Chapter 29: Chapter 29

“What?“Melinda’s expression shifted into one of clear astonishment. Accustomed to flattery and pampering, she seemed momentarily stunned by Jackson’s words, struggling to form a response.

Jackson’s frown deepened, revealing hints of impatience. “Who do you think you are to me that I should help you?”

Caught off guard by Jackson’s disregard, Melinda’s eyes welled up with tears and her body quivered with emotion.

Annie was amused. “Acting like this won’t get you far in relationships, Mr. Hudson.” He had missed his cue to save a beauty entirely.

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Annie in disbelief.

“How dare she address Jackson in that manner?”

“She’s done for! She will definitely be on Mr. Hudson’s list from now on!”

“Uh–oh, should I try to stop it when Mr. Hudson throws her out later?”

As Jackson’s hand rose, a collective gasp swept through the room. ‘Is he actually going to strike a woman?‘ wondered everyone.

Instead, his hand gently tousled Annie’s hair. “My personal matters don’t concern you. But Ms. Sanders, with such a sharp tongue, I wonder if you’ll ever find love in this lifetime?”

“Can’t compare to your venomous tongue. Annie cocked an eyebrow in disdain, her lips curving into a mocking smile.

Jackson withdrew his hand, the sensation of her soft hair brushing against his palm causing a brief pause. But soon, he continued in his aloof manner. “Annie, has anyone ever told you that a little naivety makes a woman more endearing?”

“Oh?” Annie tilted her head, looking towards Melinda. “Like this?”

Melinda glared back, her eyes brimming with malice as if she wanted to rip Annie to shreds.

Annie shrugged. “So? Are you still in the game or not, Ms. Smith?”

The onlookers were quick to sense Jackson’s stance. They refrained from coming to Melinda’s aid, understanding it was wiser to keep quiet. Some even softly advised Melinda, “Come on, we’re here to have fun. Don’t be such a poor sport.”

Embarrassment was one thing, but crossing Jackson was a big deal. Pale–faced, Melinda- gripped the edge of her dress, aware she had no choice. She had finally made a connection, been introduced to Jackson, and hoped to leverage his strong network to advance in the entertainment industry. Besides, his remarkable presence had captivated her upon their first meeting. But now, if she offended him completely, not only would she lose his support, but everything she had built up could vanish in an instant. Clenching her teeth, she managed to force out two words. “I’m in.”

On the dance floor, bodies moved in rhythm. Melinda scanned the room for her target before making her approach. She knew men well and was aware of the type that wouldn’t refuse. With a seductive gaze and a gentle parting of her red lips in front of her chosen target, she inquired, “Care for a kiss?”

From the second–floor private box, the entire dance floor was in full view. The group stood there, The group stood there, watching every move Melinda made.

Donald, who had seemingly materialized out of nowhere, chuckled, “Wow, Melinda sure knows how to pick ‘em!”

Annie, sensing something amiss, frowned, “What’s up?”

“That man is the pampered lover of Lydia Stewart, who has quite a fiery temper. Tsk…” Donald explained.

Before he could finish his words, chaos erupted on the dance floor below.

“Bitch, how dare you hook up with my man? You might as well find a new line of work!” Lydia wasn’t one to be trifled with. She seized Melinda by the hair, yanking it back, and then with a swift motion, she tore the dress’s shoulder strap, splitting it open by more than half.

Melinda reached out to cover her body quickly. Despite having a lining under the dress, she had meticulously prepared for Jackson’s occasion, opting for outfits with barely any fabric. Now all eyes were on her, and she wasn’t sure how much had been exposed.

A stir rippled through the crowd.

“Don’t hold back. This is getting entertaining!”

“Rip it more! I haven’t seen enough. Tear the inside one too!”

“Wow, she’s got a nice figure. I wonder what it feels like to touch…”

Listening to the surrounding comments, Melinda felt a mix of anger and desperation.

Annie glanced at Melinda’s curvy silhouette and shook her head slightly. While a good gure was admirable, intelligence trumped all. Melinda could have solved this cleverly as Annie did, but instead, she chose to really pick a man and stir up trouble. It was quite the display The spectacle was short–lived as the bar owner swiftly intervened. The exact words exchanged were unknown, but Lydia released Melinda, pulled her man away, and stormed off in a hut Melinda hastily gathered her dress to cover up the essentials and was escorted back to the private room by the bar staff.

With the chaos unfolding, Annie lost interest in the game and waved dismissively. Tre played my part and delivered what you needed. I’m leaving now, Mr. Hudson.” She’d rather head home for some shut–eye..

“Okay, Jackson acknowledged. He needed to deal with something here.

Once Annie departed all eyes turned to Jackson, and Donald brazenly inquired. “Mr. Hudson, are we still playing?”

“Of course, let’s keep it going Jackson picked a card and casually revealed the King- “Have the Jack of Clubs smack the Queen of Spades a hundred times.”

He knew it. He knew I was messing with the cards Melinda, who drew the Queen of Spades shuddered. Collapsing at Jackson’s feet, she sobbed, “Mr. Hudson, I screwed up. Please forgive me! I’m so sorry. I promise I won’t try anything like that again!”

Jackson laid out the King in his hand and adjusted his cufflinks. “Why haven’t you started yet?

Soon, the sound of faces being slapped reverberated throughout the private room.

The following day, Melinda tweeted that she was ill and even skipped a planned press conference for a new drama.

“Mom, Jessica, you gotta help me!” Early in the morning. Tom staggered into the Sanders residence.

Jessica was accustomed to her brother’s sudden appearances, always seeking money.

Helen embraced her son, noticing his pallor, immediately concerned. “Tom, what’s wrong?*

Tom murmured. “Mom, can you lend me some cash?”

Jessica was unfazed. “How much this time?”

*1.5 million dollars,” Tom whispered.

1.5 million?” Both Helen and Jessica were taken aback. “What do you need that much cash for?”

“I had a mishap. If I can’t scrape together the money, I might get killed. You won’t let me go down that road, right?” Tom asked.

“Not even close to 1.5 mil. I can’t even spare 200 dollars!” Jessica snapped bluntly.

Tom grew anxious. “I’m dead serious. If I can’t come up with the cash, it won’t just be me affected, even Dad will face repercussions!”

Helen furrowed her brow. “What actually happened? And how does it involve your dad?”

“Um… It’s just…” Tom’s gaze dodged, reluctant to say more.

Jessica clenched her jaw. “If you don’t come clean, you ain’t getting a dime!”

Tom confessed hastily,” I fell for a beauty trap. They got a video of me and used it for blackmail. I had to use my dad’s authorization to withdraw 1.5 million dollars from the company. I planned to get the video back first and then return the money, but those Scoundrels were one step ahead! So, I…”

Helen clutched her head, almost blacking out.

Jessica hurried to support her mom, her expression serious, and inquired sharply, “Even if you used Dad’s name, Finance wouldn’t authorize money to you. Tell me straight up, how did you manage to get the money from the company?”

Tom mumbled, “It was… Quinton Chandler who vouched for me.”

“Quinton Chandler!” Both Jessica and Helen paled.