It was a battle between a former actress and a topical screenwriter; an unavoidable confrontation between two fascinating characters.
The drama between the two piqued the interest of the public. Intrigued, the masses set the Internet into a frenzy with their continuous searches on an array of search engines and social media platforms.
However, only Verona’s photos went viral, featuring her in a disheveled state along with a scandalous post identifying her as an escort.
It was astonishing to see none of Clarissa’s photos published online. In fact, all the news associated with her social media handle (@clarissa.quigley) were entirely removed, be it an image or a post.
That actress was quite popular some time back. She even locked horns with Clarissa and hinted that the latter entertained the unspoken rules in the entertainment business.
Somehow, the table turned, and Verona had become an escort.
To the general public who had been following the gossips, it finally dawned on them that Clarissa appeared to be the one with solid backing.
Some netizens even commented that the big shot supporting Clarissa was the mastermind who orchestrated Verona’s downhill career.
Rumor had it that whoever that had offended Clarissa would face adverse consequences. Remember the award-winning actress, Shermaine Smallwood? She’s behind bars. And Jamie Trudall disappeared completely from the eyes of the public.
The gossips continued to surface… Ms. Grandes, a well-known socialite from D City had it worse. She attempted to win over Clarissa’s beau and landed herself in a family scandal. None of the Grandes was spared.
Many tittle-tattles were discussing how powerful Clarissa’s background was, that one must never offend her.
The comments went on and on…
With all the juicy stories revolving around Clarissa, it did not take long before she became the hottest topic in town.
Yet, canards about Clarissa never seemed to stop.
The woman herself was totally baffled by the news she read online, particularly the part about her powerful backgrounds.
It’s absurd how a petty argument with Verona could generate a ton of nonsense, turning me into someone who’s above the law.
While Clarissa was playing with her phone, a man hugged her from behind and took her phone away. Subsequently, he turned her around and planted a kiss on her lips.
Aroused, he made further amorous advances, translating his lustful desires into lascivious actions. Morning exercise? This will do.
Thereafter, Matthew went to take a shower whereas Clarissa slugged in bed, not wanting to move a muscle.
When he came out from the bathroom, he saw her using her phone again.
“Still reading? Didn’t you say that your eyes are dry and sore recently? Are they any better now?” Words of concern disguised the mocking tone in his voice.
He gestured to confiscate her phone.
She was quick to avoid it. Grinning, she replied, “I was just reading some news. Oh by the way, did you order someone to take action on Verona?”
“Verona? Who’s that?”
He appeared ignorant. Turning around, he removed his towel and started getting dressed.
Clarissa’s cheeks were flushed upon glancing at his naked body. She quickly covered her eyes with her hands.
A sudden silence filled the air. As soon as he put on his pants, he turned around to find his woman laying on the bed, abashed.
Amused, he chuckled softly and approached her. He then leaned over and took her hands away, revealing a bashful face.
“Why are you so shy? There’s nothing you haven’t seen before.”
She felt so uncomfortable to be stared at.
Swiftly, she pushed him away and then propped herself up.
“I was asking you about Verona, the actress who auctioned herself for a day at the charity event. The one who’s quite pretty,” Clarissa changed the topic.
Matthew pondered while buttoning up his shirt. “I can’t recall. Anyhow, I didn’t ask anyone to do anything to her.”
“Huh? It wasn’t you?”
Astonished, she cupped her face and started wondering who else might have helped her.
Her words upset Matthew slightly.
Who else? Does she have that many men?
He reached out and tapped the tip of her nose lightly as he said, “I was just kidding. Who else could it be, if it wasn’t me?”
She arched her brows. Since when did this man like to joke so much?
“You don’t believe me?”
“No, that’s not it…”
She presented her a luring smile. “You’re the best, Uncle Matthew!”
“Uh-huh, aren’t I always?”
He stroked her head gently, smoothed his clothes, and then left the room.
Not an ounce of guilty conscience was felt even though he had robbed others of their credit.
He would never allow other men to stand up for Clarissa and then have her channeled her gratitude toward another person, other than him.
The moment Matthew left Zen Highlands, he queried Donnie right away.
“Check on Verona’s case and find out who did it.”
Donnie already had the answer without needing to check. He was very well-informed about all news revolving around Clarissa because he had been monitoring her team closely. Otherwise, the sensational news on the Internet would not have been deleted in a flash.
He knew about the conflict between Verona and Clarissa, like the back of his palm. Hence, he had prepared an action plan in advance and was ready to execute it at Matthew’s command.
