Chapter 2

It was blatantly obvious that Raymond was aroused by the sight of Tiffany in lingerie. Samantha felt a chill wash over her, her body trembling uncontrollably. It was as though her heart was being ripped to pieces. Raymond entered a secluded backstage lounge, which was beside the changing room where Samantha was getting ready for the next photoshoot. Only one wall separated them. His low voice rang out. "I only became the agent for that bitch from the Norton family because I had no choice. Who would've thought the daughter the Nortons favored would have the surname Jensen and not Norton? If I hadn't mistaken Samantha for her, I wouldn't have missed out on so many years with Tiffany." A round of laughter came from several unfamiliar male voices on the other end of the phone. "Wow, Raymond. You're the precious son of the Goodwin family from Salthor. Have you forgotten that the reason you joined the entertainment industry using your mother's surname was because you wanted to prove you were capable? Since you like Tiffany, why not just invest in her and win her heart?" "That's right! If you like her so much, just confess. Why bother with being Samantha's agent? She was kicked out of the family long ago—she's no longer a Norton. I heard that Tiffany has it rough at the Norton residence because of that bitch." Raymond let out a soft cough and responded in a low voice, "I know. Tiffany is the daughter of the Norton family's driver, and they adopted her only because they pitied her. But with how petty Samantha is, if I rashly start pursuing Tiffany, she's bound to give me trouble. "That's why I have to deal with Samantha first. Only then can I boldly start pursuing Tiffany without worry." The men on the other end of the line instantly clamored. "Who would've thought that you, Mr. Iceberg, would melt for Tiffany? And here I thought you would've fallen in love with Samantha, considering how you're by such a gorgeous woman's side every day." "Right? Everyone in the industry knows that Samantha is gorgeous. Even now, there are capitalists from Juxberg wanting to woo her…" Raymond scoffed coldly. "Me, falling in love with Samantha? As if! She's nothing but a slut who had a roll in the sheets with a random man on her 18th birthday. How could such a filthy woman possibly compare to Tiffany?" "Then doesn't that mean your investment and support over the past few years were a waste?" When Raymond heard that question, he answered in an icy tone, "No. The higher she climbs in the industry, the harder she'll fall. Isn't that even better?" Samantha shrank back in a dark corner of the changing room. Every word out of Raymond's lips morphed into daggers stabbing into her heart. In that instant, the love she had kept hidden for seven years swiftly dissipated. Back in the present, Samantha snapped out of her thoughts and pressed the button for the elevator. When she arrived at the underground parking lot, she noticed Raymond's sports car parked in a corner. The vehicle was swaying violently, and the windows were fogged over. Besides that, the distinct sound of a man's rough panting and a woman's sweet moans reached her ears. Samantha froze on the spot, her vision slowly blurring. Suddenly, through a gap in the window, she spotted a pale wrist glinting with the shine of diamonds. It was none other than the gift she had bought at an auction for Raymond when she was in Merlaia half a year ago for an audition—a ten-million-dollar customised diamond bracelet. Now, it was adorning Tiffany's wrist. How very ironic. When Raymond heard her approaching, he rolled the window down slightly to peek out. His fringe stuck to his damp forehead. The darkness and fog vaguely concealed his familiar features from her, but they failed to hide the panic that crossed his face at being caught. The moment he raised his head and locked eyes with her, the atmosphere around them seemed to freeze. Raymond abruptly snapped his head around and swiftly hugged a slender figure closer to him. His movements were quick and practiced, almost instinctive. Samantha stared at the face buried into his chest, with only a hint of fair shoulders exposed. Just that sight was already enough to drive another dagger into her heart. She was more than familiar with Tiffany's face. A mocking smirk curled her lips, even as she dug her nails into her palms so hard that blood welled up. The pain was nothing compared to what her broken heart felt like. Awkwardly clearing his throat to conceal his embarrassment, Raymond said in a hoarse voice, "Why… are you here?" He tried to pretend to be calm, yet the smell coming from inside the car and the fair figure