Chapter 422

Samuel's heart tightened. Before he could say another word, the elevator doors opened to reveal a woman, instantly making the atmosphere tense. It wasn't just any woman—it was Aurora. Shelmaine didn't want to see her, but she felt sympathetic at the sight of Aurora's frail figure and pale face. Without hesitation, Shelmaine averted her gaze, stepped into the elevator, and stood in a corner. Naturally, Samuel stood beside her. He looked straight ahead as if he was oblivious to Aurora's presence. The latter stood there motionless, showing no intention of leaving. Inside the elevator, everyone was lost in their thoughts. The confined space magnified even the smallest of gestures, especially Samuel cautiously holding Shelmaine's hand. His loving and tender gaze never left her. Shelmaine was calm and composed. Though she didn't struggle, she didn't spare him a glance either. Evidently, she was the more dominant one in their relationship—not in terms of personality, but emotionally. Aurora noticed everything and took it all in. After all, the glass elevator walls clearly reflected Samuel's facial expressions. As the elevator reached their floor, he held Shelmaine's hand and stepped out first. But just as they did so, Aurora rushed after them and blocked their way. Spreading her arms, she stared at them and said, "Mr. Hasting…" Shelmaine spoke before Samuel could respond. "You two talk. I'll wait for you in the car." Her words were directed at him. He held her hand tightly and refused to let her go. He turned to Aurora and snarled, "Didn't I tell you to get lost? Why are you here again?" "I didn't want to do this, Mr. Hasting, but I had no choice. I'm begging you—please just help me one last time…" Aurora's gaze was fixed only on Samuel. Desperation had made her track down his schedule and find him. "There's nothing I can do about your issues. Stop bothering me." His face darkened as he became impatient. He knew well that Shelmaine was displeased by this matter. Though nothing substantial had sparked between Samuel and Aurora, there was no denying that he had boosted her to stardom back then. He couldn't afford another mishap after finally getting Shelmaine to change her mind. As if on cue, tears immediately streamed down Aurora's face. "Mr. Hasting, I know I shouldn't have come, but I'm left with no other option. "All my endorsements have been canceled, and I'm facing huge penalty fees. I'm begging you, Mr. Hasting. Please let me survive…" "It's none of my concern," Samuel replied coldly. "I've already let you off once, and you schemed against me again. I'm already being kind by not ruining you. Besides, I've told you that you're on your own now—don't come harassing me." Unable to listen any longer, Shelmaine chimed in and said, "I'm not interested in getting involved in your issues, Samuel. Handle this yourself. I have other things to do, so let go of me." He tried reasoning with her. "Honey, don't be mad. It's not what you think." "I'm not thinking about anything. You can't sort out your own mess, and now you're dragging me into this. How ridiculous of you, Samuel." As Shelmaine spoke, she yanked her hand free. "I'll wait for you in the car. Settle your problems on your own." She then left without another word. Samuel was visibly impatient. "Aurora Kaiser, how many times do you want me to say this? You're the one ditching all your chances. "Don't think I'll give you another one. I have nothing to offer you, and I'm asking you to leave me alone." His harsh words left no room for further arguments. Aurora replied, "Mr. Hasting, don't you have even the tiniest bit of feelings for me? What about when we had…" "Stop dreaming. There were no feelings—absolutely none at all. Don't you ever show up in front of me again." Meanwhile, in the car, Shermaine scrolled through entertainment news and came across articles about Aurora. It turned out that her fan base had collapsed, and she had offended her sponsors. Many of her endorsements had been terminated as well. Aurora's past scandals had become trending topics. There was news of her being a diva, badmouthing her peers, or underpaying her assistants. The exposés were undeniably thorough and detailed—there were even articles about her cyberbullying behavior during her student days.