HEIRESS REBORN: MARRYING HER EX-FIANCÉ-Chapter 57: Afterward

’’Nice to meet you, Miss Eve. You can call me Liam.’’ He said with a polite smile, noting how she introduced herself without the excessive flattery he was so used to from the other artists.

The security had never allowed just anyone into the building. For this lady to be here meant that she must be an employee or an artist of the company.

As someone of this company, she must definitely know him as Arabella’s brother. Even so, Liam chose to remain courteous. He had a reputation to maintain in the entertainment industry, both inside and outside the company.

’’You are a friend of my sister?" He asked, curiously.

’’Ah no, no!’’ Eve denied quickly, her face tinged with slight awkwardness. "I’m just worried about her, you know, as a fellow actress. I can’t imagine being alone without a friend to talk to when something like this happens."

The ’something’ Eve was speaking about was definitely the online scandals against Arabella.

’’How nice of you, Miss Eve.’’ Liam couldn’t help but admire her for being bold yet thoughtful. Since the company spent most of their resources and support on Arabella, Liam suspected that other artists were secretly gloating at her present misfortune.

Only this actress was brave and kind enough to check up on her.

"It might be best to come back later." Liam’s brows knitted slightly as he thought of the broken ceramics and Arabella’s fiery temper. "She’s not in the best mood right now."

A kind-hearted person like this actress did not deserve to be on the receiving end of Arabella’s wrath.

"Ah...I understand." Eve replied softly, disappointment flickering across her face for a brief moment before she quickly masked it with a forced smile.

Liam noticed the subtle shift in her expression and felt a bit guilty. This actress had come here with good intentions, and now she was told to walk away.

Still, there wasn’t much he could do. Arabella wasn’t exactly in the mood to appreciate gestures of kindness, especially not from a stranger.

"I could mention your visit to her." He suggested, trying to ease her disappointment. "I’m sure she’d be happy to know someone was thoughtful enough to check in on her."

Though he knew that his words weren’t entirely true, he couldn’t bring himself to let the kind lady leave, feeling disheartened. As a gentleman at heart, he hated to see such a thoughtful person like her frown. Even if Arabella wouldn’t appreciate the gesture, he would.

Eve’s eyes brightened up slightly at his words.

"That would be so lovely, thank you!" Her chestnut eyes twinkled so much that Liam unconsciously caught his breath at the sight of them.

"I brought some snacks for Actress Bella," Eve said, gesturing to the bag in her hand. Liam’s eyes flicked to it briefly before meeting her gaze. ’’She might need to munch on something in times of controversies. Food helps me a lot at times like this.’’

’’I can help deliver this to her.’’ He offered.

"Really? Thank you so much, Liam!" Eve beamed, her gratitude lighting up her face. Then, she added cautiously as Liam collected the bag from her. "You wouldn’t mind me calling you that, would you?"

’’I’ve already introduced myself as Liam, Miss Eve.’’ He pointed out with a light chuckle.

’’Then you should drop the Miss from my name as well, Liam.’’ Eve also pointed out in a playful tone. ’’Just call me Eve.’’

’’Alright then....Eve.’’ Liam purposely added the brief pause, looking equally playful.

They exchanged playful glances, both breaking into small chuckles.

’’I should get going now.’’ Liam stated and glanced at the watch on his wrist. He had to meet with his manager and discuss how they would save his reputation.

As Arabella’s known sweet brother, his reputation and image was undeniable affected by the controversies against her on social media. He and his manager definitely have to come up with solutions to counter against the online attacks.

’’I’ll make sure Arabella gets these.’’ Liam gestured to the bag with him.

’’Thank you, Liam.’’ Eve looked grateful and stepped aside for Liam. ’’Have a good day!’’

’’You as well, Eve.’’ He nodded with a smile before walking past her.

Eve remained rooted on the spot. Her eyes lingered on Liam’s retreating figure as it grew smaller with each step. She maintained her innocent demeanor until he disappeared into the distance. Only then did her lips curve into a subtle, triumphant smirk, and a glint of pride danced in her eyes.

’Even a man like him can’t ignore me.’

Liam Smith.

