âNo kidding. Heâs handsome and wealthy. Countless female fans are dying to throw themselves at him.â
âI saw online rumors about him and his teammate Helena being romantically involved. Is it true?â
âWhatâs the matter? Are you tempted, Ms. Ava?â
The other party pondered briefly before responding, âI really want to give it a try. Iâll find an opportunity to arrange a chance encounter.â
Josie and Mallory exchanged a glance.
The latter couldnât stand that kind of behavior where a fan attempted to rise above their station, especially when it involved her nieceâs love interest. So, she casually remarked, âNot everyone is interested in used goods, right?â
As soon as those words were spoken, a momentary silence filled the air. Soon after, Malloryâs chair was kicked hard, and a womanâs voice from behind sternly demanded, âMiss, I challenge you to repeat what you just said!â
Mallory turned around leisurely and enunciated, âI said not everyone is interested in used goods.â
The woman was actually quite beautiful, with a nice figure and a pleasing face, even if there were traces of cosmetic surgery.
The other party was visibly flustered. âUsed goods? You must be mistaken. Iâm not that kind of person. Do you think everyone is like you, harboring ill opinions of others?â
This kind of talk might suit others, but it fell a bit short when it came to Mallory. Josie slightly turned her body and languidly looked at Mallory, who continued criticizing the woman, âYouâre not that kind of person? But arenât you the type who clings to any young, promising man from a good family background at first sight? If youâre not a gold-digger, what are you? You act so high and mighty, but deep down, youâre probably dying to offer yourself, arenât you?â
Mallory worked in entertainment venues. She managed many people of this sort in the past, so she was adept at targeting their sore spots.
The woman was at a loss for words. She clutched her chest, so infuriated that she threatened to call the police.
Mallory wasnât quite satisfied yet. She chuckled and added, âYouâve even extended your reach into the e-sports industry. You have quite a diverse portfolio there.â
âWhereâs security? Iâm going to ask the security to escort you out!â
Their argument stirred quite a commotion. Moreover, since it was in the VIP area, it quickly caught the attention of the arena manager. A few individuals hurried over and bowed respectfully. âMay we assist you with anything?â
Ava rose indignantly. âGet this insolent woman out of here, or Iâll sue you all for defamation!â
Earlier, under the dim lighting, Josie hadnât been able to see Avaâs face clearly. But now, with all the lights in the VIP area turned on, the latterâs features were laid bare for Josie to see.
She found Ava somewhat familiar.
While Josie scrutinized Ava, she realized the latter was also looking at her. Their eyes met, and both of them furrowed their brows.
While the manager was busy coordinating, Mallory casually began to play on her phone, listening to their incessant jabber in the background.
Avaâs friend was no pushover either. She gently tugged at Avaâs hand, whispering, âLet it go. Look at what sheâs wearing. Her outfit is not cheap.â
The friend was implying that Mallory was not to be trifled with.
However, sensing the onlookersâ gazes on her, Ava felt the need to speak up for herself no matter what. She said stubbornly, âUnless she apologizes to me, this matter wonât be settled.â
âApologize to you? Youâve got some nerve. I havenât even demanded an apology from you on our contestantâs behalf yet. Iâll make sure to warn Michael about you. Iâll tell him to steer clear of women like you so he doesnât get taken advantage of.â
âYouâre talking nonsense!â
Avaâs exasperated tone instantly reminded Josie that the woman was Zachâs girlfriend. To be more precise, itâs his ex-girlfriend, Ava, the pretentious woman. In the past, Ava mistook me for Laura and threw quite a fit. This explains everything.
Josie found it amusing and curled her lips into a smirk.
That smile irked Ava, prompting her to shift her gaze to Josie. âWhat are you laughing at?â