Revenge is best served cold

Elise gave me an apologetic smile before introducing the man beside her, "This is Ned Valdez. He's a rising film director and an old friend from university."

Ned stepped forward hesitantly, extending his hand for a handshake. I shook it, maintaining a polite smile.

Even if Elise hadn't spelled it out, I understood why she had brought him over. She had skyrocketed to fame, and naturally, she wanted to help those around her.

There were countless up-and-coming directors like Ned in the entertainment industry, all still unknown and waiting for their big break. Without the right connections, many of them would never make a name for themselves.

Noticing my silence, Elise hesitated before finally gathering the courage to speak. "Jane... you mentioned wanting to start a production company, right? Well, Ned is a director, and I thought maybe..."

She was clearly worried I would turn her down and quickly continued to vouch for him. "He's really talented, Jane. He just hasn't found the right script or investor yet."

Her tone was almost pleading. "Can you give him a chance?"

I turned my gaze to Ned and asked in a calm voice, "Don't you have anything to say? Elise is going out of her way to help you."

Hearing that, Ned turned to Elise beside him, his gaze growing more determined. "Ms. Brown, please give me a chance. I've got a few scripts in mind, but I've been struggling to secure funding. If you trust me, I won't let you down."

I smiled and nodded. "I can give you that chance."

I took out a business card and handed it to him. "This is my contact information. Come by Brown Group in a couple of days. If you can convince me, I'll invest in you."

Though I made it sound like a test, my mind was already made up. Ned would direct the first project under my production company. In my past life, I had seen his films. I knew his talent.

When Elise saw me hand him the card, gratitude filled her expression. She quickly thanked me, but before she could say more, the event organizers called her away.

Seeing the situation, Ned didn't linger for awkward small talk. He made up an excuse and left, giving me some much-needed peace.

My gaze wandered around the banquet hall, instinctively searching for Eric.

Since we had arrived separately due to our different identities, I hadn't seen him yet. I was curious-what color suit was he wearing tonight?

"Looking for me?" A voice came from behind.

I turned around, only to be met with the one face that made my stomach churn- Jeremiah.

Either he couldn't read the disgust in my eyes or he simply didn't care.

With that same infuriating smine

he

stepped closer. "What's wrong? Not in a good mood?" noveldrama

I replied flatly, "I was in a great mood... until I saw you."

I eyed him up and down, my expression filled with disdain.

Even so, he didn't get angry. Instead, his smirk remained as if amused. "You don't

have to be so hostile. After all, we're married."

"Past tense," I corrected, my brows furrowing.

Lifting my chin, I met his gaze head-on. What do you want? If you have nothing important to say, do me afavor and get lost. I don't want you ruining my night."

Hearing my words, his smirk widened. "You know, people only get emotional over someone they still care about. Just admit it—you haven't moved on from me."

His confidence was nauseating. He stood there, head held high as if he had me figured out.

He scoffed and said slowly, "As long as you apologize and make it up to me, I might just forgive you. As for getting back together... I'll think about it. It's not entirely impossible."