Chapter 157 Bark Twice for Me, Will You?
When the director arranged for her to sit next to Jennifer, Daisy couldn't help but complain internally.
What kind of mess was this? The person who should have come didn't, and the person who shouldn't have come did.
For the sake of the entire crew, she had to suppress her urge to twist Jennifer's head off and smile at her instead.
She'd never done anything so humiliating in her life.
Arabella sat beside Daisy, eyes downcast, trying her best to minimize her presence. But she knew Jennifer wouldn't let her off the hook just because she stayed quiet.
Sure enough, Jennifer ignored Daisy and looked at her instead, asking the director as if she didn't recognize her, "Is this a newcomer from your crew? She looks decent enough, but no presence whatsoever. Won't amount to anything."
The director quickly explained, "This is Daisy's friend, not someone from the industry."
Jennifer looked down at Arabella with a meaningful smile. "Not in the industry now doesn't mean she won't be later. All these young girls nowadays dream of marrying into wealthy families and striking it rich. With a bit of looks, they all want to squeeze into this circle—perfectly normal."
"Well..." The director opened his mouth, vaguely sensing something was off.
No wonder Daisy had insisted on letting her friend leave earlier. Why did it feel like Ms. Reed had serious hostility toward Daisy's friend?
Daisy gripped her wine glass, holding back again and again.
Jennifer looked down at Arabella condescendingly, then turned to Daisy. "So you're good friends with her. If I'd known earlier, I wouldn't have invested in this drama. Bad luck."
This time the director was certain—there was major bad blood between these three!
His back broke out in cold sweat as he quickly stood to toast. "Ms. Reed, thank you for your generous investment. Let me toast to you—hopefully we can collaborate more in the future."
But Jennifer didn't touch the glass in front of her, pointing at Daisy instead. "Have her toast me."
The director paused, then quickly nudged Daisy, whispering, "Daisy, hurry up."
Daisy smiled through gritted teeth. "Ms. Reed, I toast to you."
Jennifer said, "Aren't you going to pour my wine?"
Daisy picked up the bottle to pour for her. After pouring, Jennifer's face darkened. "There's a black spot on this glass. You're serving me wine in a dirty glass—what are your intentions?"
Daisy was furious. The glass was spotless—where was any black spot? Jennifer was deliberately picking a fight!
The director gripped Daisy's arm tightly, terrified she might impulsively smash the bottle over Jennifer's head—he knew Daisy's explosive temper all too well.
But Daisy had backing and couldn't be offended. Ms. Reed also had backing and equally couldn't be offended.
The director deeply regretted not letting them leave earlier. Why had he made them stay? So stupid!
Jennifer sat upright with a displeased expression while Daisy looked furious, almost unable to hold back. Some people who'd noticed something was wrong had already started secretly recording on their phones.
Arabella's heart tightened as she quickly grabbed Daisy and said to Jennifer, "Let me get you a clean glass."
Jennifer snorted dismissively and said to Daisy, "See that? That's what a good dog looks like. You can't even be a proper dog, and you want fame? Learn from her—she knows how to be a dog and gets whatever she wants. You're nowhere near her level."
Daisy couldn't take it anymore. She grabbed the wine bottle from the table and splashed it all over Jennifer.
"You old witch, I've been putting up with you for way too long! Think you're hot shit because you have money? What are you so proud of? All you did was get knocked up and birth a son who can do business, and now you look down on us? I've never been anyone's dog, but you look exactly like a good dog yourself. Bark twice for me, will you?"
Jennifer's face and clothes were soaked with wine. She furiously wiped her face while the director rushed to help with tissues. Jennifer was trembling with rage, pointing at Daisy. "You're finished in this industry! How dare you attack me! Director, change the female lead! You must change the female lead!"
The director was terrified, pulling at Daisy. "Apologize quickly! Just say sorry and this will be over. Hurry!"
After going all out, Daisy actually felt calmer. She had Chloe and Alexander backing her—what was there to fear? She stood there stubbornly. "I'd apologize to a dog before I'd apologize to her! Drop dead!"
Jennifer screamed, "I'm going to blacklist her!"
Everything happened too fast for Arabella to stop. Hearing Jennifer's words, she panicked and quickly pulled Daisy back, her face more serious than ever. "Shut up and get behind me!"
