Chapter 184
Leanne’s gaze snapped up to the head table as she caught the movie star’s eyes fixed in her direction.
Curtis’ deep voice rolled out lazily, “Made up your mind? I only take people I know well to meet her.”
Gritting her teeth, Leanne hesitated for a few seconds. Idols were her world, and if she passed up this opportunity, who knew if she’d ever get another chance?
She put down her fork and stood up.
Tonight, Leanne was just another face in the crowd, and compared to the dolled-up celebrities and social media darlings, her simple black dress seemed understated.
She wore a turtleneck sweater that embraced her shape perfectly, completed with a velvet skirt, elegant and reminiscent of a black swan.
Curtis’ arm slipped naturally around her waist, escorting her towards the head table. With their steps in sync and silhouettes matching, it was clear these two were no strangers.
They left behind a table full of people immersed in a gossipy and awkward atmosphere.
Joy reveled in the discomfort of others, grinning cheekily at Lisa, “Yes, she’s the ‘ugly wife’ you were talking about. Quite hideous indeed, just about a million miles prettier than you, I’d say.”
Lisa was shocked.
“You know Ms. Watson?” Leanne was full of questions now.
She had seen Curtis talking to her just moments ago.
“Not really, met her for the first time today,” Curtis explained, “She’s Tina’s aunt.”
Not many were privy to Larissa’s background, and after all, the Richardsons and the Watsons of Northbridge were almost in-laws once, so they knew of each other’s family ties.
Leanne hadn’t expected this connection and felt a twinge of regret.
If Phillip’s marriage to Ms. Watson hadn’t fallen through, she might have had the chance. to meet Larissa sooner.
But…
“How did you know she’s my idol?” Leanne asked in confusion.
Curtis’ eyes crinkled with a teasing smile, “You were delirious with a fever, clutching her poster and calling it ‘Mom. Forgot about that?”
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Chapter 184
Leanne’s face flushed, worried he might spill her secrets in front of the star, “I didn’t have a picture of my mom at that time, and don’t you go spreading that around.”
“I won’t if you do something for me in return.” They were almost at the head table, and everyone, including the star, was watching their approach.
Curtis, ever the capitalist, had set the trap, and now, as Leanne stepped in, he was ready to renegotiate the terms.
“Leanne, let’s make a deal.”
She should have known he wouldn’t be so kind-hearted. Realizing too late that she had fallen into his trap, Leanne now locked eyes with the star, who was smiling warmly at her. Too late for second thoughts.
A bad premonition washed over her as she tensed up, “What do you want?”
Curtis’ voice was a low murmur, meant for her ears only, “I’m allergic to the city hall and divorce, so don’t ever bring up those words around me.”
After he spoke, Curtis gently nudged her forward, and like a duck being led to water, Leanne found herself face-to-face with Larissa.
Larissa was easygoing, reaching out with a smile, “Anne, is it? Nice to meet you.”
Distracted by Curtis’ cunning and faced with Larissa’s resemblance to her mother, Leanne felt an emotional lump forming in her throat and her eyes getting misty.
Larissa knew her name and even called her Anne.
Leanne, both nervous and elated, shook her hand. Larissa’s slender, delicate hand felt so
much like her mother’s.
As emotions swelled within her, Leanne almost blurted out, “Mom…”
A flicker of surprise crossed Larissa’s eyes.
The others at the head table looked on in astonishment.
Leanne nearly bit off her tongue in embarrassment, wishing she could vanish into the ground and never emerge.
Curtis, briefly taken aback, chuckled and stepped forward, his hand steady on Leanne’s waist, calmly covering for her, “Sorry about that. She just wanted to take a picture with
you.”
“Of course. Let’s do it.” Larissa extended her arms and called her assistant over, “Take a picture for us, will you?”
Leanne’s awkwardness eased.
She stepped closer, and Larissa wrapped an arm around her shoulders in a warm, familiar
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gesture, “Let’s add each other on social media later. I’m in Stonebridge for a bit of work, staying for a few days. Let’s plan a dinner.”
Leanne nodded eagerly, but at the crucial moment, stumbled, “I didn’t bring my phone.”
“No problem,” Larissa said, “Curtis can send me your contact later.”
Once the photo was taken, the hosts discreetly added two chairs to the table, inviting them to sit down.
Leanne, clearly out of her element in such a high-profile setting, was about to decline.
Curtis pulled her in close, deftly excusing them, “Her friend’s waiting for her over there, so we won’t disturb you all anymore.”