Chapter 5 Crises

Early the next morning, as Cecilia answered Conrad's call, a soft rain began falling from the sky, bringing a chill to the air. As soon as Conrad got into the car, he complained, "You're really dragging your feet. I had to stand out in the cold wind for over ten minutes. Don't you have any sense that I'm a big star?"

Cecilia glanced at Conrad sideways. They had been college classmates for four years, and she never expected to become so close to someone who would one day become famous across the country.

He was wearing a punk-style jacket paired with Martin boots, his fair face and charming features exuding charisma. Especially when he smiled, it was like basking in the spring breeze. There was even a dimple on his right cheek, which was simply a killer weapon.

Cecilia wasn't deceived by his appearance and simply smiled casually.

Conrad raised an eyebrow and said loudly, "Is this your attitude toward inviting me for an endorsement? If it weren't for our good relationship, I wouldn't have come. Seeing your husband's face makes me annoyed, not to mention watching him flaunt his affair with that mistress in different newspapers and magazines every day. Do you really want me to witness it up close?"

Cecilia knew Conrad was referring to Sandy since Conrad wasn't the only ambassador for Oakwood Residences. She was used to his outspokenness, so she wasn't angry.

She drove seriously and said softly, "I was just a little late, wasn't I? Stop blaming me. I'm driving, okay?"

Conrad snorted coldly. Seeing Cecilia relent, he changed the subject.

The meeting point wasn't far from Oakwood Residences. When they arrived, the rain hadn't stopped; it was still drizzling lightly.

As Cecilia reached for the door handle, Conrad said, "Wait, let me come around and help you. If you slip later, it'll affect my image."

He quickly got out of the car, came around to Cecilia's side, and extended his hand to support her as she stepped out.

Cecilia was wearing high heels, and Conrad put his arm around her shoulder, closing the car door with a smile. "Hmm, moved by my gesture?"

Cecilia smiled, her eyes narrowing. "Conrad, stop talking nonsense. There might be media around."

The two of them were so engrossed in their banter that they forgot about their surroundings.

Just as Alston stepped out of his car, he witnessed the scene.

It was the first time in three years that Alston had seen Cecilia up close.

She was dressed in a pale pink suit with a waistline design that accentuated her slender figure. The color complemented her complexion, making her skin appear even whiter and more flawless.

Her pencil skirt hugged her hips, and her long legs looked graceful. Leaning against Conrad's embrace, she appeared charming and almost enchanting.

Even while standing next to a nationally renowned celebrity, she wasn't overshadowed. Instead, they looked like a well-matched couple.

Alston's thin lips twitched. It seemed that three years of singlehood hadn't affected her quality of life. She even managed to get close to Conrad, a big star! Her way of dealing with men was becoming more and more skillful.

Cecilia tried to free herself from Conrad's embrace, but her lack of strength stopped her. Just as she was about to scold him, a cough interrupted them.

They both turned to look.

When Cecilia saw Alston, she was momentarily stunned.

He stood by the car, tall and slender, his face as flawless as ever. His black suit outlined the smooth lines of his body, and his legs, encased in straight trousers, exuded poise.

Cecilia's fingers involuntarily clenched.

He didn't move, yet his presence commanded everyone's attention.

But his words were anything but pleasant. "You're quite capable, cuddling with male stars like this. Must be to promote the project. Should I go back and apply for a Best Employee Award for you?"

The emphasis on "capable" was laced with sarcasm and disdain.

Cecilia blinked, her smile turning somewhat forced.

Before she could respond, Sandy stepped out of the car and linked her arm through Alston's, speaking loudly, "Alston, the opening ceremony is about to start. Let's go in. I don't want to get rained on."

Sandy's voice was artificially sweet, and her gaze occasionally flicked toward Cecilia, clearly meant to provoke.

Obviously, Sandy still resented Cecilia for making her lose twenty pounds.

As the legitimate wife, Cecilia should have had the final say, but Alston didn't bother to give her any respect.

He reached out and embraced Sandy's waist, his tone tender. "Alright, be careful. It's slippery."

As they walked away, Conrad's face darkened. "He's a real FUCKING ASSHOLE! He doesn't even consider divorcing you. Are you out of your mind?"

