Chapter 493: A Fleeting Romance, a Hellish Ordeal (2200+ Words)
The start-of-shoot ceremony went smoothly.
The rear mountain of Sage’s Mercy Temple had been closed off, ensuring no disturbances from outsiders. After Jude Grant’s plea, Zion Prescott didn’t pick on Claire Sinclair anymore and just stood with Adrian Law, Felix Lockwood, and others, watching Claire Sinclair and the male lead Kane Hale leading the incense burning from afar.
Most of the time, Adrian Law and Cecilia Vaughn teamed up as a couple to flaunt their affection, while Felix Lockwood was not to be outdone, constantly chatting and looking for topics, and Zion Prescott would occasionally nod and respond with a few words.
Even so, his eyes were distant and cold, as if nothing could catch his attention, aloof like an Immortal in an ancient temple.
...
Director Chapman paid more attention to Zion Prescott because of the subtle conflict between him and Claire Sinclair.
Director Chapman had heard about Zion Prescott’s remarkable medical skills, as he was the designated heir of a family of traditional Chinese medicine. However, his personality was unusual; outwardly sociable but in reality only honored those he cared to.
Based on Zion Prescott’s nature, he typically wouldn’t make things difficult for others face-to-face, so it was unexpected that he had made several sharp remarks towards Claire Sinclair today.
— After all, he was an investor in ’There are branches on the mountain’ along with Adrian Law and Felix Lockwood. As long as the filming and reputation weren’t affected, Director Chapman wouldn’t give it much thought.
— These ambitious young aristocrats probably pride themselves on seeing through the pretenses and don’t approve of their nephew’s affairs with an actress from the entertainment industry?
Director Chapman thought so, having seen many similar cases, and didn’t ponder further.
...
From dawn till dusk, the start-of-shoot ceremony finally concluded.
After a flight to Stellerton, it was nearly eight in the evening when Jude Grant joyfully invited everyone to the Splendid Pavilion for dinner, as promised.
"I promised to host, and I hope everyone grants me and Claire the honor of joining us for seafood. The Splendid Pavilion just received a new batch of Japanese fresh salmon and some rare Zentaria lobsters."
Jude Grant knew that the Splendid Pavilion was Adrian Law’s business. With Adrian Law and Cecilia Vaughn present and his uncle being a close friend of Adrian Law’s, he was confident of securing a private room.
"Awesome! We get to have lobsters!"
Director Chapman, noticing the collective excitement, agreed with a smile of helplessness.
"Alright, Claire, I’m just worried your boyfriend might go broke feeding us."
"Not at all, Director, I’m the happiest that you could grace us with your presence."
Looking around and seeing Zion Prescott’s still indifferent face, Jude Grant gently nudged his arm.
"Uncle, won’t you join us? We owe you gratitude since you invested in Claire’s movie. Even though it must be to support Young Master Law, we should have treated you to a meal already."
"Claire, shouldn’t we properly thank Uncle?"
Claire Sinclair hadn’t expected Jude Grant to suggest a thank-you meal specific to Zion Prescott. Feeling flustered, she lowered her head, her emotions falling apart within her eyes, and could only manage a response through her nose.
"Mmm..."
Zion Prescott caught the side profile of Claire Sinclair, who dared not meet his gaze, sparking a faint cold smile in his heart.
Yet his exterior remained calm as water.
"Maybe next time, I’m tired."
"Alright."
Knowing his uncle’s determination was hard to change, Jude Grant didn’t push it and cheerfully turned to Cecilia Vaughn, Adrian Law, and Felix Lockwood.
"Young Master Law, Young Master Lockwood, Miss Vaughn, are you coming?"
"Why not, if there’s a meal to crash?"
Felix Lockwood was visibly vibrant, while Adrian Law gave Zion Prescott’s retreating figure a deep look, eventually nodding lightly with a faint sigh.
"Okay, Cecilia, let’s go too."
Some journeys ultimately have to be walked alone. No matter how well others can see, they can’t advise against one’s path.
Besides, Zion Prescott, while appearing the most approachable of their trio, was actually the most stubborn.
...
In the Splendid Pavilion, the atmosphere remained lively with drinks flowing.
Suddenly, Claire Sinclair’s phone rang, and upon seeing the message, a wave of fear and bitterness swept through her throat.
— Claire Sinclair, yesterday was already the end date for the breakup time. My patience is limited.
No signature.
No contact label.
But Claire Sinclair knew exactly who it was from.
A breakup with Jude Grant within a month?
Claire raised her eyes to meet Jude Grant’s bright and cheerful smile.
"Claire, what’s wrong? You seem distracted."
"Oh, nothing. It’s my roommate again, forgot her dorm key and card, and the dorm manager’s already asleep, asking me to bring them back. You know our school rules are strict. Without leave, being out overnight thrice leads to a reprimand."
Jude Grant gasped, annoyed at the school’s rules, but patiently suggested to Claire Sinclair.
"Really? Then I’ll walk you back to school..."
Claire Sinclair showed some apology on her face, looking at her boyfriend’s clear eyes, feeling torn with guilt and hesitation, which eventually shattered in her eyes.
"Jude, I... I’ll just go back myself. If someone takes a photo of us, it won’t be good. I’ll let you know I’m safe."
...
Watching as Claire Sinclair’s back pretended to be casual yet showed a hint of panic, Cecilia Vaughn detected something amiss.
She had been savoring the delicious food but now frowned and nudged the man beside her.
"Adrian, don’t you think Claire’s mood is off? Could it be because of how Dr. Prescott spoke to her earlier? It’s inappropriate for him to use his elder status to pressure his niece-in-law, you should talk to him..."
Perhaps only Adrian Law understood the full story, and he responded with a helpless smile, placing a piece of salmon into Cecilia’s bowl.
"How can I control him?... Cecilia, enjoy your fish."
"I want the big piece!"
"Alright, I’ll always agree with you."
...
Leaving the Splendid Pavilion, Claire Sinclair did not hurry away. Instead, she dialed a number from a secluded corner.
Thinking about the expired breakup ultimatum with Jude Grant, her heart felt as if it had been slashed by a sharp blade.
As the call connected with a tone, the girl took the initiative.
"Mr. Prescott, you actually just want to drive me to despair, right? I’ll... I’ll break up with Jude... but could you give me a few days of grace?"
Recalling the moment yesterday when she decided firmly to end things, but was thwarted by Jude Grant’s anniversary surprise, Claire Sinclair’s heart ached sharply, yet she had no choice.
After all, fate played tricks, tying Jude Grant by blood to that demon.
What once was a fleeting romance turned into The Infernal Abyss.
...
"Grace? How long? A day, a month, a year, or a lifetime?"
The men’s voice on the other end was casual, laced with deep sarcasm.
"What do I have to do for you to leave Jude and me alone?"
"Don’t want to break up? Fine then..."
Claire Sinclair’s immediate alertness kicked in; she knew Zion Prescott was not one to be easily merciful.
"Zion Prescott, what exactly do you want?"
"Don’t trust me?"
Zion Prescott dragged his voice lazily, uncaringly clicking his tongue.
— A real pity, having played the righteous savior too often, it was almost forgotten that he was the villain breaking up lovers, but Zion Prescott didn’t mind.
The man’s voice turned cold.
"Now, come to Blue Abyss Rose, you have ten minutes, no later."