Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 122 I Don't Mind Being Cheesy

In the private room, it was just Ethan and Faye.

Ethan glanced up and locked eyes with me. Neither of us was shocked to see the other.

"Ethan, I'm outta here."

Faye was all jittery and hadn't even noticed me walk in. I'd already set the tray on the table, and she hadn't looked up, probably thinking I was just some waiter.

I poured a glass of wine and slid it over to her, saying coolly, "Bailing already? What's the hurry?"

Faye's head snapped up, eyes wide with shock. "Why is it you?"

"So, this Mr. Windsor ain't Victor!"

Bella suddenly got it, pulled out a chair, and plopped down, ready for the drama.

Faye glanced between Ethan and me, piecing things together, her eyes darting around, looking kinda guilty.

I didn't bother pouring Ethan any wine, just handed him a glass of warm water. Then I took a seat next to him.

On the burgundy tablecloth, there was a stack of papers.

Ethan drummed his fingers on the documents and gave a faint smile.

"Faye, I was planning a surprise for you, and you showed up right on cue."

Of course, I knew this wasn't just a random thing.

And when Faye walked into the restaurant, she had no clue that the so-called Mr. Windsor wasn't Victor, the guy she was supposed to meet, but Ethan.

Ethan spoke softly, "The director we met earlier is a straight shooter. This is the contract for the lead role in his new movie. He thinks you're perfect for the part. Faye, this is your shot. I promised to help you chase your dream, and I'm sticking to it. But there's one catch."

But Faye still looked super uneasy.

"What catch?"

"Cut ties with Victor."

Faye was stunned, but being the pro actress she was, she quickly pulled herself together.

"Ethan, I have no idea what you're talking about."

Ethan pulled out a cigarette and lit it, a faint smile on his face.

"Faye, how old are you, and how old am I? Those extra years I have count for something."

Faye probably never thought that just this morning, she was strutting her stuff in front of me at the villa, and now the tables had totally turned.

But the story kicked off last night.

Ethan and I were out looking for Scruffy. When it seemed like a lost cause, he parked the car by the roadside.

"Emily, I dug into what you told me about Faye. It's Victor," he said.

I'd already gotten the scoop from Faris, so I wasn't surprised.

Ethan leaned back in his seat, rubbing his temples, looking beat.

I could totally feel the sadness in his heart right then. If the investigation had just shown Faye was with some rich dude, that'd be one thing. But finding out Victor was scheming against him? That was a whole different ball game. "It's like a tree. If outside forces try to yank it out and the roots don't hold firm, it'll get pulled out easily."

He spoke slowly, each word dripping with helplessness.

at him, worried. "What about you?

cupping my face in his

"Solid."

know, the fact that you're willing

hoarsely,

I always felt weak. He could always

myself unable to pull away

that followed was just a

hit her goal, but it

never harsh, but it was firm. Faye

the ashtray and said steadily, "Faye, you mess up because you're

pieced everything together, couldn't stay calm

for money, huh? Ethan's been so good to you, and Emily kindly

pressure, Faye bit her lip in grievance and started

didn't want this either. That night, after I left the TV station, they forcibly took me away. Victor wanted me to drive a wedge between you two. I initially refused, but they beat

there. The next morning, she did have bruises on her hands, which matched

took out a card from his suit, and

on prepping for this movie. I'll find an acting coach to teach you

blurted out, "No need. Her

lightly fell on

sarcasm in my words

pouted, looking

buzzed. She glanced at

be Victor checking in

even lower. "Faye, this is your last shot. If you don't listen to me

really saw Faye as

head, and after a long pause,

suddenly grabbed my hand, intertwining

need to go

giving Faye a glare,

door, Ethan stopped and turned back. "Faye, no matter what others have promised you, whether it's money or a future, I can give you

hand tightly, walking steadily

help but turn to look at him. His rugged and mature handsome face seemed even more charming at this moment, making

knew he was

the restaurant, Bella tactfully said she had something to do and left.

too late to hit the driving school now, is it?" he

shook my head.

driving for a bit, he suddenly reached over and pulled me by the neck, planting

face flushed instantly, and he smiled,

pointed ahead. "Watch

of me, but the smile on his lips

when we argued last night, like a rainbow hanging in the

serious about our argument last night,"

him; he was

he sent after leaving

[Same

like a play, and a play was like

put our true feelings into it. We used that big argument to express our true thoughts,

looked at me.

you care about Faye, I

and said, "That means

"And you?"

awkward and that I might get an answer I

"Do you really feel exhausted being

is exhausting. A man's job

answer was slick, almost like