Cecilia chuckled and pushed Conrad away. "Fine! Just go now. Alston and Sandy are entering together. If you join me later, tomorrow's headlines will be about our divorce. This isn't promotion; it's tarnishing our own reputation!"

Conrad rolled his eyes and dragged Cecilia onto the red carpet. "In my opinion, you should find a few male models to retaliate!"

Unable to resist Conrad's persistence, Cecilia adopted a resigned attitude and walked in with him.

As expected, when Alston and Sandy appeared, they immediately attracted attention. Cecilia could see from afar that the cameras were primarily focused on Sandy and Alston.

In contrast, Conrad, whose fame was undoubtedly higher than Sandy's, seemed less popular.

Walking closely behind Alston and Sandy, Cecilia couldn't help but notice how Sandy confidently clung to Alston's arm.

That position-both publicly and privately-should have been hers. Naturally, the media wouldn't miss such a spectacle.

"Sandy, is it true that you spent the night at The Baycrest Manor with Mr. Faber the day before yesterday?"

"Sandy, what are your thoughts on this?"

Cecilia didn't have to look to know whose reporters were asking those questions.

Anyway, she had called them over to build momentum for Oakwood Residences, so she waited patiently with Conrad for a while.

But just as she expected to keep her composure, someone in the crowd shouted, "Cecilia is here!"

The reporters turned around and immediately rushed toward her.

"Mrs. Faber, your husband was seen spending the night at The Baycrest Manor with another woman. What are your thoughts on this?"

"Mrs. Faber, today Sandy accompanied your husband to the opening ceremony. What is her status in attending?"

"It's well known that you, as Mrs. Faber, have had a strained relationship with your husband. Does Sandy's appearance signify anything?"

The questions were sharp, and neither Alston nor Sandy offered any explanation. Cecilia glanced briefly at Alston's face, almost imperceptibly.

He appeared aloof, lowering his head as if listening to something Sandy was saying.

Seeing that the situation had reached its peak, Cecilia smiled and calmly said, "I was already aware of everything you're mentioning."

With that single sentence, the cameras flashed wildly, their blinding light making Cecilia momentarily dazed.

"Today, I have three things to announce, with the first being the most important. As you all know, Oakwood Residences is opening, and as one of the project leaders, I want to thank the media for their support."

"Secondly, welcome Sandy to Oakwood Residences as a special guest and spokesperson. Thirdly, it's a private matter between us."

"As you all know, Sandy comes from a humble background. She has been supported by both Alston and me for many years. She's like a sister to us; we've always liked her. It's not unusual for her to stay at our house, right, Sandy?"

As Cecilia finished speaking, a nearby reporter handed Sandy the microphone.

Sandy did, indeed, come from a poor background, and the image FC Group had created for her on screen was always inspirational. With Cecilia saying that, if Sandy denied Cecilia's statement, she would be admitting to an affair with Alston, labeling herself a homewrecker.

Sandy detested Cecilia's haughty demeanor.

With just a casual remark, she could clarify her relationship with Alston and even force her agent to order her to lose twenty pounds!

Clenching her teeth tightly, Sandy forced out a strained smile. "That's right, I'm very grateful to Cecilia."

For three years, Alston's scandals had been endless.

Cecilia had gone from being speechless in front of reporters to answering them effortlessly.

Even she found it incredible.

Once the situation was clarified, and the reporters realized there was no explosive material, they reluctantly shifted their attention to the opening ceremony of Oakwood Residences.

FC Group had hired a well-known host who quickly livened up the audience.

As the mood reached a high point, the host instructed the technician to play a concept video of Oakwood Residences.

At that moment, Cecilia was busy reviewing documents handed to her by Stacey when a sudden commotion rippled through the crowd.

Sensing her sleeve being tugged, Cecilia glanced at Stacey, whose face had turned pale. Stacey's voice trembled. "Madam, look at this."

Cecilia raised her head, and her gaze landed on the large screen.

A woman was entangled and naked with multiple men, in scenes more daring than the usual porno film. The protagonist of these photos?

None other than today's spokesperson-Sandy.