Chapter 23
Nadia only realized Kate’s performance was in the evening when she arrived in Askon.
Kate had just finished her rehearsal and took Nadia to the dressing room. “I wonder who owns this club,” she said. “The opening ceremony was quite a spectacle.
“There must be plenty of rich heirs here. I’ll help you pick out some suitable backups.”
“If Jason found out you helped me to cheat on him, he’d make sure you disappeared from this circle,” Nadia joked.
Jason’s power and influence were not to be underestimated. Even if Kate’s father was just a department head or even a director, Jason could still take him down.
“You wouldn’t rat me out,” Kate said, closing the door to the dressing room and pulling out a costume for Nadia.
Nadia was shocked. “Wear this on stage?”
She had seen some revealing dresses before, and she was used to the skimpy outfits on red carpets. But those occasions were formal, and even if there was some skin showing, people only focused on the beauty of the ones in those skimpy outfits because of the status they carried, without any inappropriate thoughts.
However, the costume Kate handed her was clearly pushing the boundaries with its material and style.
“Ah, money is hard to come by,” Kate sighed, handing Nadia a wig. “No one we know will be here. Put on some makeup and sing in the dark. No one will recognize you.”
She pushed Nadia toward the changing area. “After three years of being a frump, I bet it’s tough for you. Remember how crazy the guys got when you were on stage during our school festival? If you joined this circle, you’d be way better than me, and definitely better than that bitch Abby.”
Back in college, Nadia was quite the sensation. After one of her performances, a senior gave her flowers, and the next day, he somehow ended up with a broken hand.
It had nothing to do with Nadia, but ever since then, that senior had always avoided her.
Someone confessed to her on the campus forum, but soon after, they transferred schools… After several such incidents, everyone kept their distance from Nadia.
Despite Kate’s persuasión, Nadia chose a loose T–shirt and ripped jeans. She thought it was fine for a singer–songwriter.
Kate let her be. “We’re scheduled midway through the program. After our performance, I’ll buy you a drink. Let’s get drunk tonight.”
Nadia wanted to text Jason, but just as she took out her phone, Kate came over. “Let’s practice… I’ll download the backing track for you…
Distracted by Kate, Nadia forgot about texting Jason and kept rehearsing until it was almost time to go on stage.
On their way to the backstage, Kate asked again, “Are you gonna see Jason today?”
“No,” Nadia replied.
Kate knew very well how Nadia felt about Jason; Nadia had sacrificed so much for him, and apart from their intimate relations, Jason had always indulged her and spent generously on her; maybe Nadia didn’t really want a divorce.
“Actually, your problem is easy to solve,” Kate advised. “Your mother–in–law likes you. Drop some hints and get her to support you.”
“How?” Nadia asked bitterly.
No matter how kind her mother–in–law was to her, in the end, Jason was the flesh of her mother–in–law’s flesh. If it really came to that, her mother–in–law might not stand by her side.
“Tell her about that bitch Abby, Kate said as they walked toward the backstage. “Even if she’s behind the scenes now, she still
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Chapter 23
has influence. With just a flick of her fingers, she can cut off Abby’s resources. Then, if Jason wants to promote Abby, he’ll have to ask you to pretend to be lovey–dovey with him in front of his mom. That’s when you can hit him with your demands”
The two entered the backstage.
Beside the hall, the manager was reporting progress to a man, who caught half of what Nadia and Kate were joking about. “Arrange them in rows of five or six,” ordered the man.
Tonight’s guests were arranged according to their status, from front to back. Given Paul’s status, he should be in the front row, but he asked to be placed further back.
Paul left the backstage area and called Jason. “If you can’t make it for the ribbon–cutting, let your wife do it instead.”
Jason was just starting to vent his anger because of his stomachache. When he heard this, he frowned. “Say that again.”
Paul said on the other end of the phone, “She’s a lot freer than you. She’s playing dress–up with her girlfriend and discussing how to get your mom to cut off Abby’s resources. If you don’t make amends soon, your little darling is in trouble.”
