Chapter 11: Playing Roles and Power Plays

Chapter 11: Playing Roles and Power Plays

It might have been the overpowering presence of Chairman Harrison, but the female model was very tense and her movements were quite stiff. Emily had taken several shots, but none seemed right.

With no other option, Emily set down her camera and continued to coach the model to help her find the right feel.

Seeing his wife so actively teaching another woman how to seduce him, Ethan couldn't help but frown. "Miss Alisa," he said, his tone heavy, "Why don't you demonstrate it yourself?"

The atmosphere immediately turned awkward.

The room felt as tense as Ethan's half-closed eyes, with a faint undercurrent of unease.

Emily's assistant and Jason both had curious expressions. Jessica, standing nearby with her arms crossed, watched with a mysterious smile.

The model glanced at Ethan, then at the photographer, and tactfully stepped back, exiting their circle.

All eyes were on Emily, who responded with a calm smile.

"Sorry, Chairman Harrison," she said, lifting her left hand to show off her wedding ring. "I'm married."

Ethan: "......"

Meeting Ethan's thoughtful gaze, Emily maintained her composed demeanor, her smile sweet yet firm. "It's not really appropriate."

Ethan, did you think your sudden advances would make me falter?

Didn't expect that I'd use my husband to reject you. :)

She knew he wouldn't publicly acknowledge their relationship, but she couldn't help feeling a bit defeated and disheartened.

It wasn't about demanding a formal acknowledgment from Ethan; it was more about "Am I really so unremarkable?"

When Emily was single, she always stood out at parties and dances, surrounded by wealthy suitors. Now, it felt like Ethan was hiding her away, almost as if he was embarrassed.

Since that was the case, Emily decided to make their relationship a non-issue.

Ethan, after the divorce, you won't even be fit to be an ex-husband. :)

Seeing Ethan's frustrated expression, Emily felt a bit of satisfaction.

Ethan truly had no response.

His gaze shifted from Emily's sly eyes to her hand, and seeing the wedding ring, he felt an inexplicable sense of relief.

He remembered that she wasn't wearing the ring when they had taken photos with the young star.

Now, she was wearing it again.

Ha :)

The annoyance he felt earlier dissipated somewhat.

Ethan looked at Emily and raised one eyebrow slightly. "Who is Miss Alisa's husband? Do I know him?"

Emily paused for a moment before regaining her composure. She brushed a strand of hair from her face and replied with a forced sweetness, "Just an old man. Not worth mentioning."

**

Emily was still dissatisfied with the model shots. However, the outdoor location pictures turned out well. She had an impromptu idea and took two more shots that turned out beautifully.

Having captured satisfactory photos and managed to give Ethan a mental setback, the photographer was in a great mood.

While selecting photos on the screen, Jessica approached.

"Hey," she nudged Emily with her elbow. "What's going on with you two?"

"What do you mean?" Emily asked, puzzled. "Who are you talking about?"

"You and your husband," Jessica said with a smile. "It doesn't look like you two are on the verge of a divorce."

She glanced at the scarf around Emily's neck.

Who goes through a divorce and still wears a 'dog bite, cat scratch' scarf?

Is this some sort of couple's thing??

Emily scoffed. "I'm still planning to get divorced."

"Are you sure?" Jessica asked. "Actually, from what I saw of your husband today, he didn't quite seem like what you described. He seems... quite concerned about you."

Jessica looked at the screen in front of Emily, where Ethan's raw photos from today were displayed. The photos had not been edited yet, but the man's face was striking, with a strong presence and looks that rivaled any star or model.

Jessica began to understand why Emily had once been so obsessed with him.

She even started to reconsider: if Emily is so determined to leave such a man, who knows what her next partner will be like.

Men are all the same, really.

From the way Ethan looked at Emily today, Jessica felt that he did have feelings for her. Although Emily didn't remember anything, there was a chance she might fall for him again in the future.

Emily looked at Jessica, irritated. "He doesn't care at all."

"He only cares about his own dignity and authority being challenged now that Ethan's wife wants to leave him. It has nothing to do with me."

"In other words, Ethan would react this way whether it was me or someone else."

Emily lowered her lashes and slumped her shoulders. "He doesn't love me."

He doesn't even understand her.

But given that their marriage was a matter of convenience, expecting genuine affection was unrealistic.

They probably only had a physical relationship. :)

"Why would I want to spend my life with such a man? Aren't there enough handsome guys outside? Can't this fairy pick a good guy again?"

Jessica: "..."

Alright, alright.

You're a fairy, so you get to decide.

"Let me warn you," Emily raised her chin slightly, "If you say another word in favor of my almost ex-husband, I'll turn you into a plastic sister!"

Jessica: "..."

"I'm not taking his side…" Jessica looked at Emily's hand and changed the subject. "Why are you still wearing the ring? Even if he's your ex, you're still wearing his wedding ring?"

"Oh, this." Emily held up her hand, bending her finger gracefully.

"Tonight is Vera's charity gala, remember?"

"Hmm."

"Eric, do you remember him?"

Jessica thought for a moment. "Lu Shao from the Chen Dong family? I heard he came back at the beginning of the year. Is he trying to contact you again?"

