CHAPTER 70: CHAPTER 70: ZINNIA LAWRENCE, YOU’RE NOT THAT IRREPLACEABLE

Jenson Forrest’s cold eyes, devoid of warmth, fixed on Yara Fairchild.

Fearing he might do something to Yara, Zinnia Lawrence hurriedly stepped forward to shield her.

Jenson Forrest sneered, ordering in a deep voice, "Drag her away!"

Several bodyguards immediately moved to grab Yara.

"Yara!" Worried, Zinnia tried to help, but a pair of arms like iron clamps locked around her slender waist.

He pulled open the car door and tossed Zinnia inside.

"That dog Forrest! I’m the one who cursed you, so come at me! Zinnia!"

Yara panicked and started struggling against the bodyguards. But before she could break free, Jenson Forrest’s Phantom had already sped away with Zinnia inside.

「Inside the car.」

Zinnia climbed up from the back seat and tidied her hair, feeling surprisingly calm.

She knew Jenson Forrest wouldn’t hurt her. It was a belief and trust ingrained in her since childhood, etched into her very bones. It was as if it were written into her DNA, impossible to alter.

"Where are we going? I want to get out."

Jenson scoffed. "Weren’t you the one spreading rumors that I made you a widow and that I’m not a real man? Let’s find a place, we can record a video to explore this issue, and I can prove my innocence."

Zinnia was speechless.

She thought he was just talking, but she was shocked when he actually turned to the driver. "To the nearest hotel."

Zinnia panicked. "I wasn’t the one spreading that! Yara was just angry that you took an opportunity that was mine and gave it to Crystal Sutton. That’s why she said those things. If you’re really that angry, can I just apologize?"

Jenson stared at her anxious face, and the flames of his anger burned even hotter.

Is she that afraid of me touching her? A moment ago, she was craning her neck in defiance, but the second she heard ’hotel,’ she was quick to admit fault.

He reached out and pinched her chin. "Took it? Ha. Gigatrend belongs to me. If I want to give the opportunity to Crystal, I will. What’s the problem?"

Zinnia bit her lip, feeling frustrated and indignant. If she couldn’t secure this contract, she would be three million short of the thirty million she needed. She patiently tried to negotiate with him.

"But you know how well I can dance. Crystal Sutton is not a good dancer at all. President Forrest, you aren’t one to show favoritism or mix business with pleasure. If you were, Stellar wouldn’t be as successful as it is. In your work, you’ve always prioritized fairness, justice, and talent..."

"Are you even talking about me? In your heart, aren’t I ’That Dog Forrest,’ black-hearted and rotten to the core? You’re really willing to flatter me just to get this job." Jenson’s sharp brows arched in mockery.

Zinnia wasn’t just flattering him. She had worked as an assistant in the CEO’s office at Stellar long enough to know better. Jenson Forrest’s professional conduct and work ethic were irreproachable. He was a man of principle with clear boundaries, never an impulsive leader. But she never imagined that all those principles would become worthless when Crystal Sutton was involved. For Crystal, he would kick Zinnia Lawrence aside without a second thought.

Her heart felt as if it were being sliced by a knife, but Zinnia still gazed at him with pleading eyes, hoping for a shred of fairness, hoping he might change his mind.

"I can guarantee that my dancing will be more than worth the money and will add flair to the game. If President Forrest doesn’t believe me, you can have me compete against Crystal Sutton. You can see the final results for yourself..."

"That’s not necessary," the man interrupted, his cold words a complete dismissal of her, filled with disdain and contempt. "I’ve made my decision. This opportunity goes to Crystal. Even if she’s not up to the task, it won’t be you. Add flair to the game? Ha, you’re just a reference dancer, Zinnia. You’re not that irreplaceable!"

Zinnia felt as if a huge stone was weighing on her chest. She didn’t want to say another word to him.

"Stop the car! I want to get out!" Zinnia turned and yanked violently at the door handle, even hammering on the window.

BANG! BANG! BANG BANG BANG!

"Are you out of your mind!" Jenson yelled, pulling her back.

Zinnia looked up from his arms, her eyes red as she glared at him with pure disgust. "I’m not crazy! I just can’t stand breathing the same air as you. It makes me want to throw up!"

She truly felt like she was about to vomit blood from sheer anger.

Jenson, however, thought she was sick with disgust for him. He especially noted the look in her eyes, which now lacked any of its former obedience, adoration, or warm dependency. His chest tightened and his Adam’s apple bobbed violently. He squeezed his eyes shut and shoved her away.

"Stop the car! Let her out."

The car came to a halt, and Zinnia scrambled to push the door open and get out. Just as he’d ordered, the car didn’t wait a single second before speeding away.

Remembering that Yara was still at Gigatrend, Zinnia hailed a cab and headed back. When she arrived, Yara was sitting on the edge of a flower bed by the entrance.

"Zinnia, are you okay? That dog Forrest didn’t do anything to you, did he?"

Zinnia shook her head and looked Yara over. Seeing she hadn’t been hurt by the bodyguards, she finally asked, "What are you doing sitting here?"

Yara fumed, "I’m lying in wait for Sutton the Bitch, of course! This isn’t over. Even if I can’t get the opportunity back, I’m going to chew her out and ruin her reputation here! I’m not going to let her get away with this!"

Zinnia grabbed her arm, an idea beginning to form.

Just then, President Lowell emerged, escorting Crystal Sutton. Crystal had auditioned. She could dance—after all, her mother, Mandy Lowe, was a dance artist. But her skills were amateurish. Without Zinnia for comparison, she might have been passable. But with Zinnia’s brilliant performance setting the bar, Crystal’s dancing was simply unwatchable.

President Lowell was deeply conflicted. But Jenson had given the order: if Crystal Sutton was competent, the role was hers. Even if Crystal clearly wasn’t competent, she was the future boss’s wife. President Lowell didn’t dare offend her, so he could only grit his teeth and accept it.

"Miss Sutton, just let us know when would be a good time to sign the contract. We’ll accommodate your schedule."

Crystal Sutton, a triumphant smile on her face, saw Zinnia and deliberately walked over with President Lowell. "Oh, Zinnia, you’re still here? I was just about to go sign the contract with President Lowell. If you can’t get a cab, why don’t you wait for me? I can give you a ride after I’m done."

Yara clicked her tongue, ready to tear her apart, but Zinnia squeezed her wrist.

"I have a way to make her give up," she said to Yara, making no effort to lower her voice.

Crystal heard her and sneered. Did Zinnia really think she could snatch this prize right out of her mouth? Impossible.

"Miss Sutton, could we speak for a moment?" Zinnia asked, looking at Crystal.

She must be out of her mind, Crystal thought with a chuckle. "I’m in a hurry to sign the contract, I’m afraid..."

Zinnia leaned close to Crystal’s ear. "What I have to say concerns Jenson Forrest. If you still want our divorce to go through smoothly, you’d better listen."

Crystal’s eyes narrowed, but she followed Zinnia to the side.

Zinnia didn’t waste words. She opened her bag, took something out, and showed it to her.

Three minutes later, Crystal walked back to President Lowell. "President Lowell, Zinnia is actually more suitable for the reference dancer role. Your company should sign the original contract with her. I’m withdrawing."

President Lowell’s eyes lit up. "But President Forrest..."

Crystal offered a gentle, sweet smile. "I’ll talk to President Forrest. There’s no need for you to report this to him."

President Lowell had been dissatisfied with Crystal from the start. Now that things could get back on track without him having to do a thing, he had no objections. He saw Crystal off and, fearing any last-minute changes, immediately took Zinnia to sign the contract.