In Studio City, it was a typical blistering summer day. The sun was hanging low in the west, and the ground, baked all day under its heat, was radiating warmth. It felt so hot it, it seemed you could cook an egg on the pavement.
Concentrated under an inconspicuous apartment building, hordes of entertainment journalists armed with cameras were present. Even though they were visibly drenched in sweat from the heat, their dedication held them steadfast, their gazes constantly flickering to the sealed elevator door as they anxiously anticipated a scoop.
Unknown to them, their wait was about to come to an end. From the unremarkable stairwell entrance on the other side of the elevator, a head wrapped tightly in a silk scarf suddenly appeared. The shining, spirited, and clearly visible eyes took a quick sweep of the crowd. Seizing the moment, the owner of the eyes donned a pair of sunglasses and covertly began moving out along the wall.
"Daddy's father is called Grandfather..."
Unexpectedly, a phone ringtone started playing just as she was about to reach the apartment's main gate, successfully drawing all attention over.
Wrapped so tightly on such a hot day? This was simply akin to hiding a silver ingot in the open!
It was unknown who exclaimed first and pointed her way, but an instant later, each of them was like a hungry wolf. Eyes fierce and cameras at the ready, they rushed towards her like competitors in a hundred-meter dash.
The uproar resounded behind her. Shivers ran down Jasmine Monroe's spine. Without sparing a glance back, she swiped her phone to answer the call and began to run, swearing at the caller in irritation.
"Priscilia! Look at what you've done! Why didn't you tell me sooner about all these journalists? If something happens to me today, I'm dragging you down with me!"
"Boss, boss, look quickly, I see you. Look to your right, there's a black Mercedes. No time to explain, just get in the car!"
Hearing this, Jasmine quickly removed her sunglasses, and sure enough, saw a black Mercedes to her right. She turned around to look at the "hungry wolves" coming at her with fierce speed. Without wasting a second to ponder, she bolted for the car, threw open the door, and hopped into the back seat, slamming it shut with a loud thud.
Feeling secure in the car, she breathed a sigh of relief, "Priscilia, you've finally done something right this time!"
As Jasmine spoke, she started to remove her silk scarf, revealing her delicate and pretty face. However, it didn't take long for her to realize an eerie silence within the car.
It was...too quiet? This was unlike Priscilia at all.
She suddenly had an ominous feeling!
Gulping nervously, she turned to the side. She and the person sitting next to her locked eyes for three seconds, their expressions froze for more than three seconds.
"Boss, my mistake, I told you to go right. How could you..." The voice on the phone paused to catch its breath, "My God! Sorry boss, I forgot my right is your left...”
Jasmine felt a dull ache in her head and stiffly looked away.
There were countless curse words at the tip of her tongue for this stupid teammate, but due to the person beside her, she just clenched her teeth and hung up the phone.
Jasmine felt like she was on the verge of exploding, she seriously doubted whether she had bombed a planet in her previous life. Otherwise, how bad of karma could make her mistake to get in this man's car!
Undeniably, he had a stunning face. A few wisps of fresh and sharp hair fell on his forehead, thin lips habitually tightly pressed, nose as high as a mountain peak, every facial feature just right. He had a small mole beneath his left eye, making him look charismatic yet cold.
At this moment, his deep black eyes calmly looked at her, the "intruder". Even though he did not speak nor take any action, Jasmine was already frightened to the point of a heart attack!
If Jasmine was to choose, she'd rather get out of the car and be torn apart by the reporters instead of facing this God-like person!
Although she had no interaction with him before, she had heard a lot about him. She was just a small, struggling actress starting her career, with gossip and reporters always around her, it had her stressed enough. Getting in his car was like adding fuel to the fire. Is the God trying to kill her faster?
Mr. Asher, who drove the car, remained silent, waiting for Ethan Riversong's reaction through the rearview mirror.
Before the other party could throw her out, Jasmine's heart sank, she quickly apologized: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'll get off immediately!”
Before she could even open the door, Ethan’s cold voice sounded in her ear, "Start the car!”
Jasmine trembled, unbelievingly she turned back, glanced at Ethan.
Mr. Asher looked surprised for a moment, looked at Jasmine through the rearview mirror, then stepped on the gas, and with a neat drifting, he left behind the group of reporters who were rushing like zombies, driving steadily on the highway.
Even though they had successfully lost the reporters, Jasmine could only describe her current state as having a heavy heart.
"Mr. Riversong, I can explain, I really didn't mean to get on the wrong car, it's just..." Seeing his indifference and his unchanging gaze, Jasmine felt terribly guilty yet she still managed a stiff smile: "You might not believe me, but your car and the one that was supposed to pick me up look so alike, I wasn't paying attention...and got it wrong..."
Her voice was becoming weaker, increasingly uncertain.
Hearing this, Ethan's expression became peculiar, he raised an eyebrow, looking at her with a strange gaze.
Feeling unsure about the whole situation, Ethan suddenly moved closer to Jasmine, which completely startled her and screaming with fright, she immediately pinned herself against the car wall.
Seeing her response, Ethan slightly lifted the corners of his eyes, bent his lips into a smirk as he looked at her, his deep-set eyes filled with vibrant galactic clusters, it was dangerously captivating!
He quickly returned to normal, only extending his arm to help Jasmine fasten her seat belt, and then settled back into his seat to rest with his eyes closed.
Jasmine blinked, still caught in the after scent of the intimidating masculine aura, she remained rigidly pressed against the car wall, not even daring to breathe.