As the movie became a hit, Clarissa was invited to attend the celebratory party by Justin.
In a large private room, the film crew, Clarissa and family, as well as their friends were all there celebrating. Therefore, it was packed to the brim.
Other than the main actors, Clarissa was the one who attracted the most attention.
“Here comes Mr. and Mrs. Tyson. Until now, both of you are still trending online. In fact, I suspect that you intend to enter the showbiz by publicly displaying your affection…”
Henry was in a good mood today. Evidently, his relationship with Yaala was progressing well.
Hence, he was quick to tease the couple.
However, Clarissa didn’t take it lying down. She countered with a smile, “Mr. Jackson, you should take your hands off Ms. Zaha’s waist before saying something like that. Have you forgotten that you were spotted staying overnight at her place? Don’t you need to deal with the controversy?”
“Oh, Ms. Zaha, I wasn’t talking about you, just Mr. Jackson,” Clarissa added, rubbing it in.
Yaala didn’t seem to be bothered by the banter, as if she had nothing to do with it at all.
She shrugged her shoulders. “Mmm-hmm, I understand.”
Henry felt abandoned. “Yaala, you were the one I spent the night with…”
“Hahaha… Mr. Jackson, you accused me of flaunting my relationship. Aren’t you doing the same?”
Everyone burst into laughter and took a drink. Only then did they change the topic.
The only one missing from the celebration was Shermaine. Lucky for her, the producers kept her scene in the movie. In fact, the screening of the movie had generated some publicity for her.
Many netizens, especially her fans, looked past her character flaws and complimented her acting.
However, there were also those that weren’t willing to give her a chance because of her crimes.
Despite reading the comments, Clarissa wasn’t bothered by them. She was just surprised that someone would bring up Shermaine at the event.
“I just saw her a few days ago and wonder if she intends to reenter the showbiz. Even if she intends to, who would want her? She is a murderer. Do you know how terrifying is that? If you’re not careful and had somehow offended her, you might be killed…”
“Stop exaggerating. Can’t you give her a chance to turn over a new leaf? Furthermore, she wasn’t the one that did the deed…”
“Tsk-tsk, aren’t you being too forgiving? Are you not afraid? Enough, let’s not talk about her anymore. She has made a lot of enemies of the guests here…”
The group even snuck a glance in Clarissa’s direction, thinking that she didn’t hear them. In truth, they spoke so loudly that everyone around them did.
Humans were always hypocritical. The more they assumed they were gossiping discreetly, the more suspicious they actually looked.
Feeling amused, Clarissa let out a smile. Matthew, who was chatting with Jeremy, turned around and glanced at her.
He asked, “What are you smiling at?”
“Why do you care? Stop watching me all the time, you should continue chatting with your friends.”
After that, Clarissa got up and walked toward Justin and Yaala. Her purpose today wasn’t just to celebrate, but also to talk about work.
Meanwhile, Matthew’s gaze would follow Clarissa wherever she went. No one noticed in the beginning. But after a while, it became obvious enough.
“Matt, can you be more reserved? Haven’t you seen her enough at home?”
Jeremy couldn’t resist teasing him. They only have eyes for each other and no one else.
Stretching his legs, Matthew broke out into a smile. “It will never be enough.”
“Tsk-tsk…”
Everyone within earshot rubbed their arms when they felt goosebumps all over.
“Matt, how did both of you maintain your relationship to the extent you can still make us cringe? Do you really like her that much? Don’t you ever get tired of her?”
Raising his eyebrows, Matthew’s gaze darkened. “Why should I?”
Jeremy and the others were stumped when Matthew threw the question back at them.
He really does live in a different world from us. Doesn’t everyone get tired of their partner after being together for a long time? Why does he even need to ask? It’s self-explanatory, isn’t it?”
However, Matthew’s question had demonstrated to them that such thoughts never crossed his mind.
What is he thinking?
After all, it was always hard to see things from another’s perspective.
Matthew was essentially a loyal man. Therefore, he would never get tired of Clarissa.
Evidently, these two men had very different attitudes toward women. Hence, they would never be on the same page.
Meanwhile, Clarissa was aware that Matthew was looking at her. But, she didn’t mind as she was just too busy to do so.
“Director Yates, I would like you to be the producer for my movie. Although it’s still in the early stages, I wanted to invite you to do so first. That way, it will give my confidence a needed boost.”
Justin replied with a smile, “Of course, I can. After all, I don’t have much on my plate lately.”
“That’s wonderful, Director Yates. With you behind me, I will have the courage to go ahead with the movie.”
