Chapter 8
Lenora had slept late the night before and had two cocktails, which left her with a miserable hangover. To make matters worse, Cassidy called early in the morning, waking her up from her sleep.
“What’s the matter now, Ms. Richmond?” Lenora had morning anger issues. Being suppressed for so long in the Brandt family, she felt like a wild beast just released from its cage–restless and agitated.
To be honest, Cassidy should be thankful she wasn’t in front of Lenora. “Did I wake you up?” she asked.
Lenora rolled her eyes, massaging her temples as she got out of bed. “Spit it out already.”
“Your ex–husband is trending online with his ‘unforgettable first love, and now the internet is speculating if both of you had affairs that led to your peaceful divorce.”
Lenora paused, her mind clearing up significantly. “You said it yourself, ex–husband. There’s no need for you to risk your life to inform me about Harley’s matters anymore.”
On the other end of the line, Cassidy rubbed her neck. “I’m sorry, Nora. Go back to sleep. I won’t disturb you again.”
With that, she quickly ended the call.
Lenora threw her phone onto the bed and buried her face back into the pillow. But Cassidy’s words kept circling in her mind, making it impossible for her to fall back asleep.
She felt irritated and decided to take a shower. “Leslie, fill up the bathtub.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Leslie replied.
Lenora shuffled into the bathroom in her slippers, her disheveled hair and poor skin after a hangover reflecting a self she did not like in the mirror.
“It’s just a divorce. There’s no need to be like this, Lenora,” she murmured to herself.
Half an hour later, Lenora stared at the gossip news on her phone. Saying she felt nothing would be somewhat self- deceiving, but she had long anticipated such a day. Seeing news of Harley and Katelyn just made her feel a bit ridiculous
now.
She turned off Twitter. Since they were already divorced, Harley’s late–night rendezvous with Katelyn was no longer her
concern.
After finishing breakfast, Lenora did her makeup, changed into a blue long dress, drove out the dusty Ferrari from the garage, and headed straight to Ormonde Entertainment.
She came here yesterday, escorted upstairs by Aran and brought down personally by Cassidy.
Thus, the receptionist treated her with the utmost respect now. “Ms. Maynard, are you here for Miss Richmond?”
“Yes, is she here?” Lenora smiled.
“Miss Richmond just arrived. I’ll call the elevator for you.”
“Thank you.” Lenora nodded.
Looking at the respectful receptionist in front of her, Lenora thought of the two receptionists from Telford Enterprise a few. days ago. She couldn’t help curling her lips.
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Chapter 8
How poorly must Harley have treated me for the company receptionists to look down on me so much? Still, it’s all my fault. Why do I have to kneel before Harley like a devoted dog, ending up with nothing but a divorce? she sneered inwardly.
At this time, the elevator doors chimed and opened.
Lenora shook off her thoughts and stepped out of the elevator in her silver stiletto heels, heading straight for Cassidy’s office.
Linda was a bit surprised to see her, asking, “Ms. Maynard, what brings you here?”
“Just dropping by.” She smiled, pointing to the slightly ajar door of Cassidy’s office. “May I go in?”
“Of course, it’s just Cassidy inside. Perfect timing that you’re here; please persuade her to keep a low profile. Quite a few paparazzi have been keeping an eye on her lately, and I had to put in a lot of effort to suppress what happened last night.”
Lenora nodded. “Thank you. I’ll make sure she pays attention to it.”
Linda was one of the few people who knew that Lenora was the major shareholder behind Ormonde Entertainment and was aware of her relationship with Cassidy. Cassidy was reckless and only listened to Lenora and Dashnell. Even Linda, her agent, often had to clean up the mess.
Now that Lenora was willing to take charge, Linda, exhausted, felt like she had come back to life. “It’s my duty. Take your time, Ms. Maynard.”
Lenora pushed the door into Cassidy’s office. The glamorous superstar was engrossed in whatever she was viewing on her tablet, her expressions living up to her title as the best actress.
“What are you looking at?” Lenora sat down beside her and patted her crossed legs.
Cassidy was busy with gossip about Harley and Katelyn when Lenora arrived. She was excited. “I was just enjoying the drama between your ex–husband and Katelyn Sheppard! And no kidding, it’s quite touching.”
“What did you say?” Lenora gave her a sidelong glance.
Cassidy felt a chill down her spine and quickly switched to an earnest expression. “I said that shameless couple is truly audacious, starting together right after the divorce as if they’re desperate to show everyone they’re in love.”
Lenora poured herself a cup of coffee. “You’re really getting into it, aren’t you?”
Cassidy was genuinely scared upon hearing this. “I’m sorry, my queen. To make up for my mistake, I got two tickets to Katelyn’s art exhibition. You and Aran can go together and surprise those bastards! What’s so great about Harley Brandt? He’s just second–hand good you didn’t want, and Aran is way better than him.”
“Well, you should say that to Harley in person.” Lenora raised an eyebrow.
Of course, Cassidy didn’t dare to do so. “We’re all decent people. Making a scene in public is so awkward. We need to humiliate them subtly. Trust me, take Aran with you, and public opinion will swing to your side in no time.”
“Come on! Don’t drag Aran into this mess. Haven’t you seen the comments from Aran’s girl fans lately?” “You just don’t get it. Aran is trying to transition into a serious actor. Losing girl fans isn’t a big deal.” “Spill it, what’s your hidden agenda this time?” Lenora almost believed it.
“Ahem… I heard that Katelyn invited Harley as a special guest.”
“Are you using me for fun?” Lenora paused and glanced at her.
Cassidy nervously shifted her gaze and placed a hand on Lenora’s shoulder. “That’s not what I meant, Nora. Think about all
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Chapter 8
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the grievances you’ve endured in the Brandt family over these three years! At the root of it all is Harley’s indifference, isn’t it? Not only did Katelyn invite Harley, but also Gwen Woodward and Harley’s sister. Do you know what people are talking about you now? They said you spent three years with the Brands, and in the end, it was no more useful than an invitation from Katelyn.”
These words reminded Lenora of her twenty–fifth birthday two years ago. Cassidy had organized a small birthday party for her, and she had originally planned to reveal her substantial background to Harley at the party. But none of the Brandts showed up, except for Cassidy and a few other friends.
That wasn’t the worst part; what was truly outrageous was that Carla posted a screenshot showing a group chat where she asked those who received Lenora’s invitation if they would attend her birthday party. The responses were unanimous “No.” The screenshot spread, and the entire social circle laughed at her overestimating herself–a gold digger who married into
wealth.
The past cut deep, and Lenora narrowed her eyes. “It’s boring.”
Cassidy snapped, “How? Carla is a die–hard fan of Aran. Recently, Katelyn’s company contacted Aran’s agent, wanting to collaborate with Aran on an art exhibition. Two years ago, you couldn’t invite the Brandts, and now they can’t get Aran either. It’s quite thrilling just thinking about it!”
Lenora gave her a half–smiling glance. “Impressive, you are now scheming against me.”
“No, no. I certainly dare not,” Cassidy stammered.
After a long silence, she couldn’t help but ask, “So, are you going or not?”
Lenora took a sip of her coffee. “Of course, why not?” She was curious to see if Carla would be driven to madness upon learning that her idol was with her.
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