Heartstrings on Fire Novel Full Episode
Chapter 271-280

Chapter 271

Agnes hit the office bright and early

She had a jam-packed schedule for the day.

Emily, Agnes’ assistant, was freaking out: “Agnes, have you seen the news? You’re making headlines!”

“Haven’t I been in the headlines lately? Whatever”

Emily looked super stressed: “This is different. Agnes, you need to talk to the boss about handling this PR crisis. Mamie is the boss’s sister, as long as he steps in, this thing will blow over quickly.”

Agnes, however, retorted, “Why should I take crap lying down? If these people want to stir up trouble, let them. The bigger the fuss, the better.”

Both Emily and the makeup artist working on Agnes were taken aback.

This was totally out of character for Agnes.

It seemed like she had been seriously wronged. Or maybe it was because all the rumors were saying that Mamie was Jared’s old flame, and Agnes was the other

woman

She must have been at the end of her rope.

Still, Emily was worried. Agnes might have skyrocketed in popularity thanks to “The Magical Romance of Cinderella”, but she wasn’t in a position to go head-to-head with Mamie

Agnes asked Emily, “Is the itinerary for the SH Gala arranged?”

Emily snapped back to reality and excitedly said, “Agnes, I have good news and bad news, which one do you want to hear first?”

Agnes said, “Give me the good news first.”

Emily looked smug: “The good news is, thanks to ‘The Magical Romance of Cinderella, you’ve been nominated for Best Actress at the SH Gala. Agnes, you’ve just debuted, and to be nominated at the most prestigious film and TV gala in the country is unprecedented. It’s enough to make countless starlets green with envy.”

Agnes was surprisingly calm after hearing the news: “And the bad news?”

Emily’s face fell: “The bad news is that Mamie is also nominated. She’s won Best Actress three years in a row, so it’s likely she’ll win again. But Agnes, just being nominated is an amazing accomplishment, so you shouldn’t worry too much about the outcome.”

Agnes seemed deep in thought.

After a while, Faye suddenly came over “Agnes, the boss wants to see you in his office”

Agnes acknowledged. She was scheduled to do a cover shoot for a magazine this morning. The shoot was in Century Building’s own studio, so she had plenty of time.

Agnes went to Ivan’s office

Ivan put down his newspaper as Agnes walked in.

Agnes approached him and asked “Did you need something?”

“There’s something I wanted to get your opinion on. QN Jewelry wants you to be their spokesperson, the contract is for one year. Would you consider it?”

“ON Jewelry? Why would such a big brand want me?”

Ivan smiled and said “They’re launching a new product, targeting a pink and youthful style. They think your performance in ‘Cinderella’ fits their needs perfectly”

Agnes replied, “But I don’t plan on getting deeper into the entertainment industry.”

Ivan said, “I understand your concern. You’ve always been reluctant to sign contracts, and I respect that. If you don’t want to, I won’t force you. But the endorsement fee is close to a million dollars. If you turn it down, I’m afraid you might regret it.”

Chapter 272

Agnes hesitated for a bit but eventually said, “Alright, I’ll take the endorsement.”

Ivan chuckled, “Wow, that was a quick change of heart.”

Agnes gave a candid laugh, “Hey, who ever said no to more money, right?”

Ivan chuckled heartily, “Jared’s loaded, you’re still worried about a bit of cash?”

“His money is his, mine is mine. Two different things.”

Agnes said: “If there’s nothing else, I have to get back to work.”

“Go ahead.”

Agnes left the CEO’s office. From start to finish, Ivan hadn’t mentioned her feud with Mamie.

Agnes felt that Ivan had never shown any bias towards either of them. She was grateful for that.

Agnes headed to the photography studio.

After two hours of shooting, she was beat.

As as she was leaving the studio, she ran into Mamie.

Mamie blocked Agnes, “Agnes, you’re so cunning, snatching my endorsement while I’m away. How could you do something so low?”

Agnes frowned, “When have I ever snatched your endorsement?”

Emily reminded her, “Agnes, Mamie has been the face of QN Jewelry for a while now.”

Mamie said arrogantly, “Stop playing dumb! Agnes, you’re new and you’re trying to take my place? I’ll show you what happens when you get too cocky”

They stood at the entrance of the studio, with people coming and going.

Seeing this “spectacle”, everyone stopped to stare, some even sneaked out their phones to take pictures.

