Chapter 492: First Anniversary
Claire Sinclair was remarkably beautiful, her figure tall and elegant; wearing a simple water-white long dress, she exuded an ethereal charm, not appearing the least crude.
"I apologize for keeping everyone waiting, it’s my mistake. At today’s opening ceremony, before the ancient lights and Buddha, I am willing to drink three cups of tea in place of wine as self-punishment, and hope everyone won’t mind..."
Claire Sinclair was about to apologize, but before she finished, she suddenly met a pair of eyes as cold and deep as ink.
—Why is Zion Prescott here?
A sudden pain gripped her heart, as if she was pricked by a few sharp needles without warning.
Claire’s initially playful expression instantly stiffened. She had been undergoing business training at Director Chapman’s company these past days, thus she was somewhat familiar with Director Chapman and the various crew members and assistants, initially feeling they had formed a bit of a bond and could joke around.
Who knew...
...
Jude Grant held Claire Sinclair’s hand, immediately sensing the girl’s palm was suddenly cold with perspiration.
"Claire, what’s wrong?"
Jude was worried, standing next to Claire, the young man wore a black and white striped shirt, radiating youthful elegance and nobility.
The young couple standing before the ancient temple looked like an exquisite ink painting, blending classical elegance.
"Claire, did you eat nothing this morning and now your stomach is acting up again? I have chocolates in the car, let me get them for you."
"No, no need, Jude, you don’t have to go out of your way for me."
Claire’s face was pale yet refined, biting her lip, she pretended nothing was wrong and shook her head.
Brought up in privilege, and always straightforward, Jude didn’t see Claire’s dilemma, thinking only that she was feeling unwell.
"Claire, I’m not an outsider, here’s the plan: after the opening ceremony, I’ll invite everyone in the crew to Splendid Pavilion for a seafood feast!"
"Wow! Splendid Pavilion! Young Master Grant, you are truly generous!"
The stars present didn’t see it as anything special, but Splendid Pavilion was indeed Stellerton’s most difficult Cantonese restaurant to book, with top-notch cuisine. Since Jude was willing to spend lavishly for his girlfriend, they were, of course, pleased to accept.
"Claire is so lucky; even checking in for the opening, she has her boyfriend accompanying her. I’m so envious."
"Me too. Claire, is this dress a gift from Young Master Grant as well? I recall the limited edition haute couture he gifted you last time was beautiful too."
...
Such a fitting couple showing mutual care, coupled with the teasing from everyone present, should have suited well, yet in Zion Prescott’s eyes, it was exceedingly odious.
Always restrained and mild, Mr. Prescott could no longer help but speak coldly.
"Jude, your girlfriend carries the scent of alcohol from a distance, is she really suffering from a stomach ache or is her head aching from accompanying drinks?"
Claire’s expression, already not looking good, immediately dropped to freezing point.
Faced with Zion Prescott’s open confrontation, she tightly clenched her fists to barely keep her composure in front of everyone.
"Mr... Mr. Prescott, you’re joking."
It was only now that Jude noticed that his uncle, who was only a few years older than him, was also present. He knew Zion Prescott had always disliked people in the entertainment industry. Since he and Zion had a good relationship, perhaps his uncle feared he would be deceived by a woman of questionable behavior.
After all, in the entertainment industry, truly innocent individuals, male or female, were likely hard to find.
...
"Uncle, what’s the nonsense you’re talking?"
Jude stepped forward, leaning on Zion Prescott’s arm with a smile to explain.
"Yesterday was the anniversary of when Claire and I met, so I specially found two bottles of wine for us to enjoy together."
Although he completely disagreed with Zion Prescott’s attitude, out of longstanding admiration for him, Jude remained extremely polite.
If someone else were to insinuate his girlfriend as a hostess, he might have already swung a punch.
Jude looked at Zion Prescott’s cold and refined face, secretly mocking that his uncle was perfect in every way, except he didn’t understand emotions, or women; high IQ but low EQ, no wonder he’s perpetually single and can’t see a romantic opportunity even if it slapped him in the face.
...
The anniversary of when they met...
Zion Prescott narrowed his eyes slightly, that ink-colored gaze flashing with an unfathomable deep emotion.
"So, you two have been together for that long..."
A casual remark, seemingly devoid of any emotion, yet Claire Sinclair could hear the underlying implication, and she tightened her grip, silently averting her eyes from him.
"Uncle, you misunderstood. We met a year ago, and I’ve been pursuing Claire for quite a long time. It’s only been a month and a half since we started dating."
Yet, Jude didn’t perceive the atmosphere turning odd. His sole focus was to leave a good impression of his petite girlfriend on his family.
"Hey, Uncle, even though we don’t share a last name, you know my parents admire you the most. They, the older generation, don’t like the acting profession much, so if things come to a head, I’d appreciate it if you could say a few kind words for Claire and me!"
Jude said, blinking at Zion Prescott somewhat ingratiatingly.
"Is that so?"
Zion Prescott’s lips curled in a meaningful smile, his ink-colored eyes inspecting Claire Sinclair, who avoided his gaze, his handsome face gentle yet with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
"I wonder, besides acting, what else about Miss Sinclair captivates Jude?"
On the phrase "besides acting," Zion paused briefly. Others may not have noticed, but for Claire Sinclair, it was the sharpest insult.
In Zion Prescott’s view, anything she did was nothing but a façade?
A wave of inexplicable helplessness swept over her entire body.
...
Claire’s eyes slightly reddened, but fortunately, her eyes naturally exuded a tender delicacy, and in this faint tearful state, she appeared more alluring, with no one noticing her emotions were on the brink of breaking down.
"Mr. Prescott, I don’t know what you think of me, but I believe Jude liked me at first simply because of my looks."
For someone as proud as Claire to smile and mock herself was enough to make everyone in the crew take a second look.
A few accommodating crew members immediately chuckled and chimed in.
"Attracted by appearances, then impressed by talent and character, isn’t that right, Young Master Grant?"
"Of course! Claire, I assure you, I’m not the type who only looks at appearances..."
Jude’s cheeks flushed red.
"No worries, I look at appearances too."
Claire’s playful smile revived the previously tense atmosphere.
Among those present, Director Chapman was the most perceptive. He subtly sensed the strange verbal sparring between Claire and Zion Prescott and, wanting to avoid any conflict, quickly waved with a smile.
"Alright, everyone gather around. Claire, Kane, you two are the leads, take the incense and lead the blessings for a big hit production."