CHAPTER 1: CHAPTER 1: SET UP

"Ava, this collaboration is super important, I’m begging you like a sister, just go have a meal and say a few words, okay?"

In the VIP private dressing room of the Shengge fashion show, Ava Sterling lay relaxed in a comfortable chair, her head slightly raised, her beautiful face illuminated by the light.

Her personal makeup artist was removing her makeup; she had just finished the spring runway show hosted by Shengge.

Her phone was on the vanity, and a desperate plea came through loudly enough for the entire dressing room to hear thanks to the speakerphone.

"Sis, it’s not that I don’t want to go, it’s just that the boss of Wuchen is so sleazy. If I go, I’ll need three months to get rid of the grease—it’s not worth it."

The boss of Wuchen is notorious for two extremes: achieving remarkable business success and loving to toy with women.

Both of these traits connect to four words: unscrupulous methods.

Especially when it comes to toying with women.

Ava Sterling had been in the modeling world for many years, and she had a very clear understanding and awareness of people like him.

If you can’t afford to provoke them, avoid them.

"I know, I know, but you also know how much effort Mr. Wu has put in just to have a meal with you, right?"

"If you don’t go once, twice, surely once out of ten times is possible, right?"

"And I swear, I absolutely won’t let anything happen to you, and it will be only this one time!"

"I promise!"

Ava Sterling opened her eyes, with long curled lashes and bright, clear eyes, holding a trace of amusement: "Just once?"

"Once! You can record it if you don’t believe me!"

"Alright, send me the time and place, I’ll be there on time."

"Ava, you’re truly my darling!"

The call ended, and Little Yi spoke as she continued to remove Ava’s makeup: "Sister Ava, are you really going?"

Her voice was filled with concern, because everyone in the circle knew what kind of person Mr. Wu was. Women he set his sights on, eight out of ten would fall prey to him.

Ava Sterling closed her eyes again, her lips curling slightly: "Going."

...

Crestwood Manor.

Because of its geographical advantage, it was spotted by The Vaughn Family early on and bought up, including several of the hilltops. Nowadays, it’s a place in Aurelia that money can’t buy.

The moon goes up the branches, and street lights illuminate one by one.

Ava Sterling drove her car into Crestwood Manor, tossed the car keys to the valet, and walked inside.

Though called a manor, it’s right at the foot of the mountains. The elevation here is higher than the city, so you can see most of Aurelia from Crestwood Manor.

The manor was built by The Vaughn Family, with five floors especially for hosting friends and family, or people of high status.

Those who can host guests at Crestwood Manor are either rich or noble.

Mr. Wu booking a venue here was quite a gesture of face for Ava Sterling.

Soon, someone came forward to greet Ava Sterling and lead her to a private room on the fifth floor.

The higher you stand, the farther you see, no matter where you are, this saying holds true.

Similarly, money is touching.

Ava Sterling walked into the private room, and Mr. Wu, bald with a fat belly and a greasy face, immediately came forward to greet her.

"Ava, you finally came!"

His chunky arms opened wide, ready to give Ava Sterling a big hug.

Ava Sterling raised her bag to stop him at the chest, her beautiful eyes smiling: "Mr. Wu, if your wife sees this, I won’t be able to explain it even if I jump into the Yellow River."

Mr. Wu was momentarily startled, followed by a loud laugh: "How could she? We’re friends, my wife wouldn’t misunderstand."

"Come, sit down, let’s discuss this collaboration well."

Every move must have a purpose, especially for someone as shrewd as Mr. Wu.

His excuse for inviting Ava Sterling was ostensibly appreciating her qualities, wanting her to shoot a promotional video for their company.

But everyone understood his real intention.

Ava Sterling didn’t shy away, smoothly sat in the dining chair.

Mr. Wu quickly had food and drinks served, treating her warmly.

Ava Sterling smiled brightly like a blossoming flower, drinking with Mr. Wu cup after cup, making his heart itch and hands twitch.

But as his hand was about to land on Ava Sterling’s leg, Ava suddenly exclaimed, "Oh no!"

Mr. Wu was so startled by the sound that he quickly withdrew his hand.

Ava hurriedly took out a small mirror from her bag, looked into it, and immediately covered her face, pitifully saying, "Mr. Wu, I think I’m having an allergic reaction!"

"Huh?"

Mr. Wu, half-drunk and seeing people in a haze, suddenly cleared up a bit and leaned closer to inspect Ava Sterling.

Ava cooperatively leaned closer to him, instantly revealing her swollen, beauty-lost face to Mr. Wu.

Mr. Wu was so scared he fell with a thud to the ground.

Ava Sterling immediately helped him up, tears following, the deliberately cheap makeup she used turning her face into a ghostly mask, scaring Mr. Wu enough to point shakily at Ava Sterling: "You, you, you... don’t come near!"

Ava Sterling stood there, her hands clasped in distress, tears flowing: "Mr. Wu got a look at my ugly face, I’m so sad..."

After saying that, she covered her face, grabbed her bag, and stumbled out.

Dammit, she knew that old trickster would use such cheap tactics.

Even though she was well prepared, when the odd feeling arose in her body, Ava Sterling’s mind was overwhelmed.

Almost sprinting, she rushed toward the elevator as soon as she left the private room.

However, her vision began to blur, her steps became unsteady, turned lighter and lighter.

That old trickster wouldn’t have drugged her twice, would he?

Her body reacted to aphrodisiac with allergies, unbeknownst to her until she was once conspired against, then she found she had this condition.

It was also because of this that she escaped that disaster.

And tonight, does she need to rely on luck to preserve herself?

Ava Sterling doesn’t believe in luck, only in herself. With no time to think, she scanned her surroundings and vaguely saw a door about to close.

Somehow finding strength and speed, she darted over and slammed the door shut with a bang.

Darkness engulfed her, seemingly accompanied by a hint of sandalwood scent, slightly tantalizing.

Inside, was there someone?

Or... a man?

Her mind suddenly exploded, and before she could think clearly, she lunged forward!