At that moment, Ivan arrived. He asked Mamie in displeasure, “When were you discharged? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Mamie ignored his question and instead asked straight away, “Why did you give her the endorsement that was supposed to be mine? I’m fine with Mr. Bartley supporting new talents, but I won’t stand being the price for it.”

Ivan responded professionally. “Your contract with QN Jewelry ended this year. They specifically asked for Agnes. Her aura fits the style of QN Jewelry’s new collection. Agnes has nothing to do with it, it was my arrangement.”

Seeing Ivan defend Agnes, Mamie was fuming. She said to Ivan, “Century Entertainment can only accommodate one of us. Mr. Bartley, if you insist on keeping her then I’ll leave Century Entertainment.”

Ivan seemed angry as well, “Mamie, do you realize what you’re saying?”

“Ivan, do you really know what you’re doing? Why are you treating me like this for a stranger? What’s so appealing about Agnes that everyone treats her so well? No matter what, Agnes and I are like oil and water! You have to make a choice now.”

Ivan frowned.

A crowd had gathered around them, waiting to see how this drama would end.

What will Ivan choose? One was his own sister, the other a new talent the company was heavily promoting. No matter who he chose, there will be losses.

Agnes stepped forward “Mamie, Ivan is your brother, there’s no need to put him in a difficult position. Let’s do this, since both of us are nominated for Best Actress, let’s make the SH Gala next week the stake. If you win, I’ll quit showbiz, if I win, you quit. Dare you take the bet?”

When Agnes spilled those beans, everyone freaked out.

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Sure, Agnes was a fresh face who rocketed to stardom overnight, but how did she have the guts to say something like that?

For the past decade, Mamie had been racking up awards left and right, bagged the best actress title three years in a row, and was universally regarded as the queen of the entertainment industry.

Agnes throwing down this gauntlet was just asking for trouble.

A smirk crossed Mamie’s face.

“Agnes, are you sure you want to gamble with me?”

Even Ivan seemed caught off guard: “Agnes, don’t be rash.”

But Agnes brushed him off, saying firmly, “I want to bet with you. But if both of us lose, we wipe the slate clean, and you stop hassling me”

Mamie gave a cold and arrogant laugh, “If I don’t win, Ill retire and leave the entertainment industry for good.”

With that, Mamie tumed on her heel and left.

The onlookers all felt a pang of regret. These two were just too impulsive. They were basically gambling with their futures.

And anyone could see that Agnes was digging her own grave

In the CEO’s office.

Ivan said, “Why did you have to be so impulsive? I could have helped you deal with the issue between you and Mamie.”

Agnes chuckled, “You know as well as I do, I never planned on sticking around in the entertainment industry. If I can make a splash on my way out, it’s not a bad deal for me.”

Ivan was silent for a while, then sighed, “I know you’re not in it. Alright, you can go now

After finishing her work, Agnes didn’t head home, but went to Tim Tower instead.

With the Yolanda Bowman incident still fresh in everyone’s mind, everyone in the secretarial department was polite to her as she passed through.

But there were odd looks in people’s eyes. Agnes figured it was because of the recent news, so she didn’t think much of it.

Mia Taylor was surprised to see Agnes, “Agnes, was that really your sister who just came in? She was way over the top.”

Agnes was taken aback “Who?”

Mia was surprised: “You don’t know? Half an hour ago, a girl named Beatrice Pritchard barged in, claiming she was the CEO’s wife’s sister and demanded to see the CEO. We told her to wait, but she made a fuss, saying we were brushing her off. She made a scene in the secretarial department for two hours and even had us pour her tea. I wasn’t sure of her identity, so I let her have her way till the CEO finished his meeting”

Beatrice was here? Agnes frowned.

She headed to the CEO’s office, not bothering to knock, just pushed the door open.

Jared was writing something, then tore off a piece of paper and handed it to Beatrice.

Beatrice took the paper, thrilled: “Jared, you’re so generous! Our whole family is so grateful. Agnes is so lucky to have married you.”

Jared’s voice was cold: “If there’s nothing else, you can leave now.”

Beatrice’s voice became even more coquettish: “Jared, I waited two hours for you in the secretarial department, and now you’re in such a hurry to get rid of me? i haven’t eaten yet today, I’m starving. Can you take me out for a meal?”

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Agnes couldn’t take it anymore. She stormed into the office: “Beatrice, what on earth are you doing here?”

It was only when she entered did she notice that Beatrice was holding a check. However, she couldn’t make out the amount on the check

Agnes was taken aback: “What’s that you’re holding? Let me see.”

