Chapter 373
Bonnie grasped the full weight of the situation keenly. In the realm of entertainment, reverence for hierarchy held utmost sway. A clash with Hannah today could render even the Burnetts’ patronage inadequate amidst the perilous currents of showbiz.
Joy seized Milly’s sleeve urgently, her eyes shimmering with beseeching hues. “Milly, let it pass. I’ll handle it, no trouble.”
Milly’s countenance flared with ire. She acknowledged Bonnie and Joy’s goodwill, yet Hannah’s lofty demeanour kindled a fury uncontainable within her.
Hannah swiftly freed herself from Milly’s grip, lightly tapping the suitcase with nails painted in deep crimson. “If you’re going to work, hasten your steps. Time is fleeting.”
With that, she strode indoors on lofty heels, her bearing akin to a triumphant cockerel.
Mr. Larry appeared stunned by Hannah’s audacious conduct. Despite being the visage of their programme, he dared not confront her. Their modest variety show relied heavily upon her following.
Thus unfolded the way of the world of entertainment-prestige dictated verity.
“Er, yes…” Mr. Larry stood awkwardly in place. “I’ll assist with the transport. Together, swiftly shall we proceed.”
He sought a nonchalant air, yet beholding Hannah’s vast trunks, his smile waned. This was no holiday jaunt but a survival
challenge. Laden with such baggage on a desolate isle, it was nought but an onerous burden.
Clearly, the doyenne of the silver screen harboured distinct plans.
In the denouement, the Lloyds’ chauffeur bore one, Mr. Larry another, Joy took her own, and Milly grasped the smallest. Bonnie aided Milly graciously.
Stephanie, exhibiting a rare moment of tact purely out of the fact she could not do as she pleased given her tenuous standing following her recent return to the Lloyds, carried her two cases.
One might deem a lone suitcase manageable, yet the path from courtyard to threshold was bedecked with stones- charming, yet arduous for those burdened.
By the time the stalwart Mr. Larry reached the portal, he panted heavily.
Beyond the yawning door, Hannah reclined elegantly in the parlour, sipping tea with legs crossed. Upon sighting them, a flicker of disdain marred her delicate features.
It appeared as though the act of hauling her luggage by these she deemed were mere peasants. was tantamount to a grievous affront…
Ha!
Milly erupted in a fit of exasperated laughter, her tongue flicking over her lips with a trace of mischief in her gaze. Gradually, she slackened her hold on the suitcase and delivered a fierce kick.
Bang! Clang!
The resounding crash seized everyone’s attention.
But now, Milly’s countenance betrayed no trace of ill will; instead, it wore an expression of panic and dismay as she clasped her hand over her mouth, tremblingly uttering, “Oh dear, I’m terribly sorry! It was an accident-I inadvertently dropped Ms.
Hannah’s suitcase into the drain. What shall we do now?”
The layout of the dwelling appeared rather rudimentary, suggesting the former inhabitant had never intended an extended stay, thereby economising on various aspects.
Notably, adjacent to the door lay an exposed drain. Coincidentally, recent heavy rains had left it brimming with water. Upon its descent, the suitcase, yielding to gravity’s sway, began its gradual submersion.
“Pfft…” Bonnie could not contain her amusement, erupting in laughter at Milly’s side.
She well understood Milly’s penchant for appearing as a harmless little lamb, but she was actually hiding a lion beneath. She would not brook any strongarming.
At the sound, Hannah stormed forth, her countenance flushing green with wrath upon spying her luggage’s descent into the doorstep drain. Clenching her teeth, she fixed a glare upon Milly. “This was deliberate, wasn’t it?!”
Milly sniffled woefully, blinking innocently, and responded with a pained expression, “How could it be deliberate? I genuinely meant to aid Miss Hannah. It was truly an accident!
“Very well then, to atone for my lapse, let me transport another for you, Ms. Hannah!”
With that, she naturally relieved Joy of her suitcase and endeavoured to hoist it indoors.
Yet scarcely two paces in, the suitcase once more cascaded into the drain in identical fashion, accompanied by Milly’s theatrical cry, “Oops! My apologies once more, Ms. Hannah, I seem to have suffered a sudden cramp in my hand!”
Hannah fixed Milly with a gaze pale with fury, her desire to devour her adversary palpable. “You wretch!”
With a swift motion, she poised her hand to strike Milly.
Milly intercepted her hand deftly, eyes narrowing slightly. Her voice carried a blend of earnestness and jest. “Ms. Hannah, it was a mere slip of my hand that led your suitcase into the drain. I cannot promise my grip won’t falter again. Who knows, I might inadvertently send you into that tainted water!”
Hannah’s countenance shifted. “Are you issuing threats?”
“Guess.”
The uproar outside drew the attention of Director Cameron, the director engrossed in adjusting equipment. Absent any arrivals, the escalating altercation at the entrance prompted his emergence. “What is the matter? Why is there a blockage at the door?”
Bonnie, acquainted with Director Cameron, seized the moment to speak up in Milly’s defence. “Director Cameron, observe what occurred. Milly sought to aid Ms. Hannah with her luggage, yet the terrain proved challenging. Regrettably, the suitcase slipped into the drain.”
Director Cameron, discerning the situation wasn’t as straightforward as presented, opted for a facade of ignorance. “Ah, if it was accidental, let us disregard it. I’ll arrange for the retrieval of the suitcase. Those not involved may return. Our artists must prepare for forthcoming interviews.”
“Very well.”
Observing Milly’s steadfast stance, Bonnie felt reassured. It signified she wouldn’t yield easily. After entrusting Milly with the suitcase, she gave Joy a few instructions and departed with her.
Hannah simmered with rage, yearning to dismantle Milly. Yet, she refrained from instigating a confrontation before Director Cameron. She quelled her fury with effort.
Wait and see-opportunities would arise. Hannah vowed to exact retribution on Milly!
Milly sensed the menace but shrugged indifferently. She dismissed Hannah, seeing her as no threat-a mere girl without fortitude.
She was absolutely ineffectual.