Whoever said money couldn't buy happiness had clearly never tried crying on the street.
Maybe it couldn't buy joy, but it could certainly buy a car where you could sit in silence and fall apart in peace. And that was exactly what Vanessa did.
Except-she couldn't cry her heart out. Not really. Because it wasn't just her heart that had been broken. She had never known love and been happy with what he had given her.
In return, she had been loyal and patient. She had respected him, encouraged him when he faltered, stood by him when things turned difficult for his company...
She had even agreed to put on hold her 'director' career, despite receiving numerous offers over the years. Instead, she had quietly given up her passion and chosen to accept the heavy mantle of being a producer and managing Grant Studios. All on his request.
She had done everything a good partner was supposed to do, believing rather naively, that loyalty and effort would be enough to build a solid marriage.
And what had she received in return? Ethan crushing not only her pride but her self-respect as well.
If she hadn't walked in tonight, she might have remained in the dark until the engagement party ten days later-until the very moment when her humiliation would have been on full display, and she would have been left standing there, ashamed and fooled in front of everyone.
She leaned back against the car seat and closed her eyes. What was she supposed to do next?
If life were one of her favorite novels, she knew exactly how the script would go: call her best friend, get drunk, and have a one-night stand with some impossibly handsome CEO.
Then, naturally, she would stumble into a marriage of convenience with him, and together they would deliver a glorious face-slapping to Ethan and Lynette.
The thought made her smile, and for a fleeting moment, she almost forgot the hollow ache in her chest. But reality was quick to remind her of itself.
That kind of thing only happened in books. If she actually went out, got drunk, and tried to have a one-night stand, she wouldn't land a charming billionaire, she'd probably end up with a creep. Or worse, she'd become tomorrow's gossip, caught by the paparazzi.
After all, she was not the beautiful heroine that existed in the novels. She was barely pretty. And considering the fact that she was a billionaire herself, it would be foolish for her to look for someone like that.
Which meant there was only one thing, she could do. Cancel the engagement before the party...
But that decision carried its own complications. Her grandparents would demand an explanation.
They had worried about her for so long, and now, reassured by the news of her engagement, they had finally begun planning the long holiday they'd been putting off. They believed she had found someone she truly loved.
If they knew the truth-that she had been betrayed so cruelly-they would only worry more. They might even abandon their plans, insisting on staying by her side.
And though her grandmother was the kindest soul Vanessa knew, she was also hopelessly fond of gossip. One careless slip, and the story would spread like wildfire. Either way, Vanessa would end up humiliated and the laughing stock in all of Anran.
Added to that, was the problem with the will her parents had left her... Time was ticking away for her...
She looked up with a curse and almost kicked her own car in frustration!
Dam* that bas*ard Ethan and dam* that Bi*ch! She should just hire someone to make them disappear off the face of the earth!
She was Vanessa Grant-the woman who had single-handedly transformed a struggling production company into the largest powerhouse in the country. The one who had won numerous awards with just her debut directorial movie.
She had built this empire brick by brick, dealt with every kind of person from shrewd businessmen to egotistical stars, and never once lost her footing. What sort of challenge had she not faced? What sort of people had she not handled?
So why should one man's betrayal reduce her to this? After all, it was no loss since he did not love her...
Just then, her gaze lifted toward the city skyline. A massive billboard loomed above, lit brightly against the night. Happy Birthday to the Most Beautiful Man beside the picture of the man.
Vanessa frowned as she stared at the picture. Beautiful man? He was indeed beautiful...
Her eyes drifted away, only to catch sight of a bus rolling past, where another banner hung, Happy Birthday to the Most Handsome One in the World.
Her lips curved into a wry line and her eyes narrowed as a new thought began to take root.
Ethan had wanted to replace her because she wasn't beautiful enough, hadn't he?
That had been the knife he'd twisted behind her back. Her lack of beauty made him think she did not deserve love and respect? That he had the right to disregard her feelings and emotions?
Well, fine. If beauty was the game, then she'd raise the stakes higher than he could ever dream.
Her gaze returned to the towering billboard. The man in the photograph was arresting- sharp jawline, flawless skin, eyes that seemed to sparkle even through printed paper.
The kind of face people remembered. The kind of man no one could compare to.
Elliott Ross.
She'd seen him at award shows a few times and could even say that the picture really did not do justice to the man. It somehow shadowed his beauty.
Elliott. She let the name settle on her tongue, her mind already racing. If Ethan thought he could shame her, then perhaps it was time to play a different kind of game.
A marriage partner so flawless, so dazzling, that Ethan and Lynette would never dare show their faces again.
And, yes. Elliott Ross would be perfect for the role. She took out her phone and simply ordered her assistant. "Find everything on Elliott Ross that you can find."
Hr assistant squealed," Elliott Ross!! Oohh! Are you going to poach him?"
Vanessa smiled... Hmmm.. Poach him... Sure. Why not? But not for the studio... She would poach him for her... Vanessa wiped her tears slowly as a small hunter- like smile graced her face. She could slap some faces too.