Beatrice quickly stuffed the check into her bag, a smile spreading across her face: “It’s a little something from Jared. Agnes, you haven’t been home in ages. Did you know Dad’s company is in hot water? We’re all family here, there’s no harm in asking Jared for help unless you don’t consider him family.

“Beatrice, you must think I was born yesterday. Even if Dad’s company is in trouble, you should have come to me, not Jared. What’s going on between you two? What gives you the right to ask him for money?”

That got Beatrice’s blood boiling. But with Jared around, she had to keep her cool and not lose her temper.

All she could do was grit her teeth and say: “Agnes, you’ve married into money, and you’re living it up in showbiz, so naturally, we’re beneath your notice. But I wouldn’t be doing this if we weren’t in a tight spot. Jared hasn’t said a word, yet here you are bad-mouthing me. If you don’t believe me, you can go home and ask.

Dad”

Tears welled up in Beatrice’s eyes, making her look like she was wronged.

She shot a glance at Agnes, only to find Jared’s eyes fixed on Agnes, completely oblivious to her emotional state.

Beatrice knew Agnes was stubborn. The last thing she wanted to do was owe someorie a favor, even if that someone was Jared.

Beatrice was afraid that Agnes would demand the money back. She turned to Jared and said: “I won’t bother you any longer. I’ll be on my way.”

Agnes tried to stop Beatrice, but Jared held her back: “Hold on. Didn’t you come to see me? Why are you leaving so soon?”

Agnes was furious “Jared, what the hell did you do? Why did you give her money?!

Jared chuckled, pulling Agnes onto his lap: “Are you mad?”

“Jared, what’s going on?”

Jared wanted to enjoy her angry face a bit longer, but seeing how livid she was, he decided not to tease her anymore.

He honestly said. “Beatrice came to borrow five hundred thousand dollars, saying your father is in a financial bind. So, I lent it to her.”

Agnes frowned “How could you just hand over the money like that? Do you just believe whatever she says?”

Jared said: “Half a million isn’t a big deal. I heard your father’s recent investments went belly-up. If she came to me, your family must know about it too. We can ask when we go home. If there is a problem at home, it’s my responsibility to help.”

Agnes frowned more deeply

To be honest, there was a rift between her and Preston Pritchard because of Laura, but if his company was in serious trouble, Agnes would never stand by and do nothing

Her mother also contributed to the establishment of this company.

What Agnes couldn’t accept was that Preston didn’t say a word to her, but let Beatrice ask Jared for money directly.

This put Agnes in a really awkward spot.

Chapter 275

*Trust me, Jared, I’ll get to the bottom of this. If it’s as you said, I’ll figure out a way to give you back,” Agnes pledged.

Even though Jared insisted that Beatrice was the one who borrowed the money, Agnes knew Beatrice had no intention of repaying it. She couldn’t stand Beatrice’s

attitude

“We don’t have to be all polite with each other, do we? It’s just half a million, Jared brushed off.

“It’s not the same.”

“There’s no difference. Let’s drop it for now. If it bothers you that much, we can go home and ask tonight”

Agnes knew Jared might get mad if she insisted on refusing the money.

After thinking for a moment, she shook her head, “You don’t have to go back. Don’t you go to the Whitfield Manor every Sunday? I’ll check it out first and let you

know.”

Jared agreed.

Agnes rarely went to the Whitfield Manor these days. Partly because she was really busy, and because she tried to avoid Ryder Whitfield.

She hadn’t been in contact with Ryder since their farewell on the rooftop.

There were some issues that only time could resolve

Agnes left Tim Tower early, surprisingly running into Beatrice in the lobby.

Spotting Agnes stepping out alone, Beatrice immediately approached and pointed at her accusingly, “Agnes, you traitor! You lived in our house for over a decade and now when we’re in trouble, you’re just sitting on your hands. I’ll make sure Dad sees you for who you truly are. He’s felt guilty towards you all these years. This time, I’ll show him that his most beloved daughter is nothing but an ingrate”

Agnes stepped forward, grabbing Beatrice’s arm, “If there is a real problem at home, I won’t stand by and watch, but Jared is not your ATM. He doesn’t owe you money. Give me the check.”

Agnes thought about it and decided she couldn’t let Beatrice walk away with that check.

Even if half a million meant nothing to Jared, if Beatrice got away with it once, she’d definitely keep coming back for more.

