Chapter 189
Dammably Alluring
Dylan sat down quietly next to Olivia.
He picked up his wine glass and began proposing toasts one by one.
"My apologies for being late. Bottom's up."
After three glasses, he continued smilingly around the table.
The seat of honor was occupied by Mr. Sterling, the owner of JoyRite Entertainment.
He was a famous capital magnate in the entertainment industry.
Mr. Sterling's gaze fell on Olivia.
"When did Vivi become interested in the entertainment industry?"
"Just dabbling for fun."
"Need any help?" Mr. Sterling ignored Dylan's toast.
"Thank you, Uncle Sterling. I don't know much about this business."
Mr. Sterling was good friends with Olivia's father.
Her address of 'uncle' came naturally.
Dylan's eyes flickered.
He went from surprise to comprehension in an instant.
No wonder Manager Wang insisted he bring Olivia.
So that was the connection.
"Mr. Sterling, Vivi really doesn't care for the entertainment world. She says some things are best admired from a distance."
"Haha, that does sound like something this girl would say. And you are?"
Mr. Sterling finally looked at him properly.
"My name is Dylan. I'm an artist with Blue Maple Entertainment. I debuted two years ago, no major works yet."
"Hmm, quite honest."
"I wouldn't dare be presumptuous in front of you."
Olivia watched them clink glasses and drink.
She found it rather dull.
She wanted to leave, so she stood up.
"Sorry, something came up suddenly. I have to go."
Mr. Sterling didn't spoil the mood and indulged her instead.
"Go on. I'll arrange tea with your father another day."
"Okay."
Dylan's face fell. He excused himself to the restroom and chased after her.
"Vivi—"
Olivia stopped and turned around.
"Yes?"
"Why are you so cold to me?"
His eyes reddened on cue. The tears came readily.
This time, Olivia felt nothing.
"You don't know the reason?"
"What did I do wrong?" He looked utterly innocent.
Olivia let out a cold laugh, looking him up and down.
Dylan grew uneasy under her scrutiny.
But in his mind, Olivia was still that soft-hearted, doting sugar mommy who spent money on him.
He shouldn't be afraid.
There was no need to be afraid.
"Dylan," Olivia suddenly called his name, "do you understand the rules?"
"...What?"
"I pamper you. I spend money on you. I grant your every wish. In return, you are to be loyal, well-behaved, and know your place."
"Vivi..."
"If you want resources or connections, you can ask outright. I'll give them if I'm pleased. But—"
She lifted her chin, her eyes icy.
"You do not get to scheme against me. Understood?"
"It's like a dog I keep. It wags its tail when hungry, and I feed it. But if it tries to snatch food, it's not a good dog."
Dylan swayed on his feet. "I didn't... It was Manager Wang..."
"What he said isn't important. You were the one who brought me to this dinner. You used me to talk to Uncle Sterling. Was that also taught by Manager Wang?"
"Vivi, let me explain... I was scared to come to this kind of dinner alone, that's why I asked you to accompany me..."
"Scared? You seemed to be working the room quite adeptly, enjoying yourself thoroughly. That's called scared?"
"I..."
Dylan was speechless.
"This ends here. Let's pretend we don't know each other if we meet again." Olivia turned to leave.
Suddenly—
"Think you can just dump me?" The man's voice turned sinister. "You think it's that easy?"
Olivia looked back.
The sunny, puppy-like young man she remembered now wore a vicious expression.
The greed in his eyes was no longer concealed.
"Two million. Plus the male lead in that Blockbuster IP Series. Then we're even."
Olivia laughed, stepping closer to him.
"Negotiating with me?"
Dylan gritted his teeth. "You could say that."
"Are you worthy? What qualifications do you have?"
"Our intimate photos. Are they qualification enough?"
Olivia wasn't afraid. She smiled even more brilliantly.
"If I don't agree, you'll release them?"
"Correct."
"Fine. Then go ahead and release them."
"You—" Dylan was shocked.
Olivia: "My figure and face aren't bad. I'm presentable anywhere. But you? Once those photos are out, can you handle the scandal of being a kept man?"
"I don't care. I'm not in the entertainment industry. But you? Do you not want to be a star anymore?"
Two sentences. She had him by the throat.
The man's expression shifted several times before reverting to his puppy-dog look.
"Vivi, I'm sorry, I was wrong. Please don't abandon me..."
Olivia curled her lip and raised her hand to pat his cheek.
Her gaze was cruel and merciless.
"When I like you, I can pamper, love, and indulge you. When I don't, I will loathe and discard you like trash. These are the rules. Remember?"
"If you want to survive in this circle, know your place."
"To put it nicely, I'm your patron. To put it bluntly, you're my dog."
"Does a dog that dares to bite its master know its fate?" She enunciated each word slowly. "S-k-i-n-n-e-d a-l-i-v-e. F-l-a-y-e-d."
With every word, the man's face grew paler.
By the end, he was trembling all over, sweating profusely.
So the upper crust weren't fools.
How laughable that he thought he could control her.
Olivia was satisfied with his reaction.
She gave a light laugh and strode away.
After she left, a figure emerged from the shadows.
The cigarette between his fingers had burned to the end.
He dropped it on the ground and crushed it under his foot.
Julian Winston watched the direction the woman had left.
His gaze was deep and unfathomable like a dark pool.
Tsk. How ruthless.
Even more decisive than when he dumps women.
Yet it was—
Dammably alluring.