Chapter 012: Hoping for a Chance Encounter

Gillian’s expression soured at the mention of Seraphina. Why was it that someone like Seraphina could so easily obtain a man like Solas Sterling—someone Gillian could only look up to? If she could become Solas’s girlfriend, her path in the entertainment industry would be so much smoother!

"I’m not in your social circle, so I’m not sure! If no one had mentioned it today, I wouldn't have known! I never thought a man like Mr. Sterling would look for a partner through a blind date."

Tina glanced at her. "To be honest, I never expected him to go on a blind date either. I don't know much about him, but I’ve heard about his achievements. He graduated from Seahaven No. 1 High too. Even though he was several grades ahead of me—he graduated when I was a freshman—he was very famous. Few people from that school don't know of him."

"He built everything from scratch and has such huge success now; he really is exceptional."

"But a blind date... I guess he didn't have a choice. No matter how great he is, he doesn't have deep roots in Seahaven. I heard he’s originally from the Capital and moved here after his family fell on hard times. If he wants to solidify his foundation, he needs to link up with an established Seahaven family. As the top family, the Pierces are undoubtedly his best choice."

"Still, I thought given Sera’s personality, she wouldn't agree..."

Noticing Gillian watching her, Tina gave a shy, slightly embarrassed smile. "I'm a fan, so I think I understand her a bit. She doesn't seem like the type to let her family arrange her marriage, but I didn't expect her to..."

Tina stopped herself, seemingly realizing it was inappropriate to go on. She pivoted: "Maybe Mr. Sterling is just so extraordinary that even someone like Sera was charmed." She took a sip of her coffee and, like a young girl gossiping, glanced around cautiously before whispering to Gillian: "I heard you and your CEO even had a scandal. Is it true?"

Gillian’s face stiffened, but seeing Tina’s "naive" look, she knew the question was unintentional and couldn't vent her frustration. She suppressed her annoyance. "I told you, it was just a rumor. How could it be true?"

"Oh, so it really was just a rumor. I always thought there’s no smoke without fire, so I thought there was something between you. But Gillian, setting aside that Sera is my idol—which makes me a bit biased—I actually think you and your CEO look quite good together."

"One is the CEO controlling half the entertainment industry, the other is a popular star. Both are beautiful and talented. If something were really happening, it’d be like a plot from a TV drama. How romantic!"

Gillian’s hand tightened around her coffee cup. "Don't talk nonsense!"

"I’m not! I’m just telling the truth. It’s just... I only thought you were a good match before I knew my idol had a blind date with him. Now, I’m definitely on my idol’s side. Sera isn't in show business, but her excellence is something even top stars can't compare to..."

Seeing Gillian’s face change, Tina seemed to realize she had misspoken. She quickly explained, "Gillian, I didn't mean anything by that. I’m not saying you aren't great, it’s just that Sera is... well, even more so. Otherwise, I wouldn't be her fan. Please don't be angry..."

"I'm not angry!" Gillian interrupted. Her tone was a bit sharp, which seemed to startle Tina, so she softened her voice. "Sorry, I didn't mean to shout. I just don't like being compared to others. How could I ever be compared to the Great Miss Pierce?" Her voice was softer, but the last sentence was dripping with bitterness.

Gillian seemed to think of something. she looked up at Tina and asked hesitantly, "But I want to ask you sincerely: if Miss Pierce—your idol—wasn't in the picture, do you really think Mr. Sterling and I look good together?"

Tina paused, then smiled brightly and nodded emphatically. "Yes! A perfect match!"

Gillian fell silent, looking down. Tina watched her, seemingly worried she was still upset. Her tone turned cautious. "Sorry, Gillian. I really didn't mean anything. Don't take it to heart. If it makes you uncomfortable, just consider it my biased fan perspective."

"You’re in the industry, so you should understand this kind of fan behavior—thinking your idol is better than everyone else."

