Chapter 224
Anna’s POV:
Blake’s gaze lifted, moving past my shoulder to land on Scarlett who stood behind me on stage. The crowd’s murmur turned into a collective gasp.
He was wearing a black tailored suit that emphasized his broad shoulders. My phone buzzed with notifications as social media exploded with commentary
[Lock who decided to show up! Wonder what kind of drama we’re about to witness.
[Funny how in this love triangle, Anna’s the one who gets forgotten.]
The audience grew restless. No one had expected to see the actual subject of their gossip today.
Their eyes were hungry with curiosity, most clearly hoping for some public embarrassment – preferably mine.
After all…
The optics weren’t in my favor.
Blake in his black suit and Scarlett in her white dress looked like they’d coordinated outfits, even though they’d arrived separately.
The young director knew Blake personally. Without Blake’s backing, he never would have landed this gig or reached his current status.
The production team scrambled, quickly clearing the center seats in the front row, arranging a special chair for him. Even the cameras became secondary at that moment.
When the cameras finally turned to focus on him, they only managed to capture one shot – Blake settling into his seat, looking up at the stage with his trademark cool, expressionless gaze.
His handsome face filled the entire screen, instantly winning over viewers who let their attraction override their judgment.
Scarlett’s POV:
. I straightened up, feeling a rush of confidence.
Any doubts I had when confronting Anna earlier completely disappeared when Blake walked in wearing what looked like a matching outfit with mine.
Well, well. Seems like he’d softened up after all.
That drunk “get out now” moment must’ve been just a blip when Anna somehow pushed his buttons. He’s always had a soft spot for me.
If I frame this as my goodbye performance, how could he not help me finish this show? Even if he cuts me off afterward, I can still milk his connections.
I couldn’t help throwing Anna a look, my lips curving into a smirk.
All these valuable connections, and what did she do to earn them? Fall in love? Pathetic.
I’ve decided not to be stupid anymore, but damn, I’m still jealous of people who get handed everything others spend years working for, just because they got lucky.
‘Hey, let’s not forget about the ladies on stage, folks! Our handsome guest isn’t the only one worth looking at!”
I called out into the mic, flashing my smile to pull everyone’s attention back. “Anna, as an old friend we haven’t seen around much lately, people have been wondering about you. Some joke you vanished because you were too busy playing house, but I have to ask – did you bail on that environmental project because you figured out you didn’t actually have the skills or experience to contribute anything worthwhile?”
Anna’s POV:
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Chapter 224
With her dramatic makeup and beaming smile, she clearly wanted to see me humiliated.
Once before, I’d been targeted by her like this on stage. Back then, Blake hadn’t stood up for me. I expected nothing different today.
My relationship with Blake was… complicated. That was the kindest way to put it.
I was about to respond when Blake’s cool voice carried through the hall.
He didn’t have a microphone–people watching on TV wouldn’t hear him–but the guests and audience in the room heard him perfectly clearly.
The audience erupted in shocked whispers. Nobody had expected Blake Wright–known for his cool demeanor and perfect public manners sides. And certainly not mine.
to openly take
Scarlett’s face crumpled into a wounded expression. She started to stammer something, her eyes glistening with tears that looked remarkably genuine.
The host, sensing danger, quickly directed attention to another guest, who wisely passed the microphone to me.
I could feel the camera zooming in on my surprised face. I took a breath and composed myself.
“Thank you, Scarlett, for raising that question. I wasn’t aware people thought that way,” I said with a smile. “My initial motivation for joining this project was to help people pay more attention to environmental issues in their daily lives. When facing challenges, we’re not fighting alone. I believe everyone sitting here shares this sentiment. With so many like–minded people, I’m confident in the project’s future. My focus has always been environmental protection – besides online participation, there’s much more work that needs attention offline.”
As I finished speaking, the hall fell silent. Then, suddenly, applause erupted, growing into thunderous approval.
I glanced at Blake, conflicted emotions swirling inside me. This was the most enthusiastic applause I’d ever received. Under the bright lights, I smiled brightly.
To my surprise, Blake was smiling too.
The media cameras captured all three of our faces side by side – Scarlett’s palé with shock, Blake and me smiling like the perfect couple.
After the main event, the organizers invited the guests to stay for a celebration party, which would be filmed as behind–the–scenes footage. Blake was included in the invitation.
Minutes later, he strode onto the stage and casually draped his arm around my shoulders. I tried to move away, but he held firm. He led me to the head of the table, the seat of honor, directly facing the small cameras.
“Your necklace is crooked,” he said after we’d been seated for a few minutes.
As he reached to straighten it, the strand of pearls suddenly snapped. Beads scattered across the table and floor.
‘I’m sorry,” he said, not looking sorry at all. I accidentally broke your favorite pearl necklace. After the event, I’ll take you to get an even better one.”
His adjustment had deliberately exposed my collarbone – and the marks he’d left there less than 24 hours ago. Scarlett’s eyes widened, her gaze burning red with fury.
That’s when I realized Blake’s true intention. He wasn’t here to back Scarlett up–he was here to tear her down and stand up for me.
The people around us began offering compliments and toasts. Blake smiled faintly, his arm still around my shoulders as he drank the alcohol others offered in respect.
For once, I didn’t pull away, playing the role of the obedient wife at his side.
A strange satisfaction settled over me. This public display of favoritism was what I’d once desperately wanted from him – this blatant, unmistakable preference.
After several rounds of drinks, someone asked Blake about his relationship with Scarlett.
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Chapter 224
His answer was brief, just one sentence – but it was enough to make Scarlett’s already strained composure completely collapse.
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