Chapter 2

In the car, my agent, Miss Clark, asked me, "It’s serious. I don't know why you're so calm. Is it really true that you are the real daughter of the Jones family?"

Facing my agent’s persistent questioning, I merely smiled lightly and said, "Miss Clark, don’t take it seriously."

"Stop beating around the bush."

Miss Clark was aware of my background and gave me a frustrated look as if disappointed in my carefree nature, and continued, "But if you had known your identity earlier, you wouldn’t have suffered so much these past years. These paparazzi dig up information without considering your feelings, just wanting to ride on the engagement buzz between the Bower and Jones families to make a quick buck!"

Miss Clark habitually spat, trying to ward off the bad luck. She then asked me, "So, since Adrian and Dorothy's engagement is set, what’s your next step?"

I sank into the comfortable seat, my lips curving slightly as I spoke in a nonchalant tone, "Break up with him, I guess. I’m tired of it anyway."

Hearing this, Miss Clark couldn’t take it as lightly as I did, and became restless. "Is it you who’s tired, or Adrian? You need to think carefully. What you're losing isn’t Adrian, but the resources and connections he provides!"

Miss Clark sighed, patted my shoulder, and comforted me, "But, I had foreseen this day coming, and fortunately, we have our own plan. As long as you handle things well with Adrian, make a clean break, and he doesn’t play dirty behind your back, we shouldn’t end up worse off than before."

Miss Clark still stood by my side.

I smiled and nodded, looking out the car window at the bustling streets.

Memories vividly resurfaced in my mind. I met Adrian on such a blurry, lit-up night.

Back then, I was vying for the role of an insignificant side character, and after drinking an entire case of liquor with some investors, who were old lechers, I was throwing up over the washbasin in the restroom.

Adrian handed me a tissue. His voice was cool and carried a naturally noble and disdainful arrogance. "Jessica? Is it worth demeaning yourself this much for such an insignificant role?"

I looked up at him.

I saw in his stark, clear eyes, a cold incomprehension evident.

He simply couldn’t understand why someone would torment themselves for a chance to climb higher. In his eyes, I was the type who was both hypocritical and extremely utilitarian.

I washed my face and said expressionlessly, "It’s none of your business."

As I walked back, I heard him chuckle softly behind me, his laughter tinged with faint mockery.

When I returned to the room, I heard others calling out "Mr. Bower". Turning around, I realized he had followed me in.

Adrian walked up to the biggest investor and casually patted him on the shoulder. The investor politely gave up his seat to him and stood aside, signaling the waiter to bring an extra chair and set of utensils.

Adrian sat down, lit a cigarette, and looked at me leisurely, his gaze mocking.

He took an empty glass and said, "I’m thirsty."

Everyone there was sharp and noticed Adrian’s gaze on me, urging me to pour him a drink.

I deliberately grabbed a bottle of strong liquor, filled his glass to the brim, thinking to myself, “Let’s see if you’ll get drunk.” Adrian, however, handed the glass back to me, his tone leisurely. "Miss Nash, I’m not thirsty anymore. You drink it for me."

At that moment, my heart skipped a beat as I realized this was his trap.

Everyone stared at me, and if I defied him, all the effort I made that night would be futile. He was so domineering, making it clear that my efforts were nothing in the face of status and power.

Right in front of him, I downed the glass of liquor to the last drop.