Chapter 8
The banquet that day went relatively smoothly overall.
I closed several new deals and stayed busy with work, traveling across the country on business trips.
It wasn’t until half a month later that I learned about what
happened afterward from Sara.
“Everyone felt so awkward that day. Jasmine didn’t get the
supporting actress role in the end, and she was so furious that she moved out of Ethan’s rented apartment.”
Sara took a sip of her coffee and lounged comfortably on the sofa.
She casually opened the hand cream I’d brought back from
France, applying it while sharing the gossip with relish: “But she
didn’t break up with Ethan. He really loves her–even though he knows Jasmine is a gold digger, he’s working himself to death
buying her luxury goods.”
I had just finished replying to a client’s message and answered offhandedly, “What else? Should we expect him to admit he was
blind before?”
Sara burst into laughter.
Suddenly remembering something, she sent me a few photos.
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Chapter 8
I never expected a rich kid to fall this far and couldn’t help exclaiming, “Talk about dedication!”
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Sara sighed, “To support Jasmine’s entertainment career, Ethan works four jobs a day. I heard his mother got so angry she fell ill several times and even wanted to sue Jasmine to get the money back. But Ethan stopped his mother, saying no matter what kind of person Jasmine is, he just loves her.”
I got goosebumps listening to this and said helplessly, “Well, I hope he gets what he wants.”
“Actually, no! According to reliable sources, Jasmine has already hooked up with another man.”
Sara added through a mouthful of dessert, “My friend saw Jasmine with some pot–bellied guy at several parties. Apparently, he’s a web series director with a terrible reputation. His character might be questionable, but he’s definitely made good money lately.”
I didn’t pay much attention to what she said after that. A client called, so I got back to work.
Three hours later, I saw Sara off-she’d had a great time at my place.
Then I got into my Maybach and headed to an evening gathering.
I’d heard about an excellent movie script. 2/5
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However, I never expected that halfway through the gathering, when I went to the restroom, I’d accidentally run into Ethan.
He was trailing behind a group of men, hunched over and carrying a briefcase as he scurried along.
After he finished fawning over them and saw them off, he finally
let out a deep breath and straightened up.
Then he wearily rubbed his lower back.
His once well–fitted shirt now hung loosely on his frame.
He’d lost so much weight that even his cheeks had hollowed out.
I was about to look away and leave when he spotted me.
“Ms. Sinclair, long time no see.”
His voice was hoarse, his tone humble and cautious.
I ignored him and went straight back to my private room.
My gathering ended at ten PM. After seeing off the other guests, my driver brought the car around, but just as I was about to get in, someone grabbed the car door.
Ethan had been waiting outside for me.
Iraised an eyebrow and asked curiously, “Do you need
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Chapter 8
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A flash of shame and regret crossed his face. Finally, his face flushed red as he stammered, “Could you lend me some money? The doctor says my stomach condition is getting worse, and if I don’t get treatment, it might turn into stomach cancer.”
I asked in surprise, “You’re working so hard–why don’t you even have money for medical treatment?”
Ethan froze for a moment, then smiled bitterly, “Well, Jasmine’s acting career requires a lot of money.”
Looking at his obviously thinning hair, I remained perfectly calm, even thinking he deserved it.
Ethan felt deeply disappointed. He waved his hand, about to flee in embarrassment, when a couple emerged from the nearby hotel.
It was Jasmine and that middle–aged director, fresh from their
rendezvous.
Jasmine hadn’t noticed Ethan was there and was still begging the
director to kiss her.
They looked like a real–life Beauty and the Beast.
Ethan obviously saw them too.
He stood frozen in place as if struck by lightning.
before anyone else could react, he suddenly lunged at the
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director.
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Unfortunately, the director was quite robust and didn’t budge- instead, he slapped Ethan across the face.
Ethan was sick and clearly no match for the director, getting knocked to the ground immediately.
Jasmine was too scared to step forward and only focused on comforting the director before they quickly left.
Ethan lay there on the sidewalk, surrounded by tissues the director had used to wipe his hands before tossing them aside.
He was semi–conscious, blood trickling from the corner of his
mouth.
I looked away and settled into the back seat of my Maybach.
“Let’s go home.”
As the car slowly pulled away, Ethan’s figure in the rearview mirror grew smaller and smaller until it finally disappeared into the night.
B
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