Actress Verona Seldon remembered who Clarissa was since she met her three years ago.
Not only was Clarissa young and beautiful, but she was also talented, and Verona adored her.
In fact, she was actually jealous of Clarissa. Verona believed she would become more popular than Clarissa as she was younger and prettier.
And she was confident that she would secure the role in the film as no one would play that role better than her.
During casting, the assistant director said that role fitted her like a glove. Even her manager was confident no one could snatch the role from her.
Yet, the production crew eventually dropped her after Clarissa had a chat with the director.
The assistant director later told her manager that the screenwriter thought Verona was not the best candidate for the role.
That was why Verona had borne a grudge against Clarissa since then.
After entering the entertainment industry, Verona had to work extra hard to survive in the industry. Yet, Clarissa easily enjoyed all the fame because of her rumors and had benefitted from the fact that she and Matthew were engaged.
Therefore, Verona’s jealousy toward Clarissa continued to grow.
Just when Verona thought she might not be able to avenge herself, she learned that the Tysons had kicked Clarissa out of the house. That was great! Serve her right!
The only reason Verona bore grudges against Clarissa to this day was that the former was a petty person who refused to move on.
Clarissa had not made a lot of public appearances in the last three years, even though she had won many awards and was becoming more popular. Verona thought that Clarissa must have stayed away from the limelight because she was too embarrassed to face the public.
This was why Verona was surprised to see Clarissa at the auction tonight.
Without a doubt, Clarissa was the star of the night.
This annual mega charity dinner was a prestigious event, which only extended its invitation to A-listers in the entertainment industry. Verona was able to make the list this year only because of her popularity. How did Clarissa, who is a mere screenwriter, earned her spot here? It looks like many of the male guests here have shown interest in her too.
Verona wanted to be the center of attention in the event. That was why she put herself up for a celebrity date auction. Unfortunately, Clarissa had once again stolen her thunder.
Verona’s pent-up anger became even more palpable, and she began to wonder if Clarissa did it to provoke her.
On the other hand, Clarissa thought Verona was mad at her for not offering her the role. She did not know what was going through Verona’s mind at all.
Anyone would be easily offended by the remark Verona made, but not Clarissa.
Clarissa responded with a calm smile, ignored her, and continued talking to Yaala.
Though Verona was not exactly an A-lister, she had risen to fame in recent years, and everyone would care for her feelings and would not dare to offend her. Upon seeing how Clarissa gave her the cold shoulder, Verona was hopping mad.
How dare she snub me? She’s just a screenwriter! Does she really think all the men here find her attractive? She’s nothing but an old hag! With her beauty and capability, Verona believed she had the upper hand here.
Instead of leaving, she stood still and took a sidelong glance at Clarissa. “Did you just ignore me, Ms. Quigley? Do you really still think you’re married into an affluent family?”
“I know that you’ve fallen from grace, and you’re embarrassed about your past, but you’ll still have to accept the reality,” Verona continued to sneer, “I feel sorry for you for pretending to be all high and mighty. Since you’re still young, I think you should move on and accept the fact that there’d always be women around Mr. Tyson. Why won’t you take this opportunity to get over your shameful past?”
Clarissa had never come across someone as stupid as Verona.
Well, Mimi would still take the cake, but this Verona is definitely a close contender.
How did someone like her can become so famous? I’m surprised she hasn’t made any enemies in the industry.
While Clarissa continued to look at Verona with a corner of her lips quirked up, Yaala gave the woman a disdainful look. “I know your manager, Maxdon, very well. Did he not teach you how to keep your mouth shut if you wish to have a fruitful career in showbiz?”
The color instantly drained out of Verona’s face after being reprimanded by Yaala.
Verona had been in the industry for several years, and her disrespectful behavior earlier clearly showed that she was getting too full of herself.
“You’re very experienced in the industry, Ms. Zaha, but there’ll always be newcomers who would take over your position in the industry,” Verona scoffed, “And just to make things clear—I came over to talk to Ms. Quigley. There is no need for you to get involved.”
In other words, Yaala was just a busybody.
