Reborn: The Tyrant's Obsession

"But no matter what, you have to admit that you have hit big this time. After all, you are throwing a celebratory party for ’The Rising Rose’ even before it has hit the market... Obviously, the numbers already look successful..."

The director laughed, neither accepting nor denying it. Inwardly, he was full of glee. Every person in the country was talking about the upcoming drama and every member of the cast, with Ruby stealing most of the highlights.

His work had indeed hit some next level fame.

With a smug expression, the Director turned to his assistant, "Where is our rising rose, the star of the show?"

The assistant leaned in and whispered something in the Director’s ears. The Director nodded and excused himself, "Miss Yu."

Ella made her entrance from the side door without grabbing eyeballs. Dressed in an elegant navy blue dress, she looked classy and distant.

The Director led her to the VIP sections, starting some small talk with her.

Ella smiled and nodded, behaving politely with the man. Inwardly, she was examining the person.

In her previous life, Esther had gotten famous because she stole her social media account and also she had the backing of the Hill Family and Mo Family who openly and discreetly sponsored this drama.

As for this main Director of the drama, he was a decent man but he was also a bit of an opportunist, bending wherever he received profits.

The reason he was fawning all over Ella was because he had spotted her with Ji Yan a few times. And while not many people had seen Adrian in person, they knew who Ji Yan represented.

At this moment, the ballroom erupted in gaps and whispers.

Mo Jun stepped through the main entrance, donned in a classy white suit.

Right beside him was the talk of the gala.

Ruby was dressed in a striking red gown that had a sweetheart neckline. Her long red hair was tied in a loose braid. Her makeup was kept very subtle but it was done in a way that enhanced her beautiful features.

Ella looked on proudly as Ruby’s entrance quickly became the center of the party.

As the evening proceeded smoothly, Ella made a small eye contact with Ruby.

Ruby nodded at her and after giving her an encouraging smile, Ella slipped away from the venue without being spotted by anyone.

Ella came and left like a shadow without garnering any attention.

As she stood outside, waiting for the cab, she closed her eyes for a moment, letting the cold breeze graze her face.

The past two weeks, she had idled her days away, just flinching at the memories of Adrian not recognizing her.

And tonight, she had forced herself to stop thinking of him. She wanted to be fully present for Ruby’s big day.

But now, with everything going smooth for Ruby, her thoughts wandered back to the man.

She opened her eyes, the corner of her lips tilting up gently, "It’s not that easy to get rid of me, Mr. King. You better brace yourself."

...

Back in the ballroom.

"Thank you, Mr. Mo, for giving me this opportunity," Violet did a graceful bow in front of Mo Jun, "If not for you, I would not even be in the city anymore."

Mo Jun paused, "Although the situations have changed, you don’t have to pretend to not know. Before anything, we have always been classmates and can be considered half a friend at least."

Mo Jun’s indication was clear. They had gotten familiar with each other because Violet and Esther were friends and he was Esther’s fiance. Now Esther was gone from both their lives but that did not mean they had to go back to being strangers.

Violet understood the implication but her tone was polite and distant as she said, "Regardless of where Esther stands, you and I stand on two entirely different positions in the society. There cannot be anything common shared between us."

There was something about her tone that left Mo Jun a bit in discomfort but he couldn’t put a finger on what it was.

"Friendships don’t see such things," Mo Jun sighed, "But naturally, I wouldn’t force my thoughts upon you."

There was a hint of pain in Violet’s eyes but she disguised it quickly as she turned to leave.

"Violet, wait...!" Mo Jun pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket as he showed, "Do you know who this belongs to?"

Violet looked at the handkerchief, stunned.

"Back in the past, I was naive. It’s only recently, because of Ella, did I realize that I had misplaced my love. I always thought it was Esther who stood for me in my lowest times but now, it’s ironic..." Mo jun laughed in self-mockery, " I realized that the person who had given me this to wipe my tears wasn’t Esther. I had been a fool all along."

Violet’s eyes widened.

"You were close to Esther. By any chance, do you know..."

"I don’t," Violet took a step back, her face slightly pale as she shook her head, "I don’t know who this belongs to, Mr. Mo. I have things to attend to," she turned around and left in a rush.

Mo Jun looked at her retreating back in bewilderment, wondering if it was his illusion or if Violet was really running away from him.

He touched his face. Did he look scary or did he probably offend her in some way?

He tucked the handkerchief back into his pocket absent-mindedly, his gaze briefly settling on the bunch of cerulean colored flowers embroidered in the corner.

"You seem pretty lost. Is everything alright?"

Mo Jun looked up at Ruby who had managed to slip away from the crowd. Shaking his head, he let out a soft laugh, "And you look pretty tired."

Ruby blinked and pointed to the dark corner around the bar.

The two people slipped away from the crowd and grabbed two glasses of juice as they chatted, "It’s difficult."

"You are obviously made for this profession and from what I have seen, you like acting. What’s difficult then?"