Reborn as the Villainess

Stephen's gaze lingered on the wound at the corner of Eleanor's mouth. He pressed his lips, feeling a sudden dryness in his throat. In the water, these very lips had been pressed tightly against his, stealing oxygen from him in a frantic desperation as if he were her last lifeline. The delicate sensation was still fresh in his mind.

Stephen's stare was so intense and possessive that Eleanor couldn't help but turn her head, avoiding his gaze. She thought, 'What's wrong with him? Why is he staring at my mouth like that?'

Noticing the strange atmosphere between them, Joseph leaned closer to Victor and whispered, "Victor, is there....something going on between Mr. Lloyd and Eleanor?" The way they interacted didn't seem quite right.

Victor, nervously wiping the sweat from his forehead, terrified of displeasing the important guest beside him, hadn't paid any attention to the tension between them. Hearing the question, he finally looked over, puzzled. "Is there?"

Joseph nodded confidently. "Yes. It feels like...they're a couple?" After working with countless production crews, he'd seen enough behind-the-scenes romances to recognize the subtle signs. The way they exchanged food, the sweet glances, wasn't this exactly how young lovers acted?

But before Joseph could continue, Victor interrupted him sharply, "Shh! Don't talk nonsense."

Yet Joseph's comment triggered a memory for Victor. When Stephen had invested 30 million dollars, he specifically stated that Megan's role was not to be recast. On that same day, Andrew had also invested.

Recalling the rumors swirling around the industry and seeing how familiar Stephen seemed with Andrew's younger sister today, it was apparent that Stephen's kindness toward Eleanor was because of Andrew.

In an instant, Victor became more convinced of his previous guess. Clearing his throat, he whispered to the confused Joseph, "Use your brain. If they were a couple, would Eleanor act so distant with him? It's obvious Mr. Lloyd is treating her well because she's Mr. Vanderbilt's sister, not because of some romance."

Joseph was utterly stunned. He thought, 'What? Mr. Vanderbilt? So, the rumors about them avoiding women because they liked each other are true? There were even pictures of them leaving a hotel together. So, it's real? The business world really is a mess.'

Meanwhile, Eleanor had no idea Victor had already spun a soap opera out of the situation. When she heard Stephen say the food was delicious, her eyebrow shot up, and she narrowed her eyes mischievously. She placed a bright red chili on his plate, flashing a sweet smile. "Mr. Lloyd, how about trying this? Is it good?"

Eleanor huffed internally. 'Didn't he say it tasted great? Let's see how he handles this.'

But Eleanor had underestimated Stephen's composure. He ate the chili without flinching, wiped the corner of his mouth with the same elegance, and said with a straight face, "Not bad at all."

Eleanor was speechless. Determined, she picked up a piece of garlic and placed it on Stephen's plate again, her face full of anticipation.

Once more, Stephen didn't disappoint, swallowing it down with no sign of discomfort.

Eleanor's eyes widened. She refused to back down as she kept searching for the worst things on the table.

By the end of the evening, Stephen had eaten an entire plate of garnishes. Despite this, his tense expression gradually softened with each bite, and the icy vibe that usually surrounded him slowly dissipated.

Gloria sat at the farthest table in the corner, her gaze locked on them. When she saw Stephen actually eating the food Eleanor served, she clenched her fists tightly and glared at Eleanor. She screamed inwardly, 'Why? Why does Eleanor always get what I've only dreamed of so easily? I can't stand it!"

Taking a deep breath, Gloria suppressed her fury. When she looked up again, the timid, submissive expression she was known for had returned.

"Camilla, I heard you joined the crew specifically to sign on for the role of Megan. Is that true?" Gloria asked, flashing a smile at Camilla, who was quietly eating nearby. "Are you really okay with giving up the role just like that?"

Camilla, who had spent the whole evening trying to remain unnoticed, was caught off guard by the sudden conversation. She paused, slowly swallowing her food before gazing at the bold, young woman beside her.

Camilla had to admit that Gloria's bluntness was rather unique in an industry full of hidden agendas and veiled words. She looked at Gloria with a half-smile. She asked, "What are you getting at?"

Seeing that Camilla had responded, Gloria assumed she had piqued Camilla's interest. She sneered, her voice laced with confidence as she said, "I know you weren't happy about being replaced. You even tweeted about it, which went viral-until someone mysteriously pulled it from the trending topics."

At this point, Camilla could already guess where the conversation was headed. Meeting Gloria's gaze, she said, "If you have something to say, just say it. I'm not a fan of beating around the bush."

Gloria didn't hesitate. "I'm saying, Camilla, that since we both have a common enemy, how about we join forces?"

"Join forces?" Camilla repeated.

"Exactly," Gloria continued. "Personally, I don't mind much. After all, I'm just a rookie actress. Whether the role is good or bad, I can take it. My career is just beginning-what I don't get now, there will be opportunities for later.

"But for someone like you, Camilla, it's such a pity. You've won so many awards, and yet to be replaced like this. It's truly a shame."

Gloria's words, spoken with such sincerity, seemed almost noble-enough to move anyone to tears and tug at the heartstrings of anyone listening.

This was one of Gloria's favorite tactics-playing the victim, stirring up sympathy, then extending an olive branch, making it seem like she was only looking out for the other person's best interest. Before they knew it, they'd be wrapped in her compliments, dizzy from the praise, falling right into her trap.

So far, this trick had never failed her, and she was certain it wouldn't fail now.

As expected, the moment Gloria finished speaking, Camilla appeared intrigued. "Oh? And how exactly do you propose we join forces?"

Gloria saw the fish bite the hook and couldn't help but smile triumphantly. She thought, 'Of course, who could resist such a tempting offer? After all, people will do anything for profit, just as birds take risks for food.

"No rush," Gloria replied. "There are too many people around right now. Once this gathering is over, I'll tell you the plan in detail." Her smile radiated sweetness, but her words were icy.Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

Eleanor might be clever, always managing to escape unscathed, but Gloria was determined to see if Eleanor could wriggle free from this trap.

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