Lost Me Gained Regret

Bryant had been whisked away by a famous director to discuss potential investments.

I was deeply engaged in conversation with Bella when a waiter approached us.

"Ma'am, your juice."

"Thank you."

Such service was typical at these kinds of gala dinners.

I didn't think much of it and reached out to take the glass just as Summer walked over. Bella immediately reached out to touch her forehead with concern. "Sweetie, Ivy mentioned you were feeling a bit under the weather. How are you feeling now? Better?"

"Much better, Mom."

Summer stood obediently by her side, her eyes filled with longing as she looked at Becky. "Becky, I saw online that next month you're going to be on that slow living reality show. Can I come with you and experience it too?"

I had a pretty good idea of what she was after-the idea of breaking into showbiz hadn't left her mind.

The show Becky was joining involved selecting a quaint village and inviting several seasoned actors along with a few fresh faces to live a leisurely life of dining and farming together. It was hugely popular and eagerly anticipated each season. While ordinary folks rarely got the chance to appear as guests, it wasn't impossible for Summer. After all, being born into such an exceptional family, could anyone deny her excellence?

However, Bella furrowed her brows and exchanged a glance with Ivy, clearly not expecting Summer to bypass her and go straight to Becky. Becky was a bit taken aback too. But they were all seasoned in handling delicate situations, and she deftly tossed the topic back to Bella. "Well, that's really up to your mom. Showbiz can be a tough world, and she loves you too much to want you to endure that hardship."

I wasn't surprised at her response. After all, Becky was showing respect not to Summer, but to Bella. And given Bella's stature, it indeed wouldn't make sense for her daughter to enter the entertainment industry, where the cons often outweigh the pros. She had suffered enough and wouldn't want her daughter to go through the same.

Yet Summer didn't get it, pouting. "Everyone says showbiz is tough, but I just want to experience it." She tugged at Bella's arm. "Please, Mom? You know the producers..."

"Alright, alright," Bella sounded exasperated but finally gave in. Summer's eyes lit up. "You're the best, Mom!"Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

Breaking into showbiz was a dream for many. But for Summer to have this dream baffled everyone present. Becky glanced over at me and suddenly offered, "Jane, what about you? A spot on the show could really boost your profile."

"No, thanks. I appreciate it, but I'd rather focus on my design work."

The fame from appearing on a reality show was a double-edged sword. Not everyone could handle their every move being scrutinized under the public eye, praised or criticized. Becky seemed impressed. "It's rare to see someone your age so grounded."

Summer immediately retorted, "Are you saying I'm impulsive?" Since returning to the Myers family two years ago, Summer had changed a lot. Back then, she was timid, as if afraid of making a mistake. But how, she was full of confidence. Was this the difference between a knockoff and the genuine article? wasn't sure.

Becky, always straightforward, found herself in an awkward spot. "I didn't mean that....."

"Alright," Bella cut off Summer's impending argument and pointed in a direction. "Didn't you want a photo with Felix? Go on, then."

I glanced over. It was Felix, a leading young actor known for his good looks.

"Okay!" Summer didn't dare to push too far and, taking the hint, she turned to leave but not before raising her glass to me. "Ms. Webster, the success of my mom's gown at the end of the month is completely in your hands."

After taking a sip, I nodded. "Don't worry, leave it to me."

"Ms. Taylor!" A glamorous actress came over to greet Bella. I took the opportunity to excuse myself. "Ms. Taylor, I'll leave you to it. I need to use the restroom."

The only thing I'd ingested since arriving was the juice provided by the waiter. If someone at this gala intentionally drugged me, the priority was to get out of there. Otherwise, I couldn't predict what else they might have planned...

"Mr. Ferguson!" After getting her photo with her idol, Summer made a beeline for Bryant. Bryant frowned slightly upon recognizing her, his demeanor turning cold. "How did you get in here?"

He hadn't forgotten their last encounter two years ago when he warned her to stay away from Jane, only to have it blow up in his face.

"Let me introduce myself," Summer extended her hand with a slight smile. "I'm now known as Summer, Bella's daughter. I was supposed to join you and my mom for that business meeting last time, but something came up."

Bryant scoffed. "And how did you manage to con your way into that identity?" Summer was completely taken aback by his directness! Even knowing she was Bella's daughter, he was still this unforgiving.