A moment of satisfaction wasn't worth burning bridges. She was afraid if Daisy kept going, her career would really be ruined. The Watson family had that kind of power.
Jennifer's hatred of Daisy was directed at her—she couldn't let Daisy take the hit for her.
So she pulled Daisy behind her and looked at Jennifer. "You're after me. Whatever blame you have, direct it at me. Don't drag her into this."
Jennifer snorted coldly, sitting there with a cold smile. "She splashed wine in my face. This isn't over. Arabella, if you have any sense, make her kneel and apologize to me. Then we'll call it even. Otherwise, I'll definitely blacklist her industry-wide."
Hearing this, Daisy exploded again, hands on her hips ready to curse. "Fuck your bullshit! Me kneel and apologize to you? Why don't you just die—heaven has everything you need..."
Before she could finish, Arabella covered her mouth.
Arabella didn't know about her backing and was just annoyed she couldn't stay calm at a time like this. Daisy had suffered so much and worked so hard for years to pursue acting, finally getting a leading role when everything was about to improve. If she offended Jennifer now and got blacklisted industry-wide, her acting career would be over.
If this had happened to Arabella herself, she wouldn't have backed down. But when it concerned her friend's career and future, she couldn't be so reckless.
"Ms. Reed, my friend is young and impulsive, doesn't know better. She offended you, and I apologize on her behalf. I... I'll kneel and apologize to you for her. Given those two years when I genuinely cared for you and worked tirelessly to take care of you, please let her go." Arabella looked at Jennifer pleadingly.
Jennifer smiled mockingly. "Didn't know you were so loyal. Fine, kneel down, then take off your clothes and loudly say 'I'm a slut' three times. Then kiss any man in this room. Do that and I'll spare her."
She gestured to someone nearby, who immediately picked up a camera and started filming.
Daisy gritted her teeth. "Arabella, slap her! We don't need to beg her! I'll be fine—don't be stupid! Don't agree to this!"
Jennifer crossed her arms leisurely, sitting there calmly waiting for Arabella's decision.
She'd only heard that this drama's female lead was close friends with Arabella, so she'd come to test the waters. She hadn't expected Arabella to be here too—it saved her trouble.
Getting this scene on camera would ensure that no matter how much Anthony couldn't let go of Arabella, he'd never turn back to remarry her.
What she wanted was Arabella's complete humiliation and Anthony's permanent disgust and hatred.
Arabella clenched her fists, caught between a rock and a hard place.
She couldn't watch Daisy get blacklisted and have her career destroyed because of her. But Jennifer's demands were too excessive—kneeling, stripping to humiliate herself, and randomly kissing someone... each one was beyond her acceptable limits.
Jennifer wasn't rushing at all. She was certain Arabella would agree.
Arabella felt she should agree. Reputation and face meant nothing compared to how important Daisy was to her.
She wasn't some inexperienced girl anymore. This level of humiliation was nothing to her.
It wouldn't even hurt—hardly qualified as torture.
Arabella tried hard to convince herself, but her slightly trembling shoulders and the faint moisture in her eyes betrayed her helplessness.
Daisy was being held back by the director, shouting through tears, "Arabella, stop right now, you hear me! I don't need you to sacrifice yourself like this! Stop!"
Arabella turned back to smile at her reassuringly. "I'm fine, really fine."
Her knees bent slightly as she was about to kneel when suddenly there was a knock on the door. A well-dressed middle-aged man pushed in and said politely, "Hello everyone, I'm the club's general manager, Devin Cole. We just received notice that we're subject to a spot inspection, so we need to temporarily close. We apologize for any inconvenience and ask for your understanding."
He glanced at his subordinate, who walked in carrying a tray. Devin continued, "This is a small token from the club. Please accept it. Also, all charges for today's private room are waived, and you'll get fifteen percent off for the next three months. We hope you'll cooperate."
The director paused, somewhat unhappy. "You're kicking us out? Even with an inspection, you don't need to chase away all the customers, right?"
The investor was here—this was putting him in a difficult position!
Devin continued smiling politely. "We're very sorry, we have no choice. How about this—I'll book you a large private room at the hotel next door. Would you mind moving there?"