Whether the apology worked or the "fan bias" explanation moved her, Gillian looked at her and said, "I understand."

Tina breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "I’m glad. I was afraid you were mad."

"I’m really not." Gillian glanced at her phone. "Sorry, my manager somehow found out our gathering is over and wants me back at work immediately. I have to go."

Tina glanced at the phone in Gillian’s hand and said cheerfully, "That’s fine! Go ahead. Let's meet up another time. I want to sit here a bit longer, so I won't leave with you."

"I'll be going then."

Tina nodded with a smile. The moment Gillian stood up and left, Tina’s smile vanished. There was no trace of her previous shyness or innocence.

She took out her phone and dialed a number. "I agree to cooperate with you. But I want to confirm one thing again: is Solas Sterling truly not just a self-made man with some talent? Is he really the heir to a mysterious family from the Capital?"

A voice, distorted by a voice changer, came from the phone: "I have no reason to lie to you about that."

"Fine, I’ll take your word for it for now. But how come I’ve never heard of an elite family named Sterling in the Capital? You aren't tricking me, are you?"

"Believe it or not, it’s up to you! I made a proposal; I didn't force you to cooperate!" Even with the distorted voice, the other person clearly had a short temper.

Tina was angered by the tone and almost slammed her phone, but she restrained herself. "I have a few more questions."

"I’m cooperating with you for Solas Sterling. What is

your

motive? And who are you?"

"Miss Wu, is your memory failing? Didn't you ask these questions the first time I contacted you?"

"But you didn't answer!"

"Since I didn't answer then, where do you get the confidence to think I’ll tell you now? Cooperate or don't—it’s up to you!"

The caller hung up. Fuming, Tina slammed her phone onto the table, drawing stares from other patrons. She quickly suppressed her anger to maintain her timid image and gave an apologetic smile to those around her.

Gillian hadn't actually received a message from her manager—Tina knew that, but hadn't called her out.

After leaving the cafe, Gillian made a call of her own.

"I’ve decided! I’ll do it. I’ll find a way to sabotage their match. Don't forget the conditions you promised me!"

She had hesitated before because she feared the Pierces and Mr. Sterling, even though the rewards offered were tempting. But now... why should Seraphina have it all while she had nothing? Even that "naive" Tina said she and Solas were a good match if Seraphina wasn't around!

Besides, others were going to deal with the Pierce family and Seraphina anyway. Even if she interfered now, they likely wouldn't have the energy to deal with her. Why not gamble? If she succeeded, she’d get the rewards

and

have Mr. Sterling as her backer. Why not?

Worst case scenario, she was still a top star at J-H Entertainment. The company needed her to make money. Solas and Seraphina had only had one date; they couldn't be that close. Even if he found out, he wouldn't destroy his "cash cow" for a girl he barely knew. At most, it’d be a verbal warning.

Seraphina Pierce dared to warn me in public! Just you wait!

Gillian thought.

You're so high and mighty now, but you don't know people are already plotting against your family. Soon, you won't be the great Miss Pierce anymore! When you fall into the mud, I’ll be the one stepping on you!

Seraphina and Zelda didn't go home immediately after leaving the mall. They found a place for dinner and then, at Zelda’s suggestion, headed to Seahaven’s largest club—

The Dawn.

It was a place of extravagant decadence, yet it bore a name suggesting hope. Seraphina wondered what the owner had been thinking. This was her thought as she stood before the entrance in the evening, looking up at the sign.

At the same time, her feelings were complicated. The owner of The Dawn was mysterious; she hadn't known who it was in the past, but she knew now.

Solas Sterling.

That was the real reason she had agreed to Zelda’s suggestion instead of going home. The Dawn was the entertainment venue Solas frequented most. Perhaps she would see him here.

She wasn't fully prepared to face him, but that didn't mean she didn't want to see him. If they could just run into each other naturally, without a planned arrangement, she wouldn't need to do so much mental preparation...