However, Matthew was not aware of the drama between the two girls. Clarissa did not bring it up to him either. As a result, Matthew did not call for an action to be taken even though the team continued to keep an eye on its development.
In conclusion, Tyson Corporation did not make any move. Verona’s fall was the work of Yaala helped by Henry. In addition, Luke also played a part in causing Verona to hit rock bottom.
A glint fleeted across Matthew’s eyes. “Luke?”
What a nosy fellow!
Oh well, Clarissa will never know about his good deed.
“Don’t let Clare find out about what Luke did.”
Donnie was not surprised of that request. “Noted, Mr. Tyson.”
Luke had no idea that someone else had taken credit for his work. Then again, if he wanted Clarissa to know about it, he would not have been so low-key about it.
Meanwhile, Luke was having a great time hanging out with a young girl, drinking. He was often surrounded by attractive girls; some were more gorgeous than Clarissa. As a playboy, he never considered himself becoming besotted with one girl.
It was hard to tell if he had a hidden agenda for helping Clarissa.
The ladies ate, drank, and joked around, pleasing the men while they had a jolly good time being served like a king. They teased and flirted with one another.
Suddenly, the conversation led to Verona.
“Tsk, that woman! Admittedly, she does have a voluptuous body. I wanted to sleep with her initially, but she was playing hard to get. Now? Pfft! I’m no longer interested even if she begs me for it. I wonder how many men that slut have slept with.”
“Hahaha… Look who’s talking? You’re a fool for rejecting what’s been presented on a silver platter for you while insisting to go on a wild goose chase for what you couldn’t get. Are you seriously thinking that those famous actresses are all pure and innocent? They’ve all started with small roles and then slowly climbed up the social ladder. Who knows if they’ve done some sexual favors in exchange for bigger roles? It’s just that no one has exposed their dirty secrets. They’re nothing compared to this fresh, immaculate belle beside me.”
A blush of embarrassment spread across the young girl’s cheeks. She was indeed an amateur, who had just stepped foot into the industry.
Each had their own favorites. Some of these rich playboys liked to toy with actresses.
“Precisely! By the way, I like that popular screenwriter, who’s the talk of the town recently. She’s beautiful and delightfully charming, ooh la la…”
“Screenwriter? Oh, I remember. Yes, that one looks alluring. Why don’t you go ahead?”
“I wanted to, but…”
Smash!
Luke was drinking indifferently. Upon hearing how the two men were discussing Clarissa, he chucked his glass at them. Though it missed the targets, but the two men were splashed all over, shocked.
There was a heavy silence in the private lounge. Luke’s abrupt action thrust him into the limelight.
“Oops, my hand slipped,” he said casually with a skin-deep grin.
Obviously, nobody believed his words.
“Luke, did I say anything wrong and upset you?”
Luke smirked while playing with the hair of the woman sitting next to him. His deep eyes twitched slightly.
“Are you two tired of living?”
“Luke?”
“Don’t you know whose woman is that screenwriter?”
“She’s yours, Luke? No wonder I have the impression that you’re infatuated to her at the charity auction few days back. Haha, sorry, it’s my fault, I totally forgot about that. Rest assured that I won’t comment on her further. However, if you’re bored with the screenwriter, do you think that…”
“Go screw yourself!” Luke cursed.
“Choose your words wisely. If something unwholesome comes out from your mouth ever again, trust me, I’ll make sure it’s sewed shut for the rest of your life.”
A murderous intent appeared on Luke’s face, making everyone present jump out of their skins. The stared at each other and quickly apologized in trepidation. No one dared to utter give another passing remark.
Luke did not bother to explain much, but simply declared, “Clarissa is not my girl. However, don’t cross the line.”
That was a reminder as well as a stern warning.
Subsequently, he left with one of the women.
Dumfounded, his gang exchanged looks with one another. Sipping wine, someone asked softly, “What’s up with Luke?”
“Why is he so protective of the screenwriter if she’s not his woman? Are they related?”
“What nonsense! Don’t we know all of his relatives? Is she a friend?”
“Friend? Have you seen Luke having any friends from the opposite sex?”
“I’m as clueless as you, but it does seem like Luke has fallen head over heels for that woman. Didn’t he go all out at the auction?”
None of the playboys had the slightest idea of what was going on, mainly because none of them knew what love was.
One of the women who was surrounding them longed for true love, but had soon forgotten all about it ever since she became an escort. In fact, she concluded that true love only existed in fairy tales.
She was the only one who could read between the lines that night while the other men were perplexed.
She said directly to the gang, “You guys don’t understand, do you? Mr. Harrison wants to protect that woman even though he doesn’t have her. This is because he loves her wholeheartedly.”
