Chapter 196

"Susan?" Vincent King's brows furrowed instantly. He hadn't expected his momentary distraction to hurt Candy Wilson.

He strode forward and pulled her into a tight embrace. His heart clenched when his fingers brushed the red marks on her arm.

Candy felt as if a sharp blade had sliced through her heart. She feared Vincent would utter that name—the truth behind his distraction over Susan Thompson.

"Vincent, I trust you." She buried her face in his chest, voice trembling. "After all we've been through, nothing can tear us apart."

Her nails dug deep into her palms. She had come to humiliate Susan, only to make a fool of herself.

"Vincent, I have a headache." She tugged at his sleeve. "Let's go home, please?"

"Miss Wilson, wait." Alexander Grant's icy voice cut through the air.

Candy's eyes lit up. Had the illustrious Alexander Grant finally noticed her?

"Mr. Grant, is there something you need?" She flashed her most polished smile.

Alexander's stomach churned. Suppressing his disgust, he replied flatly, "We need to discuss compensation for the damaged dress."

"What?" Her smile froze. "But... wasn't this a gift for me?"

"Miss Wilson, you flatter yourself." His gaze turned mocking. "We're strangers."

Candy's face paled instantly. She looked down at the exquisite embroidered gown, the golden threads stinging her eyes under the lights.

"If you hadn't made me wear it—"

"I suggested you wear it, not burst its seams." Alexander cut her off.

Nearby, Patrick Pope nearly applauded. So his boss was avenging Susan!

Andrew Lucas's lips had just curved into a smirk when he realized Alexander's motive, and his expression hardened.

"This dress is worth ten million," Alexander said coolly. "Master Li values it highly."

Candy's legs gave way, and she collapsed to the floor. The sound of tearing fabric was deafening as she scrambled to cover herself, to no avail.

"Couldn't fit but forced yourself in anyway." Andrew sneered. "Miss Wilson, was the humiliation not enough?"

Vincent shielded Candy behind him, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Two million. You'll have it shortly. My woman can do as she pleases."

He dragged Candy away, his retreating figure radiating fury.

Nicole Capra whispered, "Should we check on Candy?"

"Go watch a fool?" Andrew remained unmoved. Nicole immediately fell silent.

Filming finally began. Susan stared at the revised script, her ears burning.

"My general, let this humble servant..." She couldn't bring herself to say the line.

Director Cyrus stepped in to play Lu Bu. When the script called for an embrace and kiss, Alexander snatched the script from Patrick's hands.

"I'll do it." He unbuttoned his suit jacket, his intense gaze fixed on Susan.

Andrew shot to his feet. "Alexander Grant, what do you think you're doing?"

The air crackled with tension. Susan stood on the swing, watching the two men square off, and massaged her temples in exasperation.