Chapter 5 Lurking Dangers
1047 Words
Richard and Merissa's eyes met.
Richard's gaze was a mix of fury and admiration, but Merissa's was filled with disdain and disgust.
Encountering Richard and Maddie here was the most detestable moment of her day.
"A face-off, here we go!" Harold remarked gleefully.
"Yeah, and Richard's got a tough competitor this time! After all, that guy is a wealthy, good-looking celebrity!"
"How do they even know each other that well? the Merissa that we had always underestimated has now suddenly become the companion of a celebrity, and they even look good together!"
Richard felt his friends' chitchat was just noise. He had eyes; he could see for himself!
His anger was raving, breaths coming in heavy. He then slammed his glass on the table so hard that it cracked.
Seeing Richard's violent mood swings because of Merissa made Maddie grow even more jealous and resentful, though she maintained a facade of innocence and friendliness. "Richard, should we say hello to Merissa?"
As Maddie spoke, her gaze involuntarily drifted towards Cartland.
She understood the value of this man all too well. Despite his celebrity facade, rumors had it he was the eldest son of the Narth family and behind the industry powerhouse Kangster Films which was known to dominate the entertainment industry, and just being associated with it could secure endless resources, ensuring her career soared.
Maddie couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. "Richard, Merissa and Mr. Narth seem unusually close. Could it be that Merissa had planned your divorce in advance? Did she dress so seductively just to meet him?"
Richard's face turned even more livid.
So, Merissa couldn't wait to divorce because she had already found the next golden goose?
How dare she commit marital infidelity when he hadn’t even signed the divorce papers yet!
He stood up abruptly and strode towards the duo. Overjoyed, Maddie smiled and followed him. "Richard, wait for me..."
Richard blocked their path, tugging at his tie irritably. "Mr. Narth."
Cartland stopped and looked at the man who had hurt his sister, his expression indifferent. "Mr. Adler."
Maddie hurriedly stepped forward. "Mr. Narth, I'm Maddie."
She seemed to deliberately modulate her voice to sound sweet, which caused Merissa to cringe in disgust.
Cartland frowned slightly. "Sorry, I don't recognize you."
Maddie's smile froze, her face turning red and then pale; this was the first time she had been snubbed by a man, especially in front of so many familiar faces.
But a moment later, she forced a smile, knowing this man was a resource she could never attain in several lifetimes. "Mr. Narth, we have a collaboration coming up later."
Cartland remained indifferent. "We'll talk later then."
Merissa couldn't help but snicker, admiring how her brother managed to dismiss with such finesse.
Cartland's indifferent responses were embarrassing for Maddie, but considering the potential resources, she didn't give up. "Mr. Narth, you really have a sense of humor. I'm actually a big fan of yours; can we take a picture together?"
Finally showing signs of impatience on his icy face, Cartland replied, "Ms. Ford, you'll have to ask my partner. If she agrees, I'll do it; if not, sorry."
He gestured to Merissa, wrapping an arm around her, and whispering in her ear, their stance intimate.
Merissa played along, leaning into him, all soft and delicate.
Seeing this, Maddie could no longer maintain her smile. Richard couldn't hold back his anger and blurted out, "There's no need to target Maddie. Also, what exactly is your relationship?"
Merissa's expression turned cold instantly. Though she left him without hesitation, her heart ached from seeing the man she had loved repeatedly defend his mistress. "Richard, get this straight. Your little lover is the one who threw herself at Cartland. Nobody is targeting her! And my relationship with Cartland is none of your business! We're divorced now, remember? And as for the reason, I think everyone here is well aware of it. Oh, by the way, why haven't you signed the divorce papers yet?"
Mentioning the divorce reason only fueled Richard's anger, his mind momentarily crashing. When did Merissa become so sharp-tongued? He couldn’t think of anything to say back to her. Damn it!
But Maddie was preoccupied with something else. Richard hadn't signed that divorce agreement yet!
Did Richard not want to sign? Did he still have feelings for Merissa?
Maddie looked at Richard, her eyes filled with pain and helplessness, but Richard was too distracted by his thoughts to notice. He was busy figuring out how to salvage his bruised ego. Finally, he managed to respond, "Fine... You're quite something! You have got some nerve to judge me when you have hooked up with another man as soon as you asked for a divorce!"
Merissa retorted sharply, "Look who's talking. You were the one cheating during our marriage!"
Her words turned both Maddie and Richard's faces crimson. It was true; everyone knew about their adulterous relationship.
Someone in the crowd couldn't help but laugh out loud.
What a splendid exchange!
"No, that's not it!" Maddie protested. "Merissa, you must be misunderstanding me and Richard..."
Merissa cut her off, "Doesn’t matter to me. Besides," she eyed the necklace on Maddie's neck, a token Richard had given her to signify their bond,then showed an enigmatic smile. How bold Maddie was! Maddie took away her necklace and still dared to appear in front of her wearing it! Simply challenging her! What would happen if Richard knew her true identity?
Next second, without hesitation, Merissa came up to whisper to Maddie, "is that necklace really yours? Did you and Richard actually have a past?"
Maddie's face turned pale. What? The necklace? What had Merissa found out, and how?
Had Merissa discovered that she had never actually been a co-victim with Richard in the kidnapping? She had always concealed the truth so perfectly, that even Richard had never doubted her. How did Merissa figure it out?
Must know, Richard always accepted her love because she had this necklace! If he found out that she was not the owner of the necklace, he must definitely leave her!
One question led to another, filling Maddie with fear and making her feel exposed.
At this time, Richard also came forward and asked, "Maddie, what's happened? What did she say to you?"
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