The wine

After speaking with the receptionist, we headed toward the high-end elevator.

Carl stood beside me, his tablet hugged tightly to his chest. He was continuously checking his watch and adjusting his already secure glasses.

"It's good that you wore the glasses and mask, or people might have caused an uproar," he muttered, his eyes darting nervously around the space.

I held a box wrapped in red velvet silk, stealing a side glance at his sweating face.

Patting his head, I offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry so much. Just trust me, kid."

His head remained bowed, and I couldn't tell if my words comforted him or not. After all, I had never done anything like this before.

Looking down at my palm, I murmured to myself, "See? Improving doesn't take that much effort."

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Carl tightening his grip on the tablet, his gaze still fixed on the floor.

Was he that scared? If I were in his place, I wouldn't have trusted this body either. Poor kid—his ears are so red from the stress. Cute, though.

A small smile played on my lips as I turned my attention back to the elevator doors. Rubbing the sweat from my palms onto my side, I took a soft breath to calm myself.

Carl nodded to me before he rang the doorbell. A man in his 40s opened the door.

Carl bowed politely. "Nice to meet you, Director Li."

The man gave him a dismissive glance before his cold, piercing gaze settled on me. "You came?"

"I see you still haven't learned to greet—" he began, but I interrupted him with a soft bow. "Nice to meet you, Director Li."

When I raised my head to meet his eyes, I caught a glimpse of the turmoil brewing behind his calm demeanor. Carl, too, was staring at me wide-eyed, his frown deepening.

Director Li stepped aside, gesturing for us to enter.

My eyes fell on the group gathered around the couch, and a small smile tugged at my lips.

I knew if I asked to meet him alone, he'd deliberately invite more people. But that was exactly my plan.

Carl stood beside me, his jaw clenched tightly as he scanned the room. It was clear he hadn't anticipated this move from Director Li.

Don't worry, kid—just watch. "Hello, Mr. San and Mrs. Cail. I didn't expect to see so many people here," I said, my tone Calm and friendly.

"I was worried Director Li wouldn't be able to finish what I brought, but it seems it won't go to waste now."

"I never thought I'd see Mrs. Harper sink so low," a middle-aged woman chimed in with a sly grin. "Oh my, my tongue slipped. I mean, I never expected you'd bring gifts for us."

Want to provoke me? Good luck.

I took a seat in an empty chair, placing the box on the table. Everyone's eyes were drawn to the lavishly wrapped package, no doubt wondering what it contained.

"Leaving all that aside," I began, crossing my legs and resting a palm on my thigh, "I came here today to address some baseless rumors."

A heavy silence settled over the room.

So, Director Li was washing his hands in running water, huh?

I had already pieced it together. The rumors about me slapping him weren't public knowledge, meaning someone must've accidentally witnessed the incident and spread the story.

As one of the most famous directors, Li would never admit to being slapped. Instead, he used the opportunity to tarnish my reputation, knowing my past behavior meant I wouldn't bother to clear things up. The tides would automatically turn in his favor.

A smile crept onto my face as I noticed Director Li's stunned expression. The other guests exchanged quick glances, unsure of how to proceed.

I was ready for this.

"Well, I know I can be hard to handle at times, but believe me, I'd never want my career to end because of my behavior. That's too high of a price to pay," I said softly, my tone earnest and calm.

"Carl."

"Yes, ma'am," Carl replied, stepping forward to carefully open the box. Everyone's jaws dropped as he revealed its contents.

Excitement rippled through the room.

"Let me do it," I said, taking the wine from his hands.

The room fell silent, everyone stunned. After all, this wasn't the woman they thought they knew. Of course, I wasn't her.

"Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon, a cult wine from—"

"Napa Valley, California," a poised woman in her 30s interrupted, her voice smooth. "Famous for its rarity and exquisite taste."

She wore a red dress that accentuated her curves, paired with elegant black glasses. It was clear she held herself with the grace of a queen.

"Madam Lisa," I greeted inwardly, recognizing one of the industry's most revered actresses-turned-directors. Her reputation was unshakable, her opinions absolute.

Lisa signed a check and slid it toward me. "So it was you who brought the wine before the auction. Fill in the amount you want and give me that wine."

The room grew tense. A single misstep could spell disaster for me—she had the power to ruin anyone's career with ease.

"Well..." my gaze drifted towards Director Li with an angelic smile "I can give this to you, but...." everyone's gaze on me "I brought this wine to ask for forgiveness from Director Li. So if Director Li agrees I can give it you"

Her Sharpe gaze landed in Director Li with a threat "Haha if madam Lisa wants something then how can we get in the way. Please take it" he replied trying to be calm

Smiling, I placed the bottle back in the box and handed it to her. "Here you go,how kind of you Director Li." I gave him a soft smile

Lisa gave me a piercing look before accepting it. "Very well."

"Oh well I don't need the check madam, just take it as an grift for our first meeting"

Everyone was watching me taking the longest jump, ever in the entertainment industry with a dropped jaw.

Just as the tension began to fade, the door burst open, and reporters flooded in, cameras flashing.

"WE'VE HEARD THAT THE FAMOUS ACTRESS MRS. HARPER IS HAVING A SEXUAL AFFAIR OUTSIDE HER MARRIAGE!"

A new mess. Who was behind this now?!