Chapter 5

Serena's POV

The charity gala was held at a manor hotel. In the banquet hall on the first floor, light and shadow interlaced under the crystal chandelier.

When Chloe appeared on Julian's arm, she instantly became the center of attention. A group of socialites and artists from the circle consciously gathered around.

"Chloe, Mr. Sterling is too good to you! You're the first in the world to wear this haute couture!"

"Yeah, I heard a few days ago abroad, to snatch this pink diamond necklace from a certain European financial tycoon, he stayed up negotiating with them for three nights straight and even got a stomach ulcer?"

So, he suffered like that to get the jewelry for Chloe...

Chatting about this, Chloe's eyes even reddened.

"Don't mention it, my heart aches so much. But I just said I liked it, and he..."

"He clearly loves you so much he doesn't even want his life."

The few of them offered compliments all at once, and someone even sneered a glance at me.

"Some people, wearing a bunch of out-of-season rags from five years ago, think they've changed their status. In reality, they're not even fit to tie Chloe's shoes!"

I glanced at the dress on my body; it was something Julian had his assistant prepare casually.

I pinched my fingers tightly.

Halfway through the banquet, Chloe took a fancy to the global spokesperson position for an international top luxury brand.

But it just so happened that the president of that brand was a notorious pervert. Holding a wine glass, his eyes roamed unscrupulously over the female artists.

Chloe pouted, tugging at Julian's sleeve.

"Julian, I really want that endorsement. If I don't get it, the momentum for my debut will be weakened by a lot."

With just one sentence, Julian privately sought out that Mr. Wallace himself.

"Mr. Wallace, name your price. As long as you can give the endorsement to Chloe, you can pick any of Starlight's resources."

The man opposite laughed with a pfft.

"Mr. Sterling, you should know my rules. I don't lack resources. It's just that drinking alone has been too boring lately, and I happen to be short of a beauty to keep me company. How about this..."

When I went to the restroom, I accidentally overheard their conversation at the corner.

"Your wife is quite pleasing to my eyes. If she can keep me company for a few drinks alone, I'll sign that endorsement right away."

Julian's face sank.

"I'll think about it."

At that moment, I felt as if I had fallen into an ice cellar.

What did he mean... he'll think about it?

That Mr. Wallace was a notorious playboy in the circle. Rumor had it he had a kink for spiking drinks; none of the female artists he set his sights on could escape unscathed.

My body trembled faintly, and I turned to leave quickly.

But not long after, in a corner of the banquet hall, I was grabbed by someone.

"Serena, there's something I want to discuss with you."

Julian paused, eagerly handing me a glass of wine he had mixed himself.

"You've seen it too. Chloe's condition has been much better lately. As long as we secure this endorsement, she can completely establish her footing, and she won't bother us anymore in the future. It's just... Mr. Wallace specifically asked for you to drink with him today."

"He said that as long as you're willing to go to the VIP room and have a drink with him, the endorsement can be signed to Chloe. You see..."

"Impossible!"

I suppressed my trembling and shoved him away.

"Julian, what do you take me for?!"

Immense bitterness washed over my heart. I tried to suppress the surging emotions and drank the fruit wine in my hand in one gulp as if to vent.

But just as I walked out of the banquet hall, my brain suddenly felt a hazy dizziness, and my whole body fell backward uncontrollably.

There was something wrong with that glass of wine...

As my consciousness blurred, I vaguely felt Julian catch me. His murmuring voice was stifled with reluctance.

"I'm sorry, Serena, this is the last time. I promise it's just having a drink, and I'll be guarding the door for you."

The VIP room door was heavily shut, and I opened my eyes in the overly glaring lights.

I was lying on a wide leather sofa. That pot-bellied Mr. Wallace was rubbing his hands, approaching with a face full of lecherous smiles.

A chill instantly swept through my whole body.

I panicked and curled up my body, but my weak covering was useless, and the feeling of powerlessness all over made me unable to get up.

"Miss Serena, you are so beautiful, even more alluring than on the screen."

The man pounced on me with evil intentions, his thick, fleshy hands reaching to tear my skirt.

"You pervert! Get away! I'm calling the police!"

I screamed in despair.

"Oh? Are you going to report me? Or your husband?"

The man sneered.

"This room was personally booked by Mr. Sterling. It's nothing more than having you sleep with me in exchange for an endorsement. After all, I promised Julian I wouldn't hurt you. But if you have other needs, I..."

"Get away!"

At that moment, I could no longer hold back my tears.

I mustered all my strength to grab a bottle of wine on the table, smashed it hard against the corner, and held a sharp piece of glass against my own neck.

"Don't come over! If you come any closer, I'll die right here! Then Starlight Entertainment and your brand will both be tied up in a wrongful death lawsuit!"