Beatrice abruptly shook off Agnes’s hand and clutched her bag with a triumphant smirk, “Agnes, it has nothing to do with you. It’s Jared’s gift to me, and you’re not getting it. Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to thank him.”

With that, Beatrice turned on her heel and left.

Agnes knew Beatrice had been spoiled since childhood, but she never thought she could be so shameless.

Beatrice and Agnes arrived at the Pritchard family villa almost at the same time.

Agnes headed upstairs to Preston’s study. The door was open, and Preston was on the phone.

He was pacing around the room, puffing on a cigarette

Agnes could vaguely hear him mention “loan” and ‘shortage of funds.”

After Preston finally hung up, Agnes knocked on the study door.

Preston looked up to see Agnes.

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His face turned ashen, then he forced a smile, “Agnes, what brings you back all of a sudden?”

Agnes strolled in and said bluntly, “I just saw Beatrice in Jared’s office. She borrowed money from him. What the hell is going on?”

Preston gasped, “She really went to him? I’ve told her countless times not to bother Jared. This is our family business.”

Agnes anxiously asked, “What happened?”

Preston sighed, “I invested in some projects earlier and they tanked. The company’s strapped for cash now. Some of our top-tier talent contracts are expiring, and they’re not keen on renewing with us.”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“What good would telling you do? We didn’t even tell Beatrice. She probably overheard my conversation with Laura and went to Jared for the money. But that won’t solve the problem. She’s such a naive kid.”

Agnes frowned, “How much do you need?”

Preston paused, “Twenty million dollars.”

Agnes was shocked, “How is it this much?”

Preston wore a grave expression, “Agnes, you have no idea what’s going on. The entertainment industry has changed. Century Entertainment has taken most of the resources, new media outlets are rising, and the big stars are opening their own studios. I thought if the company couldn’t keep up, I would leave and invest elsewhere. That way, even if the company went downhill, I could leave enough for you and Beatrice. But I didn’t expect all the investments to flop. The company’s stocks are plummeting, and the banks won’t lend us money. If this continues, we may go bankrupt.”

Preston lit a cigarette, looking distressed.

Agnes never paid attention to business matters and hadn’t anticipated the company’s dire straits

Agnes was at a loss for words.

Preston said, “Don’t worry about this. Laura and I will handle it. You should just pretend you don’t know.”

At dinner, Beatrice triumphantly showed a check in front of Agnes and handed it to Preston, Dad, this is from Jared Jared’s so generous, while Agnes seems reluctant. I wonder what’s on her mind.”

Agnes replied, “I just think, even if the Pritchards go bankrupt, we’re not so poor to beg from others. If you borrow money, you should at least write an IOU. It’s basic

manners.”

“Agnes, who are you to critique me? I did this for the family business, didn’t I? Now that you’ve married into a wealthy family, you’re so high and mighty. You have no idea how crucial even a penny is to us right now.”

Beatrice smugly said, “Besides, I’m the one who borrowed the money, What’s it got to do with you? Agnes, if you don’t want to help, fine. But you can’t stop me from seeking help from others.”

Chapter 277

“Alright, you two can cut out the arguing now,” Laura cut in.

Laura took the check and put it in front of Agnes, “Agnes, don’t get mad. Beatrice is still young, not quite understanding certain things, but she means well. If this money is causing you trouble, then take it back. Our company may be in a tight spot, but we’re not desperate for half a million.”

Even though Laura spoke softly, her words were dripping with sarcasm.

Preston was quite irked as well. The Pritchard family used to be loaded, when did they ever squabble over half a million?

Preston said impatiently, “Agnes, take this money back to Jared. After all, it’s our family issue, we really shouldn’t have involved him.”

Agnes quietly pocketed the check and said, “Dad, I’ll figure out the money you need. But we really can’t accept Jared’s money”

Preston sighed. Beatrice and Laura exchanged a look.

After dinner, Preston and Laura went to the study.

Agnes retumed to her room.

She laid on her bed pondering over many things, then got up and went to the study.

The study door was closed, but the conversation inside was clearly audible.

“I know Agnes is proud and would never willingly ask Jared for help, so I had Beatrice give it a shot. It may not be a huge amount, but it at least shows that Jared is willing to help. The only hope for our company now is to get help from the Tim Group, but Agnes got so mad over half a million dollars that she even made a special trip back. I think it’s impossible to ask her to seek help.”

Preston’s voice echoed from inside, “Agnes should never have been dragged into this. We may not be as good as the Whitfield family, but Agnes is still my precious daughter, not a tool for us to use.”

