone should rely on their own abilities.

Of course, if Alexander or other rivals used underhanded methods, he wouldn't just stand by either. After all, he had plenty of underhanded tactics himself.

Sophia paused, then nodded, "Then I wish you success in winning the beauty."

"Let's hope so." He patted his perfectly straight suit and turned toward the dressing room, his tall, lean figure so attractive that people couldn't bear to look away.

Watching his back, Ian's lips curved into a smile. This was getting more and more interesting!

At this moment he wondered whether he should join in the fun too. Maybe the beauty would end up being his—who knows? Then he shook his head. Better not. With Charlotte's status, the Taylor family would never agree. Better not to add to her burdens.

At first he couldn't understand what was so charming about Charlotte that she could win the favor of several men at once. After working with her for a few days, he finally understood why. She wasn't pretentious like other women; she was even somewhat carefree, loyal, straightforward, and could get along with anyone. This genuine nature wasn't something every woman could achieve.

"Charlotte." A gentle voice came from the doorway.

Charlotte turned her head and saw a man standing at the dressing room entrance. The man was indeed very easy on the eyes and outstanding—with sharp, defined features and handsome, charming looks. His model-like figure was dressed in an imported, perfectly tailored blue suit, his black hair neatly combed back with gel. He really was very good-looking.

"Mr. Foster, what brings you here?" Charlotte stood up and walked toward him.

To complement today's jewelry theme, the outfit provided by the partner was quite understated. She was just wearing a light gray V-neck knee-length dress, but this couldn't hide the charming aura she radiated. The slightly puffy layered skirt had a playful touch, and though the color wasn't bright, it had its own unique style.

"Be careful, your heels are so high." He reminded her.

Charlotte laughed, "Height is my weakness. It's okay, I'm used to it."

"Why are you here?" she asked again. James was in real estate, which had nothing to do with jewelry. His appearance at this kind of event was really strange!

"Just came to see you. Are you free tonight? I'd like to ask you for a favor." He spoke calmly, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair that had fallen by her ear back behind it.

Charlotte moved awkwardly—this gesture seemed a bit too intimate.

"What is it? Tell me, if I can help, I definitely will." She patted her chest, looking at him with a righteous expression.

James liked her straightforward personality. His brows seemed to move, then he sighed, "How about accompanying me to a blind date tonight?"

Charlotte's smile froze, then she raised her eyebrows and looked at him with a teasing expression, "You're dragging me along to your blind date? That's not really appropriate for me!"

"The thing is, my parents are here today, and if I don't bring a girl home, they'll start nagging again. So why not..." He glanced at her, his smile meaningful.

Charlotte quickly waved her hands, "You're not thinking of having me pretend to be your girlfriend and meet your parents, are you? That won't work. I've already got enough gossip and scandals, plus my status—your parents definitely won't accept it. What if they beat you up?"

James's handsome face suddenly moved closer to hers, "Don't worry, if you're with me you don't need to worry about gossip. It's just meeting them once to get them off my back. Otherwise they won't leave. With our relationship over all these years, you have to help me with this. Can you bear to watch me get forced into blind dates every day?"

Charlotte was silent for a moment. Over the years, James and she had indeed had a good relationship. She knew his character well—he wouldn't ask for help unless absolutely necessary. That he was asking her at a time like this was actually quite touching. With her status, others would avoid her like the plague!

Besides, James had always treated her well. Not helping with this favor would really bother her conscience. Tonight's schedule was just recording at the company, nothing major.

Consider it thanks for all his care over the years. She'd go for it!

"Okay, but you have to promise the media won't find out about this, or I'm done for." Just thinking about being in the news again gave her a headache, though she and James had been in scandal rumors together before over the years.

James was thinking at this moment: if the media finds out, we'll just make it real!

"I swear no reporters will know. Don't worry, it's just a meal, nothing will happen. I'll pick you up directly at the Wilson Group entrance this afternoon." He knew Charlotte's schedule perfectly.

Charlotte thought for a moment and nodded, "Just wait for me in the car, otherwise if reporters catch us it'll be trouble."

James nodded seriously, his sexy thin lips curving into a smile of successful scheming. This step was finally beginning.

He really didn't care that Charlotte had a child. He didn't mind becoming an instant dad, especially since the kid was so smart.

When he made a move, it wasn't just any move—it was aimed straight at marriage. If he and Charlotte could really become family in the future, it should be pretty happy, right!

The jewelry launch went smoothly. Under the relentless glare of camera lights, Charlotte remained calm and composed, smiling brightly as she answered questions and introduced Elegant Jewelry. Her dedication pleased the Taylor Group staff.

Zara forced herself to cooperate with Charlotte despite her displeasure, becoming a seemingly unnecessary spokesperson at this launch because of Charlotte's popularity. Her jealousy toward Charlotte grew even more.

The launch went very smoothly. The final free Q&A session was added on the spot and had nothing to do with the launch itself, which made Charlotte feel helpless. Looks like she couldn't avoid questions about Alexander again.

"What's your relationship with Alexander now? Do you have contact in private?" A female reporter with a face full of acne asked first.

Charlotte knew it would be like this. She felt really frustrated. Why was everyone always so interested in this topic? They asked every time, as if her life had to involve Alexander to be worth living.

She smiled slightly, her expression showing nothing wrong, "Work contact is unavoidable since we have a business relationship, but we've never had any private contact. It's purely a professional relationship."

"Then what about the reconciliation rumors between you and Alexander last time? Can you explain?" The acne-faced reporter wasn't letting her off.

"Last time I was working at that location for a shoot. It wasn't just me and Mr. Wilson there. We were discussing work when reporters happened to photograph us. As for that reconciliation gossip, both Mr. Wilson and I found it baffling. Such a thing is impossible." She answered calmly, her face showing a serious expression.

"Do you think there will ever be a day when you and Alexander get back together?" A reporter asked a very pointed question, which of course all reporters wanted to ask.

Charlotte smiled gracefully, "Everyone can rest assured that Mr. Wilson and I will definitely never get back together. We're both doing well now and don't need to disturb each other, so please don't always focus on this topic when asking questions in the future. I don't know how to answer anymore. I hope everyone can let this past gradually fade away. Thank you!"

Several reporters laughed awkwardly. Indeed, they had asked many questions about her and Alexander every time.

"Do you have a boyfriend now? What's your relationship with Liam and James?" A male reporter began shifting targets.

Here we go again!

"Mr. Evans is my boss, and Mr. Foster is a very good friend of mine. The three of us have a very good friendship."

"So do you have a boyfriend now?"

The nearly fifteen minutes of free Q&A exhausted Charlotte to the point of collapse. These gossip reporters really had an unusual number of questions. However, she was quite sure she'd offended Zara today. She didn't know why everyone only asked her questions today, really stealing all the spotlight.

Looks like she'd need to watch out for that woman in the future. Can't afford to provoke her!

Charlotte had just entered the restroom when Alexander roughly pressed her against the wall. The door beside them had already been quickly shut tight by him. Her expression was very unpleasant, "Mr. Wilson, what exactly do you mean? This is the women's restroom!"

Alexander's attractive fingers grabbed her chin, making them face each other, his eyes frighteningly cold. "Let the past gradually fade away? In your dreams!"