Chapter 372
Mr. Larry, though of modest stature, bore a genial countenance, reminiscent of a benevolent Buddha. “Milly, you are the first to arrive. Kindly take your luggage inside. We’ll film the introductory segment here, then proceed to the yacht for our survival programme’s live broadcast.”
Milly nodded in comprehension and hefted her suitcase, moving towards the entrance.
Yet Bonnie, with a hint of apprehension, voiced her concerns. “Mr. Larry, this is Milly’s debut in a live variety show. She might need some extra guidance. Could you please look after her?”
Mr. Larry’s smile broadened. “Fear not, Bonnie. As a friend of Director Cameron, you are also our friend. We will ensure Milly receives all the care she needs.”
Bonnie seemed reassured and nodded. She turned to Milly, still harbouring some worry, but Milly preempted her. “Bonnie, don’t fret. I know what to do. You and Joy can head back.”
“Alright,” Bonnie agreed, albeit reluctantly.
Joy, however, stood her ground. “Milly, let me help you with your luggage.”
“No need, I can manage. It’s just one suitcase, and it’s not heavy.”
“But…”
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a flamboyant Mercedes van, which halted before them, spewing exhaust that enveloped the quartet.
The driver, adorned in a pristine white shirt and gloves, exited the vehicle and deferentially opened the rear door.
A slender figure gracefully emerged from the car.
“Long time no see, Milly.”
Look what the cat dragged in.
Descending from the Mercedes was Stephanie, adorned in ten-centimetre high stiletto heels encrusted with glittering gems, a pink strapless high-fashion dress, and her hair styled in luxuriant waves. She appeared polished and exquisite, a stark contrast to the girl who once feigned happiness at the Burnetts’.
It was evident that Stephanie’s life with the Lloyds had been favourable.
Milly cast a discerning gaze over her, undeterred by her arrogant demeanour, and blinked with amusement. “Are you here for a red carpet event?”
Stephanie’s laugh was cold. With the Lloyds now behind her, she no longer needed to feign civility around Milly. Her expression hardened. “Don’t get too comfortable, Milly. I will reclaim everything that was mine, piece by piece.”
Milly stared at her, momentarily speechless. That line had a strangely familiar ring to it!
I think I’ve heard that line before in some TV drama.
If only we could conjure an orchestral accompaniment to this scene! It seemed perfectly suited for such dramatics:
For all the sorrows entwined with love, for every scar carved by hatred, I can no longer discern between the sanguine and the vindictive…
Bonnie remained oblivious to the
tumultuous history between the two women, yet Joy was painfully aware. During their previous film project, this woman had schemed relentlessly to undermine Milly, and now she sought attention once more.
Without hesitation, Joy interposed herself between them. “Ms. Stephanie, this is a production site. Numerous cameras are rolling. It would be wise to mind your words.”
Stephanie’s visage contorted with ire. “You!”
At that moment, another figure alighted from the vehicle, adorned even more flamboyantly than Stephanie, with towering heels and a gown that revealed more than it concealed.
She appeared as if freshly roused from slumber, a hint of drowsiness lingering on her face. “What is the commotion about? Why is everyone congregated here?”
Mr. Larry, who had been standing to the side, swiftly approached, his face splitting into a broad grin. “Ah, Ms. Hannah, you’ve arrived. I’ll arrange for someone to take your luggage inside immediately.”
Milly’s eyebrow arched in recognition. “Ms. Hannah… “
No wonder she seemed familiar. This was the same woman Milly had glimpsed on television, the one who had appeared alongside Stephanie at the Lloyds’ gala, her expression a mask of fury.
Hannah, the elder scion of the Lloyds.
Of course, it all made sense. She had been the sole heiress until Stephanie’s return. No wonder her anger seethed!
Hannah removed her oversized sunglasses, her exquisitely made-up eyes flickering from Mr. Larry to Milly, a glint of animosity sparking within them. Her hostility was so overt that Milly found it inescapable.
Yet, in Milly’s recollection, she had never crossed paths with Hannah. Where did this sudden enmity arise?
Could it be… due to Stephanie?
Hannah’s crimson lips curled into a taut smile, her alabaster finger pointing at Joy standing before Milly. “No need to summon anyone else. It’s too cumbersome. Let her carry it inside!”
Joy looked a little disoriented.
In that fleeting moment, Milly discerned a profound shift in Joy’s demeanour. Her fingers were tightly entwined, her
countenance pallid, and the gentle warmth that usually graced her eyes had
surrendered to an unsettling blend of fear and vigilance.
Did Joy and Hannah share a history? Had some untold incident embroiled them in unspoken enmity? Why did Joy cower in apparent dread of Hannah?
“I’m sorry, but I’m not at your beck and call to carry your luggage,” Joy declared suddenly, her voice quivering with apprehension.
Hannah’s lips curled into a contemptuous smirk, her eyes ablaze with disdain. Swift as a summer storm, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Joy’s face.
The resonant crack of the blow reverberated, plunging the onlookers into stunned silence.
Hannah remained unperturbed, her words dripping with haughty arrogance. “A mere servant dares to defy me? Who do you think you are?”
Joy cradled her throbbing cheek, offering no retort, no movement.
Disgusted by Joy’s perceived insolence, Hannah poised her hand for another strike.
Milly stepped forward with alacrity, seizing Hannah’s wrist firmly, her gaze a warning blaze. “What madness possesses you? She serves under me. By what right do you presume to command her? What entitlement justifies your hand upon her?”
Hannah’s smile held fast, untouched by concern. “Because I can, and it gives me pleasure.”
“You filthy little…
Milly’s fury surged, her grip on Hannah’s wrist tightening as she readied herself to cast aside the audacious intruder. She had encountered arrogance before, but never of this egregious kind!
Sensing the escalation, Bonnie hastened forth, a plea in her voice. “Milly, stay composed!”
Bonnie’s apprehension was palpable. Milly’s burgeoning career hung in the balance. Should any of this spectacle find its way onto camera, it threatened to unravel everything they had strived to build. Moreover, they were no match for Hannah’s influence-a legion of fans who could effortlessly overshadow them.