Eric was one of the most flamboyant second-generation rich kids, a typical playboy from a life of excess. He had pursued Emily relentlessly back in the day, but she wasn't interested. Later, Eric got into trouble in Europe and was sent to America by his family.

Recently, with Emily's rise to fame, Eric had contacted her again, mentioning he would attend tonight's charity gala and was looking forward to seeing her.

"Does he not know you're married?"

"Hmm, I'll let him know tonight." Emily lifted her hand to show off the ring, her tone and expression mirroring how she had dismissed Ethan earlier.

"'Sorry, Mr. Lu, I'm married. It's not really appropriate.'"

Jessica: "..."

You're really something.

Not only using your husband to reject him, but also using a plastic husband to turn down other men.

The richest man is reduced to a tool.

Tsk.

**

"Chairman Harrison, here are the photos from the magazine office," Jason said, placing the recently received photos in front of Ethan.

Ethan glanced down for a moment, picking up a photo to study it intently.

This was one of the outdoor shots Emily had taken on a whim. It had been lightly raining at the time, and she had given him a transparent umbrella, directing him to walk up the steps in a nearby park.

In the photo, the man's back was tall and broad, his steps matching the aura of his black trench coat. The black attire contrasted sharply with the fiery red maple trees on either side of the steps.

The transparent umbrella covered only part of his broad shoulders, leaving his silhouette visible.

The wide-angle shot made his figure small, surrounded by steps and maple leaves, creating a solemn and vast feeling.

It reflected his current status and situation:

Ascending to a peak that no one else could reach.

But at the top, it was lonely, with no one to stand beside him.

Ethan rubbed his chin unconsciously.

He suddenly felt... exposed.

Staring at the sample, he thought back to how Emily looked during the shoot.

Ethan had never seen her in work mode before; she was very different from her usual self.

His wife was a striking beauty, always meticulously dressed with elaborate makeup and expensive accessories — beautiful but lacking depth.

Today, with the camera in hand, the light falling from above, her profile was illuminated. Ethan realized she wasn't heavily made-up; her face was naturally radiant and clear. Her innate black hair and red lips, striking but effortless, were more eye-catching than the elaborately dressed model.

Her focus while handling the camera, her little expressions of pursed lips and furrowed brows, were lively and charming. Her confidence while pressing the shutter…

Ethan stared at her, feeling a sudden, subtle tug at his heart.

It was a strange feeling, yet profoundly unfamiliar.

For a moment, he felt like he didn't know Emily at all.

**

Jessica was taken aback when she saw Emily enter the venue.

So stunning.

Emily's gown for the evening was a haute couture piece from Fashion Week. Simple yet extraordinary. The light-colored mermaid dress, with its high requirements for body shape, could only be worn by someone with Emily's figure. Graceful and alluring without being vulgar.

The dress had an off-the-shoulder neckline, and Emily wore no necklace, her hair pulled up to reveal a smooth, full forehead and showcase her straight shoulders and delicate collarbone.

A high-society debutante who had practiced etiquette and dance from a young age, Emily's poise was more elegant than any actress. Without the dress, she was captivating; from a distance, she resembled a proud, graceful white swan.

Even Jessica, who had seen many beauties, couldn't help but admire Emily several times.

"I have to say, dear, do you know how many actresses borrow dresses from brands for this kind of gala? Yet you show up in a few million's worth of haute

couture!"

"None of the rich men in this city can keep up with you," Jessica said with a chuckle. "I doubt you'll be able to keep up with yourself soon."

Emily's makeup was flawless, her lips painted red, but it was the way she looked right now that was truly striking. Her clear and well-defined features were the best evidence of her timeless beauty.

"You look beautiful," Jessica said sincerely.

Emily smiled. "Thanks."

Despite her beauty, Emily still felt self-conscious. She had been overly attentive to her makeup and dress, trying hard to avoid any flaws.

Ethan stood in the corner, his eyes locked on Emily. His first reaction upon seeing her was stunned silence.

A few people had approached to speak to him, but he remained silent, unable to tear his eyes away from her.

**

Even Ethan was captivated. It seemed to Emily that Ethan hadn't changed.

For the past two years, Ethan had been at various events and venues. His tall and strong figure and captivating features made him the most attractive man in the room.

Emily couldn't even approach him now.

"Mrs. Harrison, you look stunning tonight."

Alisa was still at the event, and after exchanging a few words with Emily, her eyes flicked towards Ethan. "Chairman Harrison really hasn't changed. Just as charming as before. I see you're still together, huh?"

Emily replied with a polite smile, "Yeah."

Alisa smiled as well. "I'm just saying, don't get me wrong. I'm really happy for you."

Emily was about to respond when she was suddenly interrupted by the arrival of someone who had been looking for her.

A deep voice spoke, "Emily."

Emily turned around to find Eric standing before her, wearing a neatly tailored tuxedo.

He had been eagerly anticipating her appearance.

Seeing Emily in such an exquisite dress made his heart race.

Eric's gaze softened. "Wow. You look even more beautiful than before."

Emily smiled back. "Thank you."

As they were talking, Ethan watched from the distance, noticing Eric's gaze. His expression shifted, and he clenched his jaw.

Emily and Eric were conversing, their chemistry evident.

Ethan suddenly felt an intense jealousy.