[Author's Note: Since it's the second day of the month, I want to promote my Patreon. Currently, Behind The Spotlight has 85 chapters on Patreon.]
Behind The Spotlight Chapter 226
A very long limousine stopped at the luxurious entrance of a high-end hotel. An average limousine was already long, but this one was twice as long, making it look like a train. All for the sake of making an appearance and a grand display.
The limousine only had two passengers, a couple.
Lawrence stepped out first and extended his hand to his wife. Emma blushed, accepted his hand with a shy expression, and stepped out of the limousine with elegant movement.
Tonight, the couple was attending the celebration party of Funny Ones, the comedy film that Lawrence starred in.
Lawrence behaved like a gentleman deeply in love with his wife, instantly making Emma enamored with him. It was a mystery whether Lawrence was still acting or if his affection was genuine. Only Lawrence could tell.
He smiled at his wife tenderly and led her inside the hotel. For the first time, he agreed to introduce Emma to the public. This was a soft introduction, as there were no media or reporters at the party.
Emma had longed to be introduced by Lawrence as his wife. Director Summerbelt and the psychiatrist had given Lawrence the go-ahead to begin the next stage.
At first, Lawrence's team, Collin included, was against the idea. However, the Blackstone Corporation ensured that they would handle any negative consequences, even signing a contract for legal assurance.
Lawrence had to help Emma build tolerance toward other people. Interacting with others was the best way to do that.
So far, Emma had shown great improvement. She had even said thank you to customer service workers. Even Terrier Blackstone was pleased about that. Emma was still spoiled, but she was improving.
The two entered the ballroom, and many people witnessed their arrival. The scene was like something out of a fairytale. Emma was beautiful, just like her deceased mother. She had the best upbringing in terms of resources and privilege. She grew up healthy, had fair skin, a nice figure, and knew proper etiquette. Aside from her mental issues, she was perfect.
Her smile bloomed as she hugged Lawrence's arm possessively, showing the kind of relationship they had. Lawrence acted like a gentleman, smiling at her with clear adoration in front of the public.
Tonight, insiders would learn that Lawrence had a wife, and she was beautiful and graceful.
Some people were surprised, some were sad, some were happy, and others had complicated expressions. It didn't matter the gender, Lawrence was simply that attractive, and his charisma was overwhelming.
He first introduced Emma to the production crew, such as the director and producer. They were surprised when Lawrence introduced Emma as his wife. Emma greeted them with a smile and poised demeanor.
As Lawrence's wife, she wanted others to respect her so they would also respect Lawrence. Tonight, she was civil and restrained. Even toward the women and men who showed hostility toward her, Emma maintained her smile. Like her, these people also had an interest in Lawrence.
Yes, Lawrence was that kind of man. It wasn't surprising that he had a few obsessed stalkers, including Emma.
Funny Ones had been screening for a month, and its worldwide box office had grossed over $178 million. With that kind of performance, everyone involved in the movie was satisfied and happy.
While Lawrence and Emma mingled, Collin kept a low profile. He stood in a corner, drinking alcohol. He was present at the party for networking.
He had finished speaking with the executives and wanted some time alone. He also needed to watch over the couple and ensure that Emma wouldn't do anything erratic.
'The benefits we got from Blackstone Corporation are huge. Many of their companies became sponsors of my clients. However, I can't deny that Emma is destructive to Lawrence.'
Collin understood the art of negotiation, both sides had to compromise to gain what they wanted. In this case, Collin and his team didn't lose.
Suddenly, Lawrence and Collin's gazes met. They nodded at each other, silently confirming that everything was under control. Emma also looked at Collin. She smiled at him, though she didn't hide her dissatisfaction.
Apparently, Collin was the reason Lawrence had to choose among three scripts that included romance.
Collin didn't care about Emma's opinion. He was simply using her and her influence to achieve his goals.
Suddenly, more guests arrived, and two of them were people Collin recognized.
'Wow, look at that. What a coincidence. I didn't expect to see them here.'
Collin was surprised, but considering the actress's situation, he found it understandable.
The musicians began playing, and some guests started dancing in the lively atmosphere. Emma felt romantic and invited her husband to dance, wanting to display their affection for everyone to see.
Lawrence played along and danced with her. However, while on the dance floor, he noticed an actress and a producer dancing as well.
He knew them. They were people he had worked with on Passionate Island.
It was Producer Harper and Ellie Bridget, two familiar names.
Producer Harper was the producer of Passionate Island, though he didn't actively work on the project. When they were in Bora Bora, all he did was sleep with women.
As for Ellie Bridget, she was Lawrence's co-star in Passionate Island. She played Rosie, while Lawrence played Jacky.
The two had a one-night stand, which eventually led to the destruction of their relationship.
When Lawrence saw the two dancing together, he almost burst out laughing. The situation was an ironic twist. He felt neither sadness nor anger, he had been done with Ellie for a long time.
Producer Harper held Ellie Bridget by the waist, his hand slowly slipping lower. Yet Ellie didn't even budge. She allowed the man's touch without resistance.
Suddenly, Lawrence and Ellie locked eyes. Lawrence wore a mocking grin that made Ellie blush in humiliation. She understood her situation well.
Lawrence couldn't believe that Ellie would degrade herself and make a business deal with Producer Harper. Fate was truly ironic.
'Loyal, my ass. You can't even keep your own words. What a load of bullshit.'
Lawrence recalled how, a few years ago, Ellie had shown disgust toward Producer Harper, yet now she was dancing with him. He also remembered how Ellie claimed she was loyal to her boyfriend after sleeping with Lawrence.
It was too ironic. He couldn't believe he once fell in love with someone as shallow as Ellie.