Laura scoffed, “Preston, you really do spoil Agnes. But have you ever thought about Beatrice? She’s only 19, she’s had a cushy life, and her dream is to be a top star in the entertainment industry. If she experiences the company going bankrupt and ends up shouldering family debt, how will she cope? Will her friends still respect her? Agnes has already married into the Whitfield family, and Jared adores her, so what’s the big deal if she asks him for some help? Does Beatrice’s future and happiness not matter to her?”

Preston didn’t respond.

Laura stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Luckily, the staircase was just around the corner from the study. Agnes was hiding on the other side of the wall and wasn’t spotted by Laura.

Agnes sat on the stairs, deep in thought.

Agnes hoped her marriage to Jared could be pure, not tainted by business interests.

She didn’t want the Whitfield family to become the Pritchard family’s financial safeguard.

But now, with their family facing a crisis, she couldn’t just stand by

After all, that was the company her father founded and her mother put her hard work into it.

Agnes ran her fingers through her hair, filled with anguish and indecision.

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Agnes mulled it over for a bit, then went back to her room to grab that check. Then she headed to Preston’s office.

Preston was just sitting on the couch zoning out.

Agnes walked over and handed him the check, “Dad, you hang on to this for now. It may not do much, but it’s better than nothing”

Preston looked up. “Agnes.”

“Consider it as a loan from the Tim Group. I’ll figure out a way to pay it back. I’ll try to find other sources of cash too. I’ve just taken a gig as a brand spokesperson, once I get the fees for that, and payment for my previous film and some other income, I’ll transfer it all to your bank account.

Preston felt uneasy, “Agnes, you don’t have to do this. I don’t want to drag you down

Agnes was cool as a cucumber, “Look, the way things are at home, I can’t just turn a blind eye. I’ll do my best, but I hope you guys won’t rely on Jared. He’s my husband, but he doesn’t owe us anything.”

Preston sighed, “Don’t worry. No matter what Laura says, I won’t jeopardize your happiness. I owe you too much. You’ve finally found a home where I can rest easy. I won’t let anyone look down on you.”

That wasn’t really what Agnes meant. In fact, if there were no other options left, Agnes would definitely ask Jared for help.

But Agnes hoped that as long as there were other options, they wouldn’t view the Whitfield family as their only hope.

As Agnes left the study, she was stopped right at the door by Beatrice.

“Agnes, you’re so low! That money was clearly borrowed by me.”

Agnes looked at her coldly. “Since you overheard my conversation with Dad in the study, you should know, I’ll be paying Jared back this money. If you want this favor, then write a check, I’ll give it to Jared, and you can pay him back.”

Beatrice looked at Agnes with disdain, “Jared is your husband, Isn’t his money your money? I won’t fall for your trick and take on this debt for no reason.”

“Since you also know that his money is my money, then what does my money have to do with you?”

Beatrice was furious, “Agnes, don’t get cocky! Everything you have now will be mine sooner or later! Just wait and watch!”

Agnes had no interest in arguing with her

She went straight into her room, closed and locked the door, leaving Beatrice to pound on the door in anger.

In the following days, Agnes was still swamped with work.

Yesterday, she flew to S City. This year’s SH Gala was being held there.

Her bet with Mamie had already caused a stir online. Most people thought Agnes was being overconfident and was asking for trouble. Of course, there were also people praising her for her courage and willingness to challenge a top star

The day before the gala, Agnes was scheduled to walk the red carpet with Justin.

Justin had been abroad shooting commercials these few days, so Agnes rarely had the chance to see him.

When Justin arrived and saw Agnes, he started scolding her, “Why did you bet with Mamie? You have no chance of winning, why do something so foolish?”

Agnes laughed and replied, “That was just an impulsive thing, but what if I get lucky?”

“No matter how lucky you are, you can’t win, Justin was really pissed.

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Agnes played the victim, “Why don’t you believe in me?”

Justin sighed seriously, “Mamie’s been in this industry for ten years. She may be a bit headstrong and arrogant, but she’s well-respected, and her acting skills are top-notch. She’s buddies with the judges of SH Gala. The gala is organized by Universal International Entertainment, and their CEO is one of Mamie’s suitors. She’s got talent and luck, how could you possibly beat her?”

Agnes didn’t seem to care, “Alright, Justin, enough said. If I really lose, then I’ll just quit acting. It’s not a big deal to me.”

