Save Myself from Desperation

Before the announcement, the host smiled and asked Ashley a question. “Ashley, Valentin just said that he’s your loyal fan. How do you feel about that?” Ashley didn’t want to discuss her feelings.

She just wanted to confront Valentin and ask him what he meant.

But in front of so many people, Ashley couldn’t answer like that. She glanced at Valentin and replied, “I’m surprised and honored.”

Valentin raised an eyebrow at her response. The audience understood Ashley's answer. It would be strange if she weren't surprised.

The audience was buzzing with excitement and curiosity upon hearing Valentin declare himself as Ashley’s fan, and Ashley herself was no exception.

The host asked Ashley to hand over the bracelet to Valentin and then. announced with a smile, “This bracelet was won by Mr. Kingsley, who happens to be Ashley’s fan. Since they are so destined, why not give each other a hug now?”

Ashley replied, “What? A hug?”

She found the suggestion quite strange.

Other celebrities didn’t hug the auctioneer when handing over their items. She glanced at Valentin standing upright with no signs of refusal.

Ashley thought, ‘Well, hugging isn’t a big deal.

She turned around to face Valentin.

Before she lifted her arm, Valentin leaned in and hugged her proactively.

Ashley was slightly taken aback. Valentin’s refreshing and pleasant scent surrounded her. In such a noisy environment, she could hear his strong heartbeat.

Her fingertips trembled slightly, and then she hugged back.

09:08

A

There was enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Amidst the dazzling lights, they embraced amidst the noise.

Joseph immediately took out his phone to capture this historic moment.

While taking the picture, Joseph noticed that Ashley was wearing a navy blue gown that was classy and understated. Valentin’s tie happened to be in the same color family.

Valentin must have deliberately chosen a tie in a similar shade. Joseph was amazed once again by Valentin’s thoughtfulness.

Valentin had just publicly declared his admiration for Ashley, claiming to be her loyal fan. He must have been annoyed by Kevin’s relentless bidding.

Valentin was jealous and decided to express his affection for Ashley so openly.

Joseph rubbed his chin, curious about how Kevin would feel seeing Ashley and Valentin embrace. Many people were still looking at Ashley when she returned to her seat.

It was Valentin’s first time embracing a female in public. It seemed that Valentin really admired and respected Ashley. As Ashley sat back down in her seat, Joseph exclaimed excitedly, “Wow!”

Jaden glanced at Valentin, sitting in the front row, and joined in. “Wow!”

Miranda felt she couldn't be left out and chimed in as well, “Wow!”

Ashley felt the scene familiar.

She remembered cheering for Bryce and Brittany like this earlier.

How unpredictable life was.

Ashley awkwardly smiled and settled back into her seat.

Miranda immediately grabbed Ashley’s arm and enthusiastically asked, “How does it feel? Seeing Valentin up close on stage, do you think he’s even more handsome now?”

Ashley started to ponder seriously. Despite her past conflicts with Valentin, she sincerely replied, “He is quite handsome.” 2/4

09:081

Miranda’s enthusiasm grew, and her cheeks flushed. She continued in a lowered voice, “Tell me, what does it feel like to hug Mr. Kingsley? Were you nervous? Did your heartbeat quicken?”

Ashley said, “I was alright.”

Although Miranda’s voice was low, she was sitting on Ashley's right side, while Joseph was on the left, so he faintly heard Miranda’s question.

He thought, ‘Why would Ashley be nervous? They've hugged each other countless times in private. How could she be nervous?”

Miranda, being gossipy, suddenly remembered something and became worried. She anxiously said, “Ashley, Valentin said that he’s your loyal fan and admires you. | can’t help but wonder if there’s another motive behind his words.”

Ashley blinked. “Another motive?” Miranda nodded earnestly, her clear eyes filled with concern for Ashley.

Seeing that no one was paying attention, Miranda spoke in a hushed tone. “Valentin intentionally said those words. His true motive may be to get close to you and use his influence to force you to sleep with him.”

Ashley was speechless.

Joseph was drinking water while eavesdropping on their conversation. He widened his eyes and nearly choked. Valentin would force Ashley?

Miranda’s imagination was too vivid.

Joseph, with a flushed face from choking, quickly patted his chest to ease the discomfort.

He was shocked by Miranda’s thoughts.

Seeing that Ashley didn’t believe her, Miranda became even more. worried. She analyzed in a whisper, “Ashley, this kind of thing happens a lot in the entertainment industry. Many wealthy and powerful investors want to force female celebrities to sleep with them. I’ve witnessed it firsthand. And you are so beautiful, I’m worried...”

Ashley acknowledged that Miranda’s statement held some truth, but it seemed a bit far-fetched to accuse Valentin. 34

Valentin genuinely had no intention of that.

Ashley chuckled and reassured Miranda by patting her hand, “I know you’re concerned about me,

but trust me...

Joseph couldn't accept Valentin’s reputation being tarnished. Without waiting for Ashley to finish speaking, he joined the conversation.

Joseph turned to look at them, suppressing his anger and gritting his teeth as he whispered to Miranda, “Miranda, you don’t need to worry. Ashley is perfectly safe! No matter where she is, no one would dare to force her! Understand?”

Even if someone wanted to do so because of her beauty, Valentin. wouldn't easily let them off. Joseph abruptly joined the conversation, leaving Miranda stunned for several seconds.

She nodded in dazed agreement. “You're the CEO of RoyalContent property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Entertainment, Ashley's boss. Since you said so, you will definitely protect her, right?”

Joseph sneered, “Sure!”

But he still felt angry that Valentin was misunderstood.