SELENE WOODS

CHAPTER 13

I chuckled, slightly amused - Even his 'partners' would claw at his flesh if it meant gaining more profits.

Really..... Jason didn't have one good comrade on his side. Just the same self centered, cunning folks.

I snapped out of my thoughts, "What did you find out about Irina's current situation?"

" Not much, she's said to act in a new novel - movie adaptation." - She paused, downing another sip from her cup." I also heard that it's one of the famous director, Shawn Mendes ' project. Some are even speculating that it would be a hit at the box office this year. "

" Though famous for his block buster movies, but his character is quite questionable..... "

I dropped my pen, making a soft click against the glass table." How do you mean? "

"I really can't place my hands on it, but i'm currently digging up some dirt on him." - Silence hung between us for a moment.

" Selene, tell me...you aren't really trying to take them both on, are you?" - Rachel queried, her sharp eyes fixated on my face.

I sighed, my silence confirming her doubts.

" You really have gone crazy. Do you know how risky and hectic it is dealing with those two malicious people at once?" - She exclaimed, her voice trembling with worry.

I clasped my hands, fingers intertwining. Eyes lost as i stared down at nothing in particular, my heart heavy, "I do!!. But i also can't take the risk of letting one loose." - It's best to break them apart at the same place.

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"Next up is the Reighler acquisition bid. Please step and place your bids." - The hostess stood next to a small box, her polite voice echoing as she directed every candidates with the same professional smile.

I picked up the file which had been laying right next to me, giving it one last review before walking upstage. The soft melody of my heels clicking against the tiled floors filled my ears, my expression remained cold and emotionally detached as i walked past a couple of Candidates discussing without a further glance.

Yet, my eyes roamed the crowd for a familiar profile, a particular someone i had come to loathe with my being - Jason. How exciting would it be if i could just lay my eyes on that perforated scumbag. But then again...... He's no where to be seen.

I sighed, slipping the thin file through the slight gap at the top of the box.

"Thank you, ma'am." - The hostess bowed, still wearing that same, polite smile that seemed to have been practiced over a thousand times.

I nodded, turning away as i gradually returned to my original seat. A small, weighing , feeling of disappointment pressing against my chest. Flipping my eyes, i caught a glimpse of his familiar figure standing far off at the end of the hall.

His tall frame was surrounded by other business moguls, his handsome features twisting in a professionalized smile as he engaged the men in various discussion. None of which i could hear, judging by the long distance between us both.

He paused, raising his head briefly, his grey eyes lingered at no one in particular. Then he lowered his eyes, continuing the previous talk. I smirked coldly - Nothing had changed about him.

He was still that cold, egoistic and domineering person, two years hadn't changed a damn about him - That black hearted bastard.

But that worked fine by me, afterall, the bigger his ego.....the harder the fall. That was true reward of revenge, a sweet taste - having to watch him crumble in my hands as i shattered his pretty little delusions.

I averted my gaze, watching as others took turns submitting their bids.

"Attention, please. Now that everyone has successfully submitted their bids, i'll like to ask for every candidates to on standby as the committee would be reaching a consensus and the results will be announced today." - The hostess announced.

Majority lingered, but i slipped out, hoping to have a breathe of fresh air. I sat on a wooden bench, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin. The breeze carried a faint scent of lavender, while i stared at the scenic, bright skies. My phone trilled, the familiar ringtone catching my attention.

"Hello....?" - I picked, sparing no time to glance at the caller id.

"Selene, my hunch was right!!." - Rachel spoke, her voice filled with excitement and disdain. "That Shawn guy is a shady piece of work, right now... I've got a whole load of crap on him ."

I raised an eyebrow, my heart unfazed. I stared at my polished fingernails for a while, feeling not a bit amused.

The entertainment industry was a s**t hole to begin with - Old scandals,new schemes, i wasn't new to any of them. Each method far disgusting than the former, but when exposed.... could ruin an actor's reputation, and he'll be on a down slide for the rest of his life.

"Have them all emailed to me, i'll take a look at them once i'm done." - I paused , my eyes lingering on Jason's approaching figure. " The nastier, the better."

I hung up, taking deep breaths. Was it too early for an ex - reunion...?, guess a confrontation was inevitable at this point.

I sat still, my hands clutching my purse with sheer excitement. What would i tell him if he came close..?. Or would hitting him right off the bat be suitable for the occasion?.

I turned, glancing over my shoulders - He ought to be able to see me from here, was he looking this way...?.

I hadn't even had enough time to tinker things out when my vision went black, like someone had wrapped a thick,warm cloth over my face. A faint scent of caramel filled my nostrils, accompanied with a touch of tobacco - A strange combination, but i couldn't resist taking sniffs of it.

We remained like that for a while, then the cloth slipped and my world felt much brighter. A small note fell into my thighs, an elegantly curved handwriting shone - [Sorry for my inappropriate behavior. Thought you'd be needing some help.]

I.....was..... stunned.

I stood, anxiously searching for that figure but there wasn't a single soul that i could see. So what exactly was that person...?.

"Ma'am, the results are about to be announced."

I turned, staring at the petite lady clad in a red hostess suit. Confusion flickering in my eyes, " You said what?"

" The awarding ceremony, it's.... it's started." - She stammered out a reply, her eyes warily staring at my figure.

" Oh!!" - I exclaimed, having a grip of my thoughts.

"I'll lead you in." - The hostess proposed, taking the lead. I trailed behind her, gripping my purse while my fingers dug into my palms.

" Forget about that person...... there's a much more bigger fish to fry."- I mused softly, re-affirming my stance.