Yaala let out a cold snort and was ready to retaliate. “You!”
“Ms. Zaha,” Clarissa stopped her. Yaala then looked at her. Knowing that Clarissa could handle the situation, she decided to take a step back.
“So what do you think Ms. Quigley? Are you not gonna heed my advice and try to marry into another rich family?”
Verona had finally gotten on her nerves. Clarissa would have let her off had Verona stopped harassing her in public.
Clarissa shook her head, walked up to her, and whispered, “You better stop what you’re doing right now. Otherwise, you’re just gonna make a fool of yourself.”
Instead of leaving, Verona responded with a mirthless laugh. “Well, thanks for your lovely ‘advice’, Ms. Quigley.”
Clarissa gave her a smile. “Would you heed my advice, though? Do you know what you did today might cause you to lose opportunities in the future?” she warned, “By the way, are you and Ms. Zaha from the same company?”
Yaala immediately denied it. “Our company would never take in someone as stupid as her. She belongs to Dashon Entertainment.”
“Dashon? Mr. Holland’s Dashon Entertainment? I know him. In fact, I’ve met him before,” Clarissa said.
Varona laughed and said, “I’m sure Mr. Holland knows a lot of people. You’re probably just one of his many acquaintances. I believe I know him better than you.”
“Oh,” Clarissa responded nonchalantly, “Well then. I thank you for your suggestion. You have a good night’s sleep, okay? I’ll prepare something special for you tomorrow, and I hope you’ll like it.”
With that, Clarissa turned around and left with Yaala.
Verona looked at their backs and sniggered as she thought she had successfully intimidated the two women.
You are nothing but two blo*dy old hags!
While she was celebrating her so-called success, she did not realize someone had been observing her.
Joshua snorted and said, “What’s wrong with that woman? Is she stupid? Which company does she belong too, and who invited her here? Her face looks weird. She must have gone through a lot of plastic surgeries. How dare she step on Rissa’s toes? I’ll not let her off…”
Joshua continuously mumbled in frustration. Luke, who stood next to him, went deep in thought. She looks familiar. Have I slept with her before?
Did she not know Clarissa has a close relationship with Ryler? Ryler could easily teach her a lesson if he wants to. What a dumb-ass.
Jeremy and Yarick, on the other hand, could not stop giggling after watching how the drama unfold. But no one knew what was on their mind.
Meanwhile, Verona still continued to bask in the glory and enjoyed all the guests’ attention. I wonder what special surprise Clarissa has for me tomorrow.
Halfway through the auction, Clarissa had a chat with Olive. When prominent figures started coming to talk to Olive, Clarissa decided to make a move.
She knew it was inappropriate for her to hog Olive as the big shots wanted to have conversations with the critically acclaimed artist.
Clarissa put on her coat and walked out of the hall. Since Joshua would have to stay back to accompany Olive, Clarissa thought of leaving with Yaala.
But it seemed everything that had happened tonight was against Clarissa’s plan.
By the time they arrived at the foyer, they saw Henry’s car. Of course, he came for Yaala.
Luke, Jeremy, and Matthew had also parked their cars near the entrance, alongside two other men who bade for Clarissa’s painting for a high price.
Yaala could not help but chuckle upon seeing all the men there.
Clarissa was rather embarrassed, and her mouth could not stop twitching. She took a glance at Matthew, who was sitting in the car. He put on an intimidating look and winded down the window.
Is he trying to make peace with me by giving me that shitty attitude?
“Get in. I’ll drive you home.” Jeremy was the first person who made the offer while the rest waited for Clarissa to make a choice.
Clarissa got into Jeremy’s car and did not utter a word.
Jeremy smiled, waved at the other gentlemen, and drove off.
Luke took a glance at Matthew’s car before driving off.
Clarissa choosing Jeremy over the others was the most appropriate decision she could make at that point. Once the car hit the road, she turned to him and said, “Thank you.”
Jeremy raised his brows and grinned, “Don’t thank me. I feel sorry for Matt. I can’t believe he’s throwing tantrums like a teenager.”
