Two hours earlier.
At night, under the high-hanging full moon, Bordeaux's Commande Winery was brightly lit.
The estate was adorned with colored lights, the fragrance of fine wine filled the air, and everywhere in and outside the hall were well-dressed elites and fashionable city beauties.
Kate was one of them.
Tonight, she was invited to attend a fashion party. Her outfit was designed by the famous designer Alice Todd— a knitted jacket with white patterns paired with slim trousers, complemented by precious jewelry on her fair neck and wrists.
Even with many supermodels and celebrities present, she was still one of the most striking beauties.
"Ms. Kelly, I'm a fan of your work. *Twilight* was fantastic! I believe it will become a classic!"
A balding man approached her.
"Thank you, Mr. Sudeley, for your appreciation!"
Kate replied politely with a smile.
"Ms. Kelly, how long will you be staying in Bordeaux?"
The bald man asked again.
"Tomorrow, I'll be hosting a book signing at the city library."
Kate responded after a brief thought.
"Wow, that's wonderful! Ms. Kelly, tomorrow I'm hosting a wine party at my home as well. I wonder if you'd honor us with your presence?"
"Haha, Sudeley, are you trying to invite Kate too?"
At this moment, a man in a high-end suit approached. He was about thirty years old, tall, handsome, and had a charming smile.
"Charlie, is there something wrong with me inviting Ms. Kelly?"
The young man's name was Charlie Eric, the CEO of Monoprix chain stores, wealthy and young.
He smiled faintly, standing next to Kate, saying, "Too bad, Sudeley, I've already invited Kate to a yacht party at Biscay Bay."
"Oh, really?"
The man looked at Kate.
"Is that right, Kate?"
Charlie raised his wine glass with a charming smile.
"Sorry, I have other plans tomorrow. Excuse me!"
Kate nodded politely and walked away.
"Damn it!"
After Kate left, Charlie furrowed his brows in frustration.
"Haha, Charlie, I told you it wouldn't work. Kate has been in Europe for half a month and hasn't gone on a single date with any man."
The bald man smirked teasingly.
"Ah, I didn't expect her to reject me so bluntly."
Charlie sighed helplessly, watching Kate's distant figure as he downed his drink.
"Yeah, I didn't expect it either."
The bald man shook his head and then suddenly laughed, "I wonder who will pluck this thorny rose?"
"Yes, who will be the lucky one?"
"Hey, Kate!"
Kate stepped outside for some fresh air when suddenly a scrawny man approached her.
In his twenties, his face was covered with freckles that looked like permanent mosquito stains, and his nose was broken and caved in, giving him an odd appearance.
"Kate, how about a drink?"
He said with a wide grin, holding two glasses of red wine. "This is the finest wine from the winery, Commande '82."
"Sorry, I don't drink."
Kate didn't bother with him and turned to leave.
She knew him— Raoul Balmain, son of Givenchy's board member Hubert Balmain, a notorious playboy with a terrible reputation in the circle.
"Kate, wait, let's talk about the endorsement deal!"
The broken-nosed guy chased after her with his short legs, holding the wine.
"I'm not interested."
Kate shot him a cold glance and continued walking away, gesturing to the side of the venue.
Gina, dressed in a black suit, strutted over confidently.
"Damn it!"
The ugly guy gritted his teeth and walked away dejectedly.
"Hey, Kate, was that Raoul just now?"
Lima approached, holding a glass of wine.
"Just some filth, no need to talk about him!"
Kate sneered, glancing at the figure walking away before smiling and saying, "Was that famous star Guillaume Canet?"
"Yes! He invited me to his party."
"Did you accept?"
"Of course, I'm single now, so why not?"
Lima said casually.
"Haha, Lima, are you still mad about the rumors?"
Kate hugged her shoulders, smiling helplessly.
A few days ago, rumors about Luca and Britney had spread to France. News outlets said that after filming the music video, they disappeared together, even mentioning how they got into the same car and vanished into the rainy night. The insinuations were highly suggestive, almost saying they had slept together.
Lima was furious when she saw the news and hadn't answered Luca's calls since. She had even publicly declared herself single.
"Lima, don't be mad. Remember last time? The news claimed they were fooling around in a car and on a rooftop, and it turned out to be fake. This time it's definitely fake news too."
"But the news said they disappeared together after filming the video. They must've slept together!"
Lima said angrily.
Kate shook her head. "Don't think that way, Lima. Luca has changed a lot. He's been serious while dating you. Other than meeting Britney a few times, he hasn't had any other female friends. And this time?
They filmed a music video together for a few days. The paparazzi need to make money somehow, and if they don't find some story, what else will they report? But if they really went on a date, how come there isn't a single photo?"
Lima stared at her wine glass in silence.
"Lima, we're all in this industry. Rumors are inevitable. What if one day the papers report you having a fling with some celebrity?"
"I won't let that happen."
Lima said confidently.
"Don't be so sure. Who in this industry doesn't have a scandal?"
Kate smiled faintly.
Lima shrugged and glanced around. "Hey, where's Miranda?"
(End of chapter)