Chapter 7
Seeing Andrew hesitate to say anything, Yedda pinched Tracy, who immediately burst into tears in her arms.
“Tracy, don’t cry; it’s my fault for not being able to cure your illness,” Yedda said.
With a sigh, Andrew finally nodded. “Alright, I’ll introduce you to him.”
After dropping Yedda off, a storm of anger brewed inside Andrew as he headed home. When he arrived, the servant informed him that Rachel hadn’t returned yet.
Having never experienced such humiliation, Andrew felt his blood boil. He tugged on his tie in frustration.
“Maybe I should call Mrs. Zevon…” the servant suggested hesitantly.
“Don’t. Let her make a scene; I’m curious to see how she’ll handle it in the end,” Andrew replied coldly.
The servant, scared to breathe, quickly backed away.
By the time of the charity banquet, Rachel still hadn’t shown up, and Andrew was fuming inside.
On their way to the banquet, Yedda sensed something was off and cautiously asked, “Andrew, do you think Rachel is mad? Maybe I shouldn’t go, or how are you going to explain it to her?”
“What’s there to explain? Just ignore her,” Andrew shot back.
‘Let me see what stunt Rachel is pulling this time. Divorcing me? How dare she!‘ he thought.
They arrived at the banquet, where a row of limited–edition sports cars were parked at the entrance. The venue buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses, and everyone dressed to impress.
In her million–dollar gown, Yedda wrapped her arm around Andrew’s, beaming as they stepped inside, eager for the admiration of the crowd.
With her years away from the screen, she wanted to show everyone how attractive she still was.
This charity event was organized by Jonathan Lane of the Lane Group and his wife, Lisa.
The two of them had met as ordinary people but had built a solid relationship through the years. They were an admirable couple in the circle.
As Yedda and Andrew flaunted their presence, Yedda didn’t notice the sideways glances directed at them. She thought the crowd was marveling at her looks and figure.
‘I shot to fame and won the Best Actress award at such a young age. Which one of them is better than me?‘ Yedda thought to herself.
There were some newcomers in the entertainment world, including some rising stars. Yedda looked at them with imperceptible disdain.
‘Looks like each generation is worse than the last. Do these ugly women call themselves ‘stars‘? What a joke!‘ she thought.
She scoffed inwardly but kept her cool on the surface.
A nearby woman with wavy hair and an outlandish accent remarked, “Who’s that over there? She looks so cocky.”
“Can you blame her? She’s got her arm hooked around Mr. Zevon, the head of the Zevon family,” another chimed in.
“Mr. Zevon? Isn’t he married? I heard his wife is Rachel Sampson, a stunning and talented woman. That woman over there has no shame!” said another voice.
“Yeah, but no one cares about morals anymore. It’s all about who can sleep with the rich guy. I guess she has her own way.”
The group of women raised their glasses in agreement, sharing knowing glances. Their expressions spoke volumes.
While others‘ expressions were subtle, Lisa’s tone was anything but pleasant as soon as Andrew and Yedda walked in. “Who’s that woman with Mr. Zevon?” she asked pointedly.
“That’s Yedda, the former Best Actress who married and moved abroad a few years back,” someone replied.
1/3
Chapter 7
Why is Andrew hanging out with someone like her?‘ Lisa wondered. The Lane and Zevon farnilies had a complicated history, and if it weren’t for Andrew’s grandfather, Lisa would have already ordered Yedda to be thrown out.
But Yedda approached with a raised glass. “Mrs. Lane, it’s been a while. You look just as stunning as ever,” she said, clearly buttering her
- up.
Lisa didn’t hold back her irritation. “Friendship based on looks fades when the beauty fades, where as friendship based on virtue lasts forever,” she shot back.
Even Yedda, who was not exactly well–educated, understood the meaning hidden in Lisa’s words–she was nothing but a pretty face.
Yedda didn’t forget about her goal. She had come to find herself a sponsor. I know why Lisa disdains me. She’s jealousy of my looks, she thought.
Yedda managed to suppress her anger and replied calmly, “You’re right, Mrs. Lane. That’s why you and Mr. Lane have such a wonderful relationship. It’s a kind of happiness many of us envy.”
Her flattery was impeccable, but for Lisa, everyone stifled their laughter.
‘I didn’t expect her to really have a few tricks up her sleeve. Looks like Rachel has got a competitor, Lisa thought to herself.
Like most charity banquets, the proceeds from the auctions were going to charities. The event went smoothly, raising a substantial amount of money, and the journalists covering it were full of praise.
Suddenly, a reporter in the corner received a signal. He rushed forward with a microphone and boldly asked, “Mr. Zevon, is this lady the former Best Actress, Yedda?”
The moment he asked, the other reporters held their breath. “Talk about a bold move!‘ they thought.
Lisa was struck with shock. Ever since Andrew showed up with Yedda, she’d instructed the reporters not to report on Andrew and Yedda to avoid trouble.
Not waiting for Lisa’s guards to intervene, the bespectacled reporter continued. “They say your wife is both beautiful and talented. Though she keeps a low profile, I believe you two have a daughter. So, is Yedda your mistress?”
Gasps echoed through the room, especially from Yedda, who was hidden behind Andrew.
Grabbing Andrew’s wrist tightly, she whispered, “Andrew, please help me! I don’t want to be mistaken for a mistress; it could ruin my career.”
The reporter didn’t seem to realize how out of line he was. “Mr. Zevon, why aren’t you saying anything? Should I take it as an admission that Yedda is your mistress?”
“What? So she really is a mistress? I heard Mr. Zevon and Mrs. Zevon grew up together, but look what’s happening now!” someone said.
“That’s not the point. Yedda won the Phoenix Award, Drake Award, and Soaring Cloud Award and was once the Best Actress. How could she stoop to being a mistress?” another chimed in.
“Exactly! If she hadn’t taken a break from acting, she would’ve achieved even more. What a shame.”
Yedda felt overwhelmed by their whispers. Like a frightened bird, she nestled closer to Andrew.
With a quivering voice, she pleaded, “Andrew, I’ll explain everything to Rachel later. I’m willing to apologize, even kneel if I must.”
‘Would she care?‘ Andrew thought, holding his breath for a few seconds. He knew Rachel’s personality; she wouldn’t back down so easily. Maybe this would force her to come back.
Taking advantage of the situation, Andrew pulled Yedda closer and declared in front of the crowd, “She is not a mistress.”
“So, that means you and Rachel are divorced?” the reporter pressed.
Before Andrew could respond, Lisa’s guards moved in and ushered the reporter out.
What had started as a calm evening suddenly turned chaotic at the mention of Andrew’s divorce.
Women who had previously disdained Yedda now flocked to her, raising their glasses and attempting to cozy up with her, showering her with compliments that made her pleased.
2/3
On her way to the restroom, Yedda was stopped by the reporter. “I did as you said, Ms. Zorn. Please pay the final amount as agreed.”
Yedda was confused. “What do you mean?”
“Are you going back on your word? The final payment is 60 thousand dollars. If you try to skip out, I’ll expose what you did,” he warned and stepped out, leaving no room for Yedda to explain.
Yedda was confused. She turned to see Lisa watching her from behind.
