Chapter 366 Kiss Under the Fireworks

Chapter 366 Kiss Under the Fireworks

Jasmine screamed and clutched the top of her dress, almost exposing herself on live camera!

Dennis, walking behind her, quickly took off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders, covering her exposed back. The director swiftly switched the camera angle, but many reporters and viewers had already seen the incident. Within minutes, "Jasmine's Wardrobe Malfunction" was trending online, with some gossip accounts even suggesting she did it on purpose for attention.

Backstage, Jasmine hurriedly changed into a backup dress, fuming. "How did this dress suddenly rip? Did you even check it before I put it on?" she yelled.

"I did check it, and it was fine when you put it on," her assistant replied, sounding upset. She glanced at Jasmine and thought, Maybe you gained some weight and ripped it yourself? But she didn't dare say that out loud and instead inspected the tear. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. "Jasmine, look at this. It looks like it was cut by something sharp."

The edge of the tear was clean, as if made by a blade. Jasmine's grip tightened on the dress. Someone must have sabotaged her! She had been careful while changing, so the rip couldn't have been her fault. She recalled Ella bumping into her deliberately during the award ceremony. Could it have been then? Though she had no proof, Jasmine decided to blame Ella.

She wasn't wrong. Ella had indeed cut the dress as payback. Last year, she and Delilah had worn identical dresses at an event, and Ella believed Jasmine was behind it. So this year, she ruined Jasmine's dress to embarrass her publicly. Plus, Jasmine would have to compensate for the dress, damaging her reputation with the brand, making it harder for her to borrow high-end dresses in the future.

After the award ceremony, Victoria left in a car. Serafina mentioned Jasmine's wardrobe malfunction, excitedly speculating, "Some people are saying Jasmine gained weight and ripped the dress. Others think she did it on purpose for attention. I doubt it. Almost being naked is too embarrassing for a celebrity."

Victoria rubbed her temples, tired. "Maybe someone cut it." She had noticed Ella's actions on stage but didn't intervene. The two had been at odds since competing for the lead role in "Meeting the Divine," and Victoria enjoyed watching their feud.

Serafina suddenly remembered, "Could Ella have done this? I recall we suspected Jasmine when Ella wore the same dress as someone else last time. This could be her revenge."

Victoria chuckled. "You might be right." However, the previous incident wasn't Jasmine's doing. Although Jasmine had lost the lead role to Ella and was upset, Jessica had advised her against revenge. She had taken Ella's lead role before, so she let it go.

Wilmer, sitting in the front row, glanced back and smiled without saying anything. In reality, he had been the one to leak Delilah's outfit to Ella's stylist, a plan he had secretly discussed with Victoria. They hadn't told Serafina because she tended to talk too much and couldn't keep a secret. Victoria had intentionally stirred the pot between Jasmine and Ella to keep them from teaming up against her.

Six months later, "Radiant Rebel" aired and became the year's top-rated show. Victoria, the lead actress, gained a huge following, rivaling Dennis in popularity. She was no longer just a top-tier actress but a leading figure in the entire entertainment industry. Her endorsements increased by over a dozen, including two top luxury brands. However, she didn't take on any TV dramas that year, choosing instead to star in an art film, marking her entry into the film industry.

On New Year's Day, Victoria was invited by NBC to perform a pop song on stage. The Hamilton family, who rarely watched TV, gathered around to watch her performance. Diana even posted on Facebook, "Victoria is performing on NBC and can't spend New Year's with us, such a pity." Though it seemed regretful, it was actually a proud boast of Victoria's success. Relatives and friends on Facebook were supportive, commenting: "If my son or daughter were as capable and hardworking, I'd be happy even if they couldn't come home!"

Victoria returned home after midnight, but her family was still waiting in the living room. Diana brought out a bowl of chicken soup. "You must not have eaten properly with all that work. Here, have some soup. There's food in the kitchen if you're hungry."

Victoria took a few sips of the soup and waved her hand. "No need, I ate on the way home. Everyone should get some rest."

Samuel, who seemed a bit tipsy, spoke up excitedly, "Don't go to bed yet. I have good news. Teresa and I have set a wedding date for October."

Victoria looked at David and Diana, surprised. David nodded with a pleased smile. "We wanted to tell you in person."

"Congratulations!"

The next day, Victoria finally saw Ethan again. He was wearing a fitted silver-gray cashmere sweater, hinting at the muscles underneath. Nick rushed over to hug him. "Ethan, long time no see!"

Ethan patted him on the shoulder but looked at Victoria. "Why didn't you reply to my message yesterday?"

Victoria had received Ethan's New Year's message but had forgotten to reply because of her busy schedule and the excitement about Samuel's news. She smiled sheepishly. "I thought I did. Did I forget?"

Ethan tapped her forehead. She was always like this, forgetting everything when she worked. But he had seen her on TV, and now that they were finally together, he let it go.

Roy arrived soon after, and they spent the afternoon at Ethan's place. According to Nick, "Only Eric is missing. He's having too much fun in Avalonia and didn't even come home for New Year's." Ethan had prepared a truckload of fireworks and asked Victoria if she wanted to stay and watch. She agreed after thinking it over.

Under the sky full of fireworks, Ethan took Victoria's hand. "I'll have a chance to transfer back next year. Then we can be together."

Victoria looked at him and whispered, "Okay." She hadn't expected Ethan to return before their five-year plan was up. He must have worked hard for this. Both of them prioritized their careers but kept each other in their hearts, staying in touch when they could. This arrangement suited them perfectly.

Ethan gazed into her bright eyes, her thick lashes casting shadows on her lower eyelids, the colorful fireworks reflecting on her face like a dream. He couldn't resist kissing her soft, red lips. Victoria didn't pull away; instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.

The kiss lasted several minutes, and Victoria's face was flushed when they finally parted. Nick, ever the jokester, covered his eyes. "You two have been on and off for years and finally got together! Can you consider my single status? Next time, don't make me witness your PDA!" 

He had been busy setting off fireworks, and when he turned around, they were kissing. So he was just a tool to create a romantic atmosphere? No way, he needed to find his own romance soon.