Jason didn’t respond. His narrow, deep–set eyes flashed with a chilling light.
Paul hung up the phone and sent Jason a photo of Nadia’s back.
“Mr. Black…” Austin sensed that the chill around Jason was getting worse, so bad that the office was about freezing, and even breathing out felt like it would create steam. “Should I order you a nutritional meal?”
“No need.” Jason’s fingers tapped on the table, then he stood up and walked out.
When he arrived at the Pier Club, the show was already in progress. He silently took a seat in the back row.
On stage, Nadia was sitting on a stool behind the beam of light. She had on slightly smoky eye makeup, and when she smiled, she looked enchantingly alluring, making one want to tear off her tightly wrapped clothes.
Kate helped her adjust the microphone and nudged her foot, whispering, “What are you staring at? Nervous?”
Nadia looked up and said, “I think I saw Jason.”
“You’re kidding.” Kate glanced around the VIP seats. Everyone there was of lower status than Jason, so she didn’t think he would come to such a place. “You must be crazy about him. Even if he goes to a club, he would only go to the extravagant ones in Brookshire.”
Nadia thought it made sense. She took a deep breath and adjusted her posture. Suddenly, Kate reached out and tore the collar of her outfit wider. “There we go.”
It was too late for Nadia to stop her. Half of her collar fell open, exposing her clavicle. She angrily glared and pulled it up. After everything was set, Kate said with a smile, “I’ll wait for you in the private room. After this song, let’s have some fun.”
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Nadia hadn’t performed in a long time, but she still had stage presence. Her singing was melodious and ethereal, better than many professional singers.
Several men in the front row exchanged glances.
When the performance ended and Nadia was heading to the private room, she was suddenly stopped by Wilfrid Newman, the manager of the entertainment company.
“This is Edric Read, the manager of Hadio Construction,” he said with a smile. “He would like you to join him.”
Edric was a tall, burly man with a bald patch, his eyes fixed intently on Nadia’s neck. He thought, ‘A compliant newcomer is easy to control. Since my partner likes her, I naturally have to make it happen.’
Nadia had seen him before.
He once asked Jason for help to resolve an issue and brought gifts to No. 8 Crest Manor. Maybe because he treated Nadia as a maid, he never paid any attention to her.
‘Sorry.” Nadia moved to the side. “My friend is waiting for me.”
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Chapter 23
Then call your friend along. I have some friends over there, too. It’ll be more fun with more people,” Edric said, reaching out to put his arm around Nadia’s shoulder.
Nadia darkened her expression and shook off his hand. “If you’re looking for a stripper, there are plenty upstairs. I’m just a singer here to perform.”
Her prickly personality made Edric find her even more interesting.
He smiled down, then lifted his head with a teasing and playful look in his eyes. “Now I remember why you look familiar. You’re that uninhibited domestic help from Mr. Black’s house. If Mr. Black finds out you’re taking side jobs, he’ll definitely fire you. Why not come with me? It’s a chance to meet some big bosses. You might have a better future.”
Edric emphasized the word “future“, letting his gaze sweep over Nadia’s proud chest. “If you’re willing to follow me, I can satisfy you.”
Nadia took a step back and said seriously, “My future doesn’t require your concern.”
Edric was displeased. He believed that the end goal for those in the entertainment industry was to marry into wealth, and someone like Nadia, who started from the bottom as a maid, would do their utmost to climb up.
It seems Mr. Black has already kicked you out, and that’s why you’ve come here to sing.” Edric stepped forward and tried to touch Nadia, but only managed to graze her collar. “Performers are just playthings for the amusement of the elites. Be good and come with me; I guarantee you’ll have plenty of good times and resources. But if you don’t take this opportunity, I promise you won’t be able to leave Askon.”
Suddenly, Wilfrid reached out and pushed Nadia into Edric’s arms.
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