Chapter 3 Little Sister

Rosalind's brows knitted slightly as she turned to the gentlemanly, refined man beside her. "Mr. Lyndon, that title makes me a bit nauseous."

Her words were curt and cold, causing Kendrick Lyndon to lose some of his composure. He signaled to the nearby staff to continue and adjusted his glasses, gazing at her with a depth of feeling.

"I know you're upset with me. I actually attended your wedding yesterday. You looked truly beautiful in your wedding dress, even more so than I imagined. But when I saw you standing there alone, I..."

"Does my little sister know about this dramatic display of affection from you?" Rosalind interrupted him impatiently, her gaze dripping with disdain.

Colleagues bustling around them glanced curiously at the two, whispering and exchanging knowing looks.

Kendrick's expression faltered, hurt by her response. "Rossie, do we really have to be so distant?"

"There's no need to be distant. You should soon go from being my colleague to my brother-in-law. Once the wedding date is set, as an older sister, I'll naturally prepare a generous gift."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for those passing by to hear.

Kendrick felt the stares from the crowd and was momentarily embarrassed. He opened his mouth to explain but was interrupted by a clear, melodious female voice.

"Boss, your coffee."

Rosalind's assistant-Zennia, approached with a cup of coffee, nodding slightly to Kendrick before turning to Rosalind. "The draft for the noon news is ready. Director Stirling and the others are already in the meeting room."

"Thank you," Rosalind said, accepting the coffee and handing her bag to Zennia before turning and leaving.

Zennia glanced at Kendrick with innocent blinking eyes, offering an awkward smile. Then she hurried after Rosalind, calling out, "Boss, wait for me!"

Kendrick adjusted his suit jacket awkwardly, scanning the area. Watching Rosalind's retreating figure, he clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with a trace of malice behind his glasses.

___

"Today's news broadcast is complete. Thank you for watching, and see you next time."

Rosalind's lips curled into a faint smile as she gave a slight nod to the camera. She gathered the papers on the desk and, after seeing the director give an 'OK' sign, got down from her high stool. She handed the microphone to Assistant Zennia and took a sip of the water she offered.

After finishing her last live broadcast, Rosalind exchanged pleasantries with the director, politely declined his invitation to dinner, and took her bag and phone from Zenna before leaving work.

...

Bar.

The resident singer on stage was crooning a mournful folk song, and the air was filled with the rich aroma of alcohol under the dim, elegant lighting.

"So, your husband woke up last night?" Nora swirled her brandy in her glass, her eyes twinkling with interest and flirtation. She teased, "How is he? Are you satisfied with your new husband? Is he as handsome as the reports say?"

Rosalind sipped her classic cocktail, pondering for a moment before responding with a playful lift of her eyebrows. "Well, he's in good shape with a six-pack."

"Tsk tsk tsk, I see. Your wedding night must have been quite fulfilling," Nora remarked with a sly glance and a knowing wink.

"Oh, isn't this Rosalind? What a coincidence," came a clear, melodious voice with a hint of provocation.

Rosalind's eyes darkened momentarily as she turned around with a detached expression. Her tone carried a hint of mockery. "Oh, it's my little sister. What a coincidence to run into you here. You're truly relentless."

Floryn's smile faltered, her eyes sparking with anger. She retorted, "Thanks to you, the Hales has become a target. Even I've been dragged into this mess. And you, you're still here drinking away your sorrows. What, is your husband treating you badly? Oh, I forgot-he's still in a coma and didn't even attend the wedding yesterday."

"Well, Floryn, you should take advantage of this opportunity. Ride the wave of attention to boost your visibility. Maybe you'll even get a decent role and move up from being an 18th-tier actress. Anything is better than your current status."

Rosalind's lips curved into a smirk, the alluring smile illuminating her cool features. Her eyes were filled with sarcasm.

"Who cares about your little bit of fame?" Floryn stepped forward in frustration, sneering, "I genuinely pity you-married to a man who might faint at any moment and who doesn't even know if he'll live past thirty. You don't know, do you? Kendrick has already proposed to me."

Nora frowned, setting down her glass with a clink and standing up abruptly. "Floryn, are you out of your mind?"

Rosalind reached out to pull her back, her smile remaining calm. "Oh, if you like such trash, you can keep it. No need to flaunt it so loudly. After all, trash is best with trash. I wish you two a lifetime of happiness."

"Who are you calling trash?"

Floryn's face turned red with rage, and she moved to confront Rosalind. Nora stepped in between, pushing Floryn away with no hesitation. "Who else? Of course, it's you and Kendrick, the pair of shameless lovers. Floryn, how dare you come here making a fuss? Does stealing your sister's boyfriend make you proud? Should I get a megaphone to announce it?"

Floryn staggered backward, almost falling if not for her assistant's support.

"Do you dare push me?"

"Ha, laughable. Don't just push you, I'd beat you up right now, and let's see who dares to stop me."

Nora sneered, raising her hand as if to strike, causing Floryn to retreat in fear.

She had known Nora for a while and knew she was someone who would back up her words with actions. Yet, Nora didn't hold back her disdain, sniffing with a high and mighty attitude. "Running into you two is really bad luck. I won't stoop to your level."

Watching Floryn flee with her assistant, Nora rolled her eyes in contempt and turned to Rosalind. "Rossie, your stepsister is such a coward-amateurish, childish, and can't handle her own games. Starting tomorrow, anyone named Floryn will be banned from this bar. It's bad luck."

Rosalind smiled lazily. "She's always been a little pretentious. It's not the first time she's faced your wrath. Even the stupidest person knows not to just stand there and get beaten."

***