Many knew him as the brother of Actress Bella. On social media, fans always gushed over the sibling bond.

Besides that, he had a reputation of being kind and polite to strangers. With his elegant demeanor and a gentle smile that seemed to belong in a fairytale, he was often likened to a prince straight out of a storybook.

His known-reputation also reflected on the roles he had played for dramas and movies. His devoted fans even gave him a fitting nickname.

Prince Liam.

A rumored prince like him could not ignore the gestures of kind woman like herself.

*Bzzt* *Bzzt*

Eve took out her phone that vibrated from her purse and saw that it was a message from her message requesting for her presence.

She replied to the message and also noticed other pending notifications on her screen. Most of which were about the bankruptcies of certain news agencies, scandals of the famed Actress Bella and also public conference that took place few hours ago.

Before her mind registered her action, she clicked on the notification about the public conference and a video came up after, showing the face of Actress Bella’s rumored cousin.

The President of the Kingston corporation—a top global corporation.

Eve blankly stared at the face of the woman responsible for many news agencies shutting down one after the other, and also the controversies online.

A woman who had blatantly ignored Arabella’s anticipated birthday banquet—one that many artists hoped to be one of the attendees.

Just like before, Eve could sense the air of superiority from the woman behind the screen. Her prideful composure and indifferent features....even the way she addressed the reporters on the microphone was with a sense of arrogance, and someone untouchable.

It was obvious that she was a woman not to be controlled of, but to be in control. A woman that men wouldn’t be too keen of because of their pride.

Yet for some reason, this woman, even though she had never met the latter, made her feel uncomfortable. Eve sensed there was a part of herself that seemed to be repulsed by her.

Was it envy? She did not know.

However, if there was something that Eve was envious of, it would be the powerful Kingston family.

Like every other artist, she was envious of the powerful backing that Arabella had to flourish in the entertainment industry.

The video continued playing without sound until her phone buzzed with her manager’s name flashing on her phone’s screen.

Eve saw the call and knew the latter must be searching for her. Her manager wouldn’t have guessed that she went to look for the famed Actress Bella.

’I have achieved my goal.’ She snoozed the vibration and decided to leave. She had already accomplished what she wanted today.

Connecting with Arabella had been her initial intention, but the unexpected encounter with Liam Smith was a good opportunity not to miss out.

Either way, if she couldn’t build a connection with the Actress Bella, the rumored Prince Liam might also be another key to the attention and status she had always craved.

****

The entire day buzzed with the scandals against Arabella. The PR department did their best to take down every article speaking against her. However, no matter how many articles they suppressed, other articles with new and catchy headlines seem to pop out of nowhere and top the trending news on social media.

Arabella continued to express her anger, and the poor Gwen and the two assistants bore the brunt of her fiery temper.

Meanwhile, Ayana continued her day in a good mood. The old foggies did not bother her at all. The stock prices of the corporation were stable, and she had destroyed the hypocritical image of her second cousin!

Like a small stone killing three birds.

However, despite her small victory, there was a lingering issue that troubled her.

For years, Ayana had managed to keep a low profile with her face absents from the public eye. While her name occasionally appeared in business articles and financial news, her image remained a mystery to the public.

But now, thanks to the press conference, that anonymity was gone. Her face had been exposed to the world, and her quiet life outside of corporate dealings was definitely about to change.

Thanks to Arabella’s scheme, she was considered half a celebrity. Online articles and reports would definitely not leave her alone for the time being.

Jason would definitely hold a grudge against for the prolonged home schooling.

*Bzzt* *Bzzt*

Ayana averted her gaze from the monthly reports of each department head and looked down on the lighted screen of her phone on the side. It was a message from Matt.

*Don’t forget you promised to attend my cousin’s birthday banquet*

’’....’’

*Bzzt* *Bzzt*

*You haven’t forgotten, have you?* Another one came in.

’’....’’

Right.

She had a birthday banquet to attend, and the date was July 28th. It was also the night of today.

Tonight!

*Bzzt* *Bzzt*

*You also have to spill the beans on what I’m watching on social media!*

’’....’’

Ayana momentarily blamed her second cousin for making her forget the birthday banquet she promised to attend with Matt.