he was hiding made it obvious what had went on. Samantha noticed how his eyes were shifty and his tone distant. Yet, he tightened his grip on Tiffany and moved to protect her better. Was he afraid she would hurt Tiffany? "Why can't I be here?" She slowly took several steps closer, the sound of her heels clacking against the concrete startlingly loud. When she arrived at the car window, she paused and looked down at him. "There's a press conference tomorrow morning. Attend it with me." Raymond's expression changed as his brows subconsciously furrowed. A hint of impatience and rejection flashed past his eyes. "I'm busy tomorrow," he replied. After all, Tiffany had finally agreed to watch a movie with him tomorrow, which was a rare thing. "Oh?" Samantha nodded, her gaze indifferent. "That's a pity. I heard that Mr. Lund would be present." Raymond paused, visibly surprised. "You mean the man who received the best director award this year?" "Yes," she answered placidly. "Tiffany has been desperately wanting to star in Mr. Lund's new film, hasn't she? Didn't she say she was even willing to take a cameo role without any lines? If you go tomorrow, who knows, you might be able to snag her the role of lead actress." There was a beat of silence before Raymond raised a brow and said, "Alright, I'll go with you." Samantha couldn't help but smile self-deprecatingly. For Tiffany's sake, Raymond was even willing to agree to go to a movie press conference, something he absolutely hated. He didn't even care that he had to attend it with the "slutty bitch" that was Samantha. The past year, he had been willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of paving the way for his beloved. Samantha turned to leave, suddenly feeling exhausted, both mentally and physically. Since all the people around her couldn't help but wish for her to disappear, she would oblige them. She wondered how long Raymond's love for Tiffany would last once he found out she and Hector were also in an ambiguous relationship. … The next day, the media reporters were a veritable wall of cameras and microphones at the press conference. Dressed in an ivory white gown, Samantha walked out from backstage. Her delicately made-up face made her appear youthful and in her prime. Her appearance instantly drew the attention of everyone present. The spotlight focused on her as she stood in the middle of the stage, her gaze firm and calm. It was as though the agony and heartbreak that tormented her last night were simply a thing of the past. In the next second, there was a stir in the crowd. "Who's that?" "Is that Tiffany Jensen? Why is she here?" Samantha tilted her head slightly to look in the direction the media reporters were staring. Tiffany strutted into the venue in stiletto heels, her crimson gown lending her the air of a lead actress from a movie. She appeared gentle and graceful, yet also delicate and endearing. There, standing beside her, was none other than Raymond in a sleek suit, a cool expression on his face. They looked like a match made in heaven. Raymond was whispering something into Tiffany's ear, causing her to purse her lips into a shy smile. After the press conference, the media reporters and the special guests lingered in the event hall. Simon Lund was surrounded by investors, each eagerly currying his favor in hopes of securing an audition opportunity for the lead actress role in his new film. Eyes flashing at the sight, Samantha headed over with a glass of champagne in hand. "Mr. Lund, I have someone I would like to recommend to you." Upon hearing that, Simon paused briefly before turning to look at her in surprise. "Oh? Aren't you interested in the role yourself?" Shaking her head, Samantha explained that she wasn't suited for such a role. Then, she beckoned for a young woman standing off to the side to come over. The young woman had sweet features and a composed air around her similar to Tiffany's, but she was younger, more beautiful, and more innocent. "This is my junior. She's the most talented student the film academy produced this year, and she truly does have a knack for the big screen!" "Is that so?" Simon shot the young woman an interested look. Samantha chuckled and took the younger woman's hand, adding, "Her temperament and character are quite suited for the role of the female lead. You can test out her acting skills right now. I assure you, you won't be disappointed." Raymond, who had been standing nearby, instantly frowned, his expression darkening. He snapped at Samantha impatiently, "Are you so bored that you're stirring up trouble?" "I'm just letting talent speak for itself. Is there a problem?"