Chapter 171: What Is the Outcome
"I believe you," he answered.
Gianna paused before saying, "I saw Laura today and ran into the Lisa family's butler on my way back."
Felix put down his chopsticks and looked at her. "And?"
He knew she wouldn't mention this without a reason.
Gianna lowered her eyes, "Can you ask Mitchell to leave Laura alone?"
She knew Mitchell had been tricked by a third-rate actress before and had sworn off actresses. Laura was inexperienced, and if she fell for him, it wouldn't end well.
Felix frowned, "That's between Mitchell and Laura. She's an adult and knows what she's doing."
Gianna looked displeased, "Mitchell approached Laura first. If he really likes her, he should know they have no future and stop bothering her."
The room fell into a tense silence.
After a while, Felix finally spoke, "What's the endgame? Marriage?"
Gianna sneered, "Forget it. You just don't get it."
Felix was about to respond, but Gianna got up and went to the bedroom.
The next morning, Gianna saw that Mitchell had publicly admitted he was the man in Laura's photos and was pursuing her, but hadn't succeeded yet. He also clarified there was no financial relationship between them.
This caused an online uproar.
Jasmine's investor boyfriend, upon learning this, demanded the "Manyyears" production team sign Laura and forced Jasmine to apologize.
Jasmine refused and argued with him at the hotel, unwilling to apologize.
"Jasmine, are you going to apologize or not?!"
"No, if you keep pushing, we're done!" Jasmine had been so arrogant before. Apologizing now would be humiliating, especially since Laura was friends with Gianna.
"Fine, then we're done. Don't expect any more support from me!"
He turned and left.
Jasmine, still furious, didn't chase after him. She was sure he loved her too much to really break up.
Laura got a call from the "Manyyears" team and knew it was because of Mitchell's clarification. She found it amusing that her hard work couldn't compare to a few words from him online.
But she liked the script and didn't want to quit, so she agreed to continue filming.
After talking with the team, Laura called Mitchell to invite him to dinner, and he agreed.
In the evening, to avoid suspicion, Laura also invited Gianna and Felix.
They chose the priciest restaurant in Dawnridge, Sunrise Bistro, where a single dish cost four figures and wine started at six.
When Laura walked into the private room and saw only Mitchell, she was surprised.
"Where are Gianna and Felix?" she asked.
"I sent them home. Don't worry, I had the place checked. No reporters around," he answered.
Given their status, they wouldn't let reporters get a glimpse of their private lives unless they wanted to.
Laura frowned and sat down, "You didn't need to send them away."
"I have something to tell you."
"What is it?"
"I just found out this morning that my family approached you. I'm sorry for any trouble they caused."
Laura was momentarily stunned, then lowered her eyes, "Mitchell, you don't need to apologize. Actually, I came here to discuss something with you."
Mitchell looked puzzled.
Laura continued, "Since you never clearly expressed your feelings, I never had the chance to tell you this. Mitchell, you're not my type. I won't be with you, and I hope you can keep your distance from me."
She expected him to leave in anger, but he just smiled faintly, "No feelings for me?"
Laura felt his gaze was mocking, and her hands clenched under the table. She pressed her lips together and nodded, "Yes, Mitchell."
Mitchell got up and walked towards her.
Laura snapped out of it, "Mitchell, you..."
He grabbed her chin and kissed her.
Laura froze, then pushed against his chest, struggling, "Let me go..."
She had filmed kissing scenes before but never felt anything like this. His lips were scorching, burning her to ashes.
Mitchell didn't let go; he held her waist tighter, pulling her closer. Laura felt like she was going crazy, her face turning red, her body like a boiled shrimp.
Realizing she was somewhat enjoying the kiss, Laura snapped back to reality and bit him hard. Mitchell let go in pain but wasn't angry; his eyes were filled with amusement.
"Laura, are you sure you have no feelings for me?" His eyes were mocking, and his lips were stained with her lipstick, adding a touch of allure.
Laura took a deep breath, pushed him away, and smiled slightly, "Mitchell, I'm an adult woman with my own needs. It's normal to feel something when you kiss me, isn't it?"
Mitchell raised eyebrows, "Laura, lying isn't a good habit."
"To you, words you don't like are lies?"
Mitchell looked at her slowly, "As long as it's from you, I like it. I think I've fallen in love with you. What should I do?"
Laura's expression changed, her voice turning icy, "Mitchell, it's best to say less of such boring things. Don't tarnish the word 'love'."
Mitchell frowned, "You don't believe me?"
"You must have said that to all your ex-girlfriends, right? I'm grateful for your help before, but that's all. I won't develop any other feelings for you."
Laura knew if she allowed herself to fall, she'd end up hurt, so she wouldn't let herself start.
"Laura, are you doubting my feelings?" Mitchell implored.
Laura took out her phone and played a recording. Mitchell's face turned ugly. He opened his mouth to explain but didn't know where to start.
Laura's expression was mocking as she stood up and stuffed a room key card into his suit pocket, smiling, "Mitchell, I'll be waiting for you in the room tonight."