“Clarissa, can I be the female lead then?” Yaala remarked jokingly.
However, Clarissa responded with an awkward expression.
“Ms. Zaha, I can’t afford you.”
Despite telling the truth, she had another reason not to. Her intention was to find someone younger to play the role.
However, it would have been rude to be candid about it.
“I’m just kidding. In fact, I don’t even dare commit as it’s your directorial debut. But, if you need me for some minor roles, just let me know. I’m more than happy to help.”
“Thank you, Ms. Zaha.”
Consequently, Clarissa achieved her objective today. Justin not only agreed to be her producer, but also offered to lend her his team.
Late in the evening, Clarissa had too much to drink as she was overjoyed at the progress.
When it was time to leave, she giggled non-stop in a drunken stupor with Matthew holding her in his arms.
Just when Matthew helped her in the car, she grabbed onto him at once. Clawing her way around, she hugged him tightly and refused to let go. As their car was on its way out, everyone was amused by how domineering she was.
“I’m surprised to see Clarissa being more dominant than Matthew.”
Meanwhile, Matthew liked it when she was woozy.
Whenever the alcohol got to her head, she would behave more passionately, just like a sexy and adorable kitten. It was certainly a great way to spice up their relationship.
Therefore, while they were still in the car, Clarissa took the initiative and rode on his lap. She kissed him incessantly as if she was a nymph let loose.
“Hubby, Uncle Matthew, Mr. Tyson, hehe… how would you like me to address you?”
Clarissa’s dreamy eyes were mesmerizing to look at. A single glance or breath from her was enough to cause Matthew to stiffen up.
Meanwhile, she teased him mischievously without a care for what the consequences were.
With his hands caressing her neck, he replied with a husky voice, “You can call me anything you wish.”
“Hehe… in that case, I’ll call you Old Man!”
Matthew’s lips twitched before placing his hand behind her head and kissing her passionately.
During a time like this, idle chatter was meaningless. It was better that they didn’t waste time and get right down to business.
Right after Matthew’s car left, Shermaine stepped out of the club.
Her friend who was beside her advised, “Shermaine, forgive me for being blunt, but isn’t it better that you take over the family business? After all, it really isn’t easy for you to re-enter showbiz. Even if you did, you will not be able to reach the heights of your previous popularity. Isn’t it obvious that they want nothing to do with you when they didn’t invite you to the celebration? Also, many in the circle are close to Clarissa and would definitely not want to offend her. In that case, who would dare hire you?”
Shermaine wasn’t angry about it. After a brief silence, she simply smiled.
“You’re right. I’m not really harboring any hopes too. Anyway, I’m just happy to catch up with you today.”
Her friend couldn’t help but sigh when she saw the state Shermaine was in.
“Shermaine, I didn’t expect you to have changed so much. You… have become calmer now. However, don’t be too hard on yourself. You come from a good family, and showbiz is a messy industry, to begin with. I think you should go back to running the family business. I’m really envious of that…”
Shermaine shook her head. “Mmm-hmm, I understand. Anyway, I need to take my leave now. Shall I get my driver to send you home?”
The friend shook her head. “Thanks, but there’s something else I need to do.”
With that, she turned and walked back in. However, Shermaine didn’t leave immediately. Instead, she waited for a while before following her.
“Haha… is Shermaine finally gone?”
“Yes. The way she thinks is ridiculous. Does she still think she can still make it in showbiz after going to prison? Damn it, she was never this naive. Did she hit her head in prison?”
“Haha… she has probably lost her mind. Just now, she even smiled at me and thanked me. Tsk-tsk, to think that she used to be a b*tch to everyone. F*ck, she is a criminal for goodness sake. Does she still think she’s a famous actress?”
“Sheesh, what a shame. Given that her family is rich, she can still be a boss even if she is no longer an actress.”
“So what? It’s just a small company. Don’t forget there’s still bad blood between her and Mrs. Tyson. If Mrs. Tyson wants her down, all it takes is a snap of her fingers. By then, it would be interesting to see how she ended.”
“Enough, it’s bad to gossip so much about her. Her life has been miserable enough, and yet, we are kicking her while she’s down…”
“So what?”
“… this is just too much fun! Hahaha…”
Everyone in the private room laughed heartily as they weren’t aware that Shermaine was standing at the door. Despite being humiliated by their words, she maintained the smile on her face.
For the entire session, they never stopped gossiping and ridiculing her.
If she hadn’t been interrupted by her ringing phone, she would likely have stayed and listened further.