His attitude was very humble and his sincerity genuine. Even if the director was annoyed, he couldn't make a scene. Besides, he knew that places that could clear out for inspections probably had some shady dealings and connections to criminal elements—he didn't dare cause trouble.
Since they'd laid out the steps for him, he went along. "Fine, we don't want to make trouble for you. Let's go next door."
Just as he was about to respectfully escort Jennifer, Devin walked over to Jennifer and made a gesture of invitation. "Ms. Reed, our boss would like to meet you. Please honor us with your presence."
Jennifer frowned. "Your boss? Who is that?"
"Our boss just returned from overseas," Devin smiled courteously. "He's heard great things about you and has some business ventures he'd like to collaborate with Watson Group on. He hopes you'll give him an opportunity."
Jennifer's eyes turned thoughtful. If this could bring cooperation to the company, that would be worthwhile. Most importantly, the respectful attitude in front of all these people made her feel very important.
So she didn't refuse, nodding. "Lead the way then."
She glared at Arabella. "Wait for me at the hotel next door. Try to run and I'll blacklist Daisy!"
She looked at the director. "Keep an eye on them."
The director didn't know whether to agree or not, only managing an awkward smile.
Jennifer clicked away in her high heels with graceful dignity.
The director then gathered everyone to change venues. As people filed out, he quietly approached Daisy. "Why don't you take your friend and leave first?"
Daisy hesitated. "What if she takes it out on you..."
The director waved dismissively. "I'm just an old ugly guy—what can she do, eat me? Worst case she throws a tantrum. No big deal."
Most importantly, Daisy couldn't get in trouble. If her backing started asking questions, he really couldn't handle it.
Arabella grabbed Daisy's hand and shook her head. "We can't leave. She said she'd blacklist you, and she'll definitely do it. She's unreasonable when she does things. After we've crossed her today, getting out unscathed is impossible. All she wants is to see me humiliated, to step on me from her high horse. I..."
"You what!" Daisy irritably tapped her head. "I told you, I don't need you sacrificing anything for me. Put away those thoughts."
"But..."
"No buts. Listen to me and come with me!" Daisy said goodbye to the director and pulled Arabella away.
The phone in her pocket was still lit up with a new message notification she'd just opened.
Chloe: [OK, I'll arrange it.]
If she wasn't mistaken, the club coming to clear people out and lure Jennifer away was probably arranged by Chloe or Alexander.
With big shots handling the cleanup, she didn't believe Jennifer would dare blacklist her.
But Arabella didn't know any of this. Seeing her anxious expression, Daisy felt a bit guilty. After struggling with herself, she spoke up. "Arabella, I need to tell you something."
Her expression was unusually serious. Arabella looked confused. "What is it?"
Daisy took a deep breath and said determinedly, "Alexander—your current marriage-of-convenience husband—he..."
Before she could finish, Arabella's phone suddenly rang. Arabella shushed her and answered. "Hello."
It was Alexander calling, asking gently, "Off work? I can swing by and pick you up."
Arabella quickly declined. "No need, I... I have some things to handle. I'll be back soon."
Alexander said, "Alright then. Come home early—I'll make you something delicious for dinner."
Arabella felt complicated emotions. She'd been avoiding him all day, renting apartments and being encouraged by her friend to pursue him. Hearing Alexander's calm, unruffled voice now gave her a strange feeling.
As if she'd been adding unnecessary drama to her own life while he remained unmovably sitting there.
Pulling herself together, she responded, "Okay, remember to pick up Becky."
"Yeah, I know."
After hanging up, Arabella looked back at Daisy. "What were you going to say? What about Alex?"
Daisy had regained her composure and smiled sheepishly. "Nothing much. I just think he definitely has feelings for you too. Reminding you that you absolutely must confess tonight and see what happens. Whatever the result, we won't lose out, right?"
Arabella nodded wistfully, but her heart still felt uncertain.
---
Crystal Club, third floor VIP private room.
Alexander put away his phone and turned to look at his subordinate who'd been waiting. "Did she confess?"
His subordinate shook his head. "No, her mouth's pretty tough. Probably afraid of being arrested if she talks. Insisting that matter has nothing to do with her."
Jennifer's screams echoed continuously from within the room.