Chapter 42
Chapter 42
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The lights from the cameras sparkled on the red carpet as large and well–known celebrities gathered for the event. Charlotte and Lucas attracted the attention of several fashion experts and photographers, who eagerly interviewed them about their upcoming wedding.
“We’ve heard rumors about your engagement party happening soon. Can you share any details, Mr. Murphy?” one reporter asked Lucas.
“The details are still under wraps for now,” Lucas replied, “We want to keep it intimate.”
However, Charlotte had already tipped off numerous reporters and paparazzi about the event, eager to announce that she would soon be Mrs. Lucas Murphy.
As the heir to the Murphy Corporation, Lucas was a prize bachelor catch, while Charlotte held power as a well–known talent manager in the industry.
When Lucas confronted her about the leaked plans, Charlotte smoothly deflected the blame on their event organizer. Naturally, he believed her lies.
“Love, I don’t see Isabella anywhere,” Lucas said, looking around the rows of seats. Since Isabella was part of the Golden Stage Entertainment team for her nominated role, she was supposed to be seated there.
Lucas had fought for Isabella’s role and nomination, though Charlotte remained unaware of his involvement, and the thought of her stirred a sense of uncomfortable guilt within him.
Charlotte offered a fake, worried smile. “You know how she is with these events. She’s probably avoiding the ceremony to make it obvious she’s cut ties with us.”
Lucas sighed, frustration creeping into his voice. “But this is important–it’s the first time Isabella’s been nominated. Doesn’t she owe it to herself, at least, to show some gratitude?”
Their attention shifted as they spotted Gabriel sitting next to Sabrina.
Charlotte itched to ask about Gabriel and Isabella’s marriage, but this wasn’t the place.
According to her uncle, Mr. Prescott, “The civil registry confirmed that Isabella was married, according to that ungrateful woman’s civil status!”
Mr. Prescott had been furious for a week. They still didn’t know Gabriel’s full name, which made it impossible to find out who her husband was. However, the civil registry verified the document’s authenticity based on the registry number.
Fortunately, Charlotte had suggested a distraction for her uncle–a movie in which the protagonist was kidnapped and framed by her mother–in–law. She accused the protagonist of having an affair with an unknown man, and when it was revealed to her husband, they divorced on the spot.
She knew her uncle’s desperation to marry Isabella off to Mr. Reed, and the story had sparked something in his eyes.
The awards night was about to start, but Isabella hadn’t arrived yet. The seats were nearly filled, and Charlotte sneer
A staff member approached them. “Mr. Murphy,” she addressed Lucas, “Are you Ms. Isabella’s team manager from Golden Stage?”
“Yes, what’s the issue?” Lucas asked.
“Due to her late arrival, she can no longer be seated in this area. She’ll need to be placed either upstairs or in the general viewing section,” the staff member explained. “As you can see, all seats are taken except for VIP and reserved seating.”
Charlotte held back a triumphant smile while Lucas’s frown grew deeper. Gabriel, who had overheard, looked just as
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Chapter 42
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“Isabella would definitely be embarrassed. No one from Golden Stage has ever been seated in the back before,” Lucas said, his voice laced with annoyance.
“Is there anything we can do?” Charlotte asked, feigning concern.
Before the staff could respond, Charlotte’s eyes caught sight of Isabella entering the hall. The woman was breathtaking in her red gown, the gems scattered across it, shimmering with every step she took. At that moment, she looked like she could command millions.
Isabella and Charlotte’s gazes clashed in silent combat, but Charlotte quickly retaliated with a defiant stare.
‘Where will you sit, huh?‘ Charlotte wanted to ask, a smug expression spreading across her pretty face.
Isabella walked toward them, drawing almost every eye in the room. Even Lucas couldn’t help but admire her. Charlotte and Sabrina, their jaws secretly clenched, exchanged tense glances, struggling to contain their anger.
“Ms. Isabella, the team has already informed you at the entrance, right?” the staff member said, her tone sharp. “The seats are all full. If you had come earlier, we could have accommodated you.” She was the staff member Charlotte had paid to manage the seating arrangement, playing her part in the scheme.
Cameras flashed from every direction, and Isabella’s entrance drew the attention of fans, who quickly raised their phones, capturing the interaction. They noticed the staff member’s dismissive attitude.
“Miss, I’m only here to apologize to the Golden Stage team,” Isabella said, her voice calm but firm. “Charlotte, Lucas, I’m truly sorry… but I received incorrect information about the event. I won’t be able to sit with you.”
Lucas glanced at the seats, hoping to help his celebrity talent, Isabella, but all the people in their section were important figures.
“That’s right, she’ll have to sit with the regular crowd. No matter how beautiful she is tonight, it doesn’t change a thing,‘ Charlotte thought bitterly.
“Well, lucky for me, I have a second invitation.” Isabella flashed a confident smile, casually revealing her VIP seat with a hint of pride. “I’m so lucky! I’ll head to the front for now. See you later!”
Sabrina’s eyes widened in disbelief, and she couldn’t hide her jealousy. Charlotte clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms with silent rage.
‘What the fuck had just happened?‘
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