Justin didn’t know what to say to this stubborn girl in front of him.

She gained huge success as soon as she debuted. Just with a TV series, she was nominated for best actress. This was a dream for many, but she didn’t give a

damn.

Then, Agnes thought of something, “Do you know what’s going on inside Starlight International Group?”

Justin was a key member of Starlight International Group. In order to keep him, Preston had given him some shares, making Justin one of the shareholders.

Upon hearing this, Justin frowned, “I only know that almost all the big names that Starlight International Group relies on have left.

“Why is that?”

Justin got serious, “In fact, your Dad has been less involved in the company in recent years, and your stepmother is basically in charge. She’s not a businessperson and she’s domineering and harsh. Im not surprised that Starlight International Group has become like this.”

Agnes felt heavy-hearted.

She knew what Justin was talking about, but after ten years, Laura was still the person her father trusted the most. So, there were many things that Agnes couldn’t say in front of Preston.

Justin seemed to have thought of something suddenly, “But Agnes, there’s something you need to pay special attention to.”

“What’s that?”

“I once saw your stepmother with…

Justin stopped mid-sentence, “Never mind, I don’t have solid evidence, I better not say it. But you should keep an eye on your stepmother’s actions and who she’s hanging out with.”

Agnes felt puzzled. What was Justin trying to say?

Just then, Emily came over

“Agnes, Justin, it’s time for you to walk the red carpet.”

Agnes and Justin left the hotel together.

There were dedicated cars downstairs to pick up the guests. It only took three minutes to drive from the hotel to the venue, but the organizer probably prepared more than a hundred luxury cars to transport the stars.

Justin helped Agnes into a convertible Ferrari.

Because there were drones filming from the air, the car drove slowly

From the moment they left the hotel, all the footage would be shown on the big screen at the ceremony.

A few minutes later, they arrived at The Jolsen Auditorium where the ceremony was held.

Outside the auditorium, a 500-meter-long red carpet was laid out, with barriers and security personnel on both sides.

A large number of journalists were taking photos and filming outside the barrier.

The whole red carpet area was flickering with lights, and the stars were gathered here like a galaxy.

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Justin hopped out of the car first, then strutted over to Agnes, swinging the car door open for her like a real gentleman, and took her hand to help her out. The car zoomed off, and Justin led Agnes by the hand onto the red carpet.

Agnes was decked out in a gold, off-the-shoulder mermaid dress. She’s got the height and the dress just accentuated her killer figure.

Reporters and fans swarmed all around.

People were hollering, “Justin, Justin, I love you!” The noise was earth-shattering.

Justin was used to all the hoopla. He flashed his charming smile in different directions, waving like a gentleman and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

To make the most out of the photo ops, the event organizers had stressed that the stars should take their sweet time on the red carpet.

So, Agnes and Justin took a leisurely ten-minute stroll, and they were only halfway down the red carpet.

Suddenly, there was a ruckus behind Justin, and even the media turned in unison.

Justin didn’t look back, he just coolly said, “Looks like your arch-nemesis has arrived

Agnes was still trying to figure out who Justin was talking about. She followed the crowd’s gaze and saw Mamie stepping out of a Bugatti Veyron.

But soon, Agnes’s ever-present smile began to fade.

Justin glanced in that direction and sensed trouble.

He looked at Agnes, “Why is he here? Agnes, you didn’t know about this, did you?”

There was a surprised chatter among the reporters outside.

“Is Mr. Whitfield Mamie’s date? Am I seeing things?”

“That’s him! Mr. Whitfield is Ms. Pritchard’s husband, but he’s walking the red carpet with Mamie! And Mamie and Ms. Pritchard are both up for Best Actress, isn’t he asking for trouble?”

“Look at Ms. Pritchard’s face, she clearly had no clue.”

“Looks like we’re in for quite a show tonight.”

Mamie didn’t do the usual stop-and-go walk like the other stars, she confidently made her way directly towards Agnes, and the media followed her.

Mamie and Jared stopped right next to Agnes and Justin.

All the cameras were focused on the four of them.

Mamie was the first to speak as if trying to explain to Agnes,

“My date had to bail at the lastminute. Jared was planning on surprising you, so I asked him to join me on the red carpet. You don’t mind, do you?”

Mamie said it casually, but her eyes were filled with undeniable disdain and provocation.

Agnes immediately laughed, “You’re just walking the red carpet together. We’re all entertainers here, it’s no big deal. I totally understand, of course.”

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