Chapter 6 Trip to Kangster
918 Words
"Um…" Maddie hesitated.
And Cartland stepped in front of Merissa and said firmly, "To my knowledge, what Merissa is saying is accurate." His gaze then slid from Maddie to Richard.
Richard also kept his eyes on Maddie, waiting for what she would say next.
Maddie's eyes reddened as she retorted, "But Mr. Narth, surely you don't need to defend someone as rude and uncouth as her?"
Maddie still believed Merissa had seduced Cartland with her looks and body, which drove her to make the most unpleasant comments possible.
Cartland raised an eyebrow, surprised to hear his family referred to as rude and uncouth. He was impressed by Merissa's ability to blend in.
He was about to reveal his identity, but Merissa subtly signaled him not to. She didn't want to expose Maddie's lies now, because she already had a plan to let everyone know about Maddie's ugliness.
So, Cartland responded with a snort, "Cause I indulge her. Do you have a problem with that?"
Maddie's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe that Cartland was staunchly defending Merissa!
Richard was equally stunned. It became clear to him that this man might have genuine feelings for Merissa.
As tensions mounted, a familiar voice called out from a distance. "Cartland? Merissa? There you are."
Following the voice, Maddie gasped in shock, her eyes widening as she recognized the speaker.
"Isn't this... Edgar Mortiz, the famous director? He's here? Oh my God, I can't believe I'm seeing him!" Maddie exclaimed.
Maddie was set to play a part in Edgar's next project, but her role was unimportant, so she hadn't had the opportunity to meet the director in person.
Trying to sound sweet and demure, Maddie greeted him, "Mr. Mortiz."
Edgar frowned, clearly annoyed by the overt flattery. Then, he turned to Merissa and Cartland instead. "Let's go, my esteemed guest and brilliant lead actor."
Wearing a genuine smile, Edgar replaced his cold demeanor toward Maddie with visible respect and hospitality as he led Merissa and Cartland to a private VIP dining room, which was accessible only to major shareholders of the restaurant.
As Merissa was about to sit down, Edgar eagerly moved to pull out her chair and poured her a glass of wine. After receiving a polite nod of thanks from Merissa, he relaxed and sat down.
"I've always heard Cartland speak so highly of you." Edgar began, admiration evident in his voice. "He said his sister was both beautiful and capable. Now, I can tell you've lived up to your reputation! To be so young and already the head of Kangster Films, the No. 1 in the industry, is truly impressive!" He had always admired young people who made names for themselves, which was why he liked Cartland and Merissa.
"Thank you. I also admire your work, so I'm very keen for Kangster to invest in your new project," Merissa responded.
Edgar had known Merissa and Cartland's identities for a long time, and appreciated their powerful family backgrounds, which only increased his respect for their relentless drive to start their own business.
From a distance, Richard and Maddie, along with others, although unable to hear the conversation, were stunned by the scene. It was normal for Cartland to be respected as the lead actor, but Merissa's reception was puzzling. Being Cartland's date couldn't earn her respect, but there didn't seem to be other possibilities...
Maddie was seething with envy, almost suffocating from her jealousy.
Why? Why was Edgar so dismissive towards her yet so attentive to Merissa?
Maddie wanted to seriously hurt Merissa but had to maintain a weak facade due to the influential crowd around her.
Her eyes welled up as she lamented. "I'm sorry, Richard, it's my fault. But I never imagined Merissa would have such deep connections with so many prominent men."
Her words implied an accusation of impropriety against Merissa.
Richard stared at Merissa, now confident and vibrant when talking to Edgar, a stark contrast to the woman he had known.
"Looks like your wife has kept many secrets from you," Harold commented.
"What secrets could she possibly have..." Richard muttered irritably,"She's just a gold-digger who'd latch onto any man for money."
Harold squinted thoughtfully. "Really? Doesn't seem like it to me."
Richard frowned, countering, "Then what else could it be? She doesn't have any significant background."
Every mention of "Merissa" by Richard grated on Maddie. A hint of malice flashed across her eyes.
She was determined to exact revenge, not only to secure her marriage with Richard but also to drive Merissa out, like a rat in the trap. She would definitely make this happen!
However, Maddie knew now wasn't the best time for revenge. She had to wait for the right moment. Adjusting her emotions, she resumed her role as a damsel in distress, clutching Richard's sleeve tightly. "Merissa has misunderstood me, and now she's also in Edgar's good graces. I guess my acting career is over, isn't it? What should I do, Richard? I'm really scared..."
Richard rubbed his temples and finally said, "It won't come to that. I know Edgar values talent above all."
Seeing Richard had failed to get the hint, Maddie gritted her teeth and laid it out. "But I'm still worried. Richard, if I could just get an opportunity with Kangster Films... I'm sure you can help me, right?"
Beholding her meek demeanor, Richard’s tone softened greatly as he rubbed her head, "Don't worry, I have connections. Tomorrow, I'll take you to Kangster Films to discuss a collaboration."
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