Chapter 136 Foolishly Walk into the Trap
Elizabeth was on the phone with Arthur.
Lisa had a minor car accident and couldn't join next week's variety show.
Arthur decided to replace her with a new regular guest and rotate a few temporary ones.
The show's popularity meant too many people wanted in, and some were hard for Arthur to refuse.
This time, he offered Elizabeth a favor.
He let her bring an artist from her studio to guest for two days.
Elizabeth had auditions lined up for Emily and Elbert, so she chose Gilbert and told Arthur.
What Gilbert needed now was exposure.
After the call, Elizabeth told Gilbert to get ready for the show.
Rebecca suddenly remembered something.
She asked Elizabeth, "When should we release those photos I took earlier?"
Elizabeth knew she meant the intimate photos of Richard and Brenda. "Send them to Herman. I'll release them at the right time during the next variety show."
Timing was key to making Brenda's "popularity" soar.
Rebecca grinned, "Got it."
After work, they headed back to the apartment.
Arthur also informed the other regular stars about Lisa's injury and the replacement.
When he called Kevin, Kevin was gaming with Arnold and had the speakerphone on.
Arthur mentioned temporary guests, including Gilbert.
Arnold felt uneasy hearing Gilbert's name.
After the call, Arnold said, "Kevin, your talent is out. How about I take their place?"
Kevin was surprised. "Don't you hate variety shows?"
Arnold replied, "You, Brenda, and Elizabeth are all in. I want to join the fun and avoid going abroad with Dad."
Joining the show meant Paul wouldn't force him abroad; Enrique could go instead.
He also wanted to protect Brenda and outshine Gilbert, redirecting Elizabeth's attention.
Kevin thought Arnold joining could be good, avoiding tension between Elizabeth and Brenda.
"I'll ask Arthur for you," he said, calling Arthur back.
Arthur was surprised Arnold wanted in.
He knew Arnold was a popular singer who usually stuck to music shows.
He didn't expect Arnold to be Kevin and Brenda's brother.
Arthur didn't agree right away but said their company should contact him via an official channel.
After Kevin's call, Arthur contacted Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was surprised Arnold wanted to replace Lisa.
She guessed it was for Brenda.
Among the Clark brothers, Arnold and Enrique were closest to Brenda, then Kevin and Richard, and lastly Loren.
She told Arthur that if Arnold joined, there'd likely be many interactions with Brenda.
Elizabeth hinted to Arthur that there'd be a big scoop about Brenda in the next episode.
If Arnold joined and had his usual close interactions with Brenda, it would be the perfect time to release those photos and create a buzz.
Arthur laughed, knowing the next show would get plenty of attention.
After talking to Elizabeth, he didn't contact Kevin. He waited for someone from Clark Entertainment to discuss it, to earn a favor in the process.
Arnold, overhearing Kevin and Arthur's conversation, got anxious about losing the guest spot.
He called Richard.
At the club, Richard and Hubert were drinking. Richard was puzzled by Arnold's call.
"What's up?" Richard asked.
Arnold explained he wanted to join the variety show. "Richard, help me get this spot."
Richard was speechless. "You want to join the next live variety show? Are you nuts?"
Kevin's reputation had taken a hit from Elizabeth in the last show. Now Arnold wanted to walk into the same trap?
Arnold was annoyed. "Richard, will you help or not?"
Richard thought Arnold was crazy but remembered how Arnold had snatched his bracelet earlier and felt relaxed.
He laughed, "Of course, I'll help. You're my brother; who else would I help?"
For the sake of being brothers, he'd let Arnold go and let Elizabeth deal with him.
Arnold felt a chill but asked, "So you'll handle it?"
Richard assured him, "No problem, I'll take care of it."
Despite his damaged reputation and temporary setback at the company, Richard still had connections.
Arnold was happy. "Thanks a lot, Richard."
Richard thought, 'I hope you can still thank me with a smile after the show.'
But he said, "No need to be so polite."
After hanging up, Richard contacted a director in the company's investment department, who knew Arthur. He asked for help securing the spot for Arnold.
The director agreed without hesitation.
Feeling better, Richard poured himself a glass of wine and sipped it with a smile.
Hubert noticed. "So happy to cause trouble for Arnold?"
Richard raised an eyebrow, "Don't you enjoy causing trouble for your brother?"
Hubert laughed, "But mine isn't from the same mother."
Richard shrugged. "Mine is, but he's too stupid and needs a lesson."
Hubert burst out laughing. "True, Arnold is indeed stupid. Letting Elizabeth teach him a lesson is a good idea."
They laughed and clinked glasses.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth got a notification.
She saw Brenda had texted an unknown number: [I can't bear the pain anymore. I've asked everyone I know, and no one has a divination artifact to suppress it. Can you send me one?]
The reply came quickly: [Sure!]
Elizabeth traced the reply and hacked into it but found it was an anonymous phone card, making it impossible to identify the sender.
There were no chat apps on the phone, just some text messages with phone numbers, several of which were with Brenda.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
