Chapter 74
Chapter 74
The next day, at two in the afternoon. Selena received a phone call.
“Hello, Miss Dalton? I’m Alice. I saw you at the banquet last time, and I thought we really hit it off. I’ve been wanting to find a chance to chat with you. Do you have time today?”
Selena was a bit surprised to receive Alice’s call.
The Gibbs family was much wealthier than her family, and forging a relationship with them would only benefit the Dalton family.
Moreover, it was clear that things with Owen were not going to work out. Marrying Ivan would be a good alternative for her.
Selena quickly agreed
The two of them set a time and place to meet
They would be meeting at a café at 4 o’clock.
Alice had made sure to reserve a private room and had ordered plenty of food.
In addition to Alice, Jeanie was also present.
While the Dalton family had a major presence in the entertainment world, Selena was still young and only a rising star minor actress at best. Jeanie, however, had a strong presence in the industry.
Thanks to the powerful influence of the Gibbs family, Jeanie held a prominent position in the entertainment world. She was a significant figure in the industry, and many scripts came to her first before reaching anyone else.
Selena could not compare to Jeanie and Alice at all.
Selena was good at reading the room, so she kept her tone humble and respectful around them, especially with Jeante, where she acted like a devoted fan, flattering Jeanie and making her smile.
“I’ve always wanted a chance to work with you, Jeanie, but I never got the chance. I’m still new and not well–known enough to have the privilege to work with someone as famous as you. I’m so lucky to have met my idol today!‘ Selena said sweetly.
Jeanie laughed, covering her mouth in amusement. “Oh, come on, you’re the apple of the Dalton family’s eye! The Dalton family is one of the four major families, so we can be considered family too. Next time, I’ll ask my manager to set up a project for us.”
Selena’s face lit up with joy. “Could that really happen?”
“Of course, Alice said with a smile, standing up to pour wine. “We’re all from the four prestigious families. Only by staying united can we continue to thrive.”
Selena understood the underlying meaning of her words. Alice was not trying to form a friendship; she had a different
motive.
Selena lowered her head, her face turning pale. I’m no longer the apple of the Dalton family’s eye. Right now, Grandpa favors Hailey the most. I’m practically nothing in the Dalton family. Hailey is the one who the family treasures the most.”
“She’s nothing. She’s merely a country bumpkin who just came back, Jeanie said with contempt.
Selena bit her lip, looking vulnerable and pitiful.
“You must have suffered a lot,” Alice said gently.
1/3
13:25 Thu, 3 Apr
Chapter 71
Selena immediately started crying, her voice trembling as she said, “I don’t understand why, but ever since Hailey came back, it seems like everyone has started to hate me. All the focus is on her, and sometimes they target me for no reason.
“I’m about to take the SAT, and it’s so important. I even stopped all my work this year just to prepare for it, but now the pressure is really getting to me. What should I do, Alice?
83%
Alice assumed the role of the loving and gentle older sister. She stood up, wrapped her arms around Selena, and gently patted her back.
Jeanie played with her nails and said casually, “What’s the point of crying? If someone took something from you, just take it back. Do you think crying will make her feel sorry for you?”
Selena, looking innocent and confused, asked, “What do you mean by that, Jeanie
Jeanie glanced at Alice before saying. “With your timid and scared demeanor, I can tell you won’t amount to much. In that case, why don’t you help us keep tabs on Hailey? We need to uncover her secrets or catch her in some compromising
situation
Selena hesitated, her face showing reluctance. “But… Isn’t that a little too much? After all, Hailey’s my sister.”
“You’re such a coward.” Jeanie sneered. “If you’re too scared to monitor her, what else do you think you’re capable of?”
Selena lowered her head in silence.
Alice gave Jeanie a look. Jeanie shrugged and then, in a more coaxing tone, continued. I can’t stand Hailey either. She’s the one who spread rumors about me last time.
“Selena, if you help me get back at her, we’ll be good friends who share all the good that comes our way. You may be a daughter of the Dalton family, but your father isn’t the one in charge
“Your prospects in the entertainment industry aren’t bright, and transitioning later won’t be easy.
“If you help me with this, I’ll support you in the entertainment industry, and with your status as the precious daughter of the Dalton family, success will come easily. Don’t you want such a bright future?”
Selena made a show of looking tempted before glancing at Jeanie. “What do I need to do?”
Jeanie smiled.
It was almost winter break,
On New Year’s Day, Hailey had dinner at the Dalton Mansion with Thomas, Eliza, and Isaac, along with Kenneth and his wife, Cassandra Dalton.
Aiden’s side of the family was not well–regarded by Thomas, so they wisely chose not to show up and ruin the mood.
Hailey seemed to fit better with Kenneth’s family than with her own.
Though Kenneth’s family and her were not particularly close, at least there was no animosity between them.
After dinner, Hailey went upstairs to call her adoptive parents. Once she was done, she called Nicolas.
Afterward, Isaac called her down.
Hailey had a generally good impression of Isaac.
Although they did not interact much, Hailey always felt comfortable around Isaac. He had even stood up for her a few times
2/3
13:25 Thu, 3 Apr m
Chapter 74
in public.
After dinner, the two took a leisurely stroll through the back garden.
“How are your studies? Itse asked gently
“It’s fine. I can understand everything the teachers go over Bailey und
Tac nodded slightly. “I heard you took in the second son of the Blackwell fo
he’d “Yes, that was quite some time ago. He got into trouble, and if he had been staying with the Year‘ family had tome de Hailey replied
Isaac pressed his lips together, pausing for a few seconds before saying “Chriumpher it an ordinary person knit glan too much trust in him.”
Hailey was slightly taken aback. At that very moment, her phone suddenly rang
Coincidentally, it was Christopher.
Ever since Christopher had moved into the apartment she arranged for him, he would call about once a week or every two
weeks.
“You should take the call first, Isaac said before stepping aside.
Hailey made a sound of acknowledgment and then answered the phone.
“Hey.”
“Happy New Year, Hailey” Christopher’s voice came through, soft and gentle
“Happy New Year to you too,” Hailey answered “Did Linda prepare dinner for you?”
Linda was the housekeeper Hailey had arranged for Christopher.
“Did you forget that Linda has her own family too? I gave her some time off so she could be with them. Christopher said with a chuckle.
Ө
市
AD
Comment
