He Waited She Wilted (Ottilie and Yorath) novel Chapter 207

The display of affection stung Eleanor's eyes, and she abruptly stood up to leave.

Marcella stayed seated, staring at the invitation.

"Women from low-class backgrounds have no vision. The slightest victory sends them running over to gloat."

Tanya stepped up to massage Marcella's shoulders. "Ms. Sewell publicly slapping our family's face like this... she went too far," she whispered.

"Actually," Marcella mused, "I'm starting to think this Ottilie girl has some potential."

Tanya stared at her in shock.

"If she wants to be a woman of our family, how could she survive without a little ruthlessness?"

"Are you saying... you approve of her?"

"Our ancestors' heirloom has already recognized her; what good would my disapproval do? Besides, whether she actually has what it takes to be my daughter-in-law depends entirely on her own abilities."

"I heard that when Ms. Tarrant found out Yorath was injured, she stayed by his side the whole time, even neglecting her film shoots," Tanya noted.

"Nyssa falls entirely short," Marcella stated flatly, closing her eyes and leaning back in her rocking chair to rest.

At seven o'clock that evening, Lachlan's celebratory banquet for Ottilie kicked off at the Phoenix Hotel.

Not a single representative from the Fordham family attended, and anyone associated with their circle stayed far away to avoid suspicion.

Ottilie hadn't expected much from this event anyway.

Yet, the guest list genuinely surprised her.

The room was packed with the Fordhams' fiercest rivals, including heavyweights she had only ever seen on the news.

Hayden guided her around, introducing her to everyone.

Having navigated the entertainment industry for years, her social grace was flawless.

She remained poised and confident, neither overly submissive nor arrogant.

While toasting a powerful middle-aged executive, the man leaned in.

"You've offended the Fordhams. Thriving in this industry won't be easy for you now. Come to my room tonight, and we can discuss your future. I can give you anything you want."

Ottilie offered a demure, shy smile. "Really?"

A lackey beside him sneered, "Look who you're talking to. Every major production in this industry goes through his desk for approval."

"In that case," she said sweetly, "I want you to crawl out of here on your hands and knees and bark like a dog three times at the hotel entrance. Can you give me that?"

That man's comments had been completely intentional. Someone wanted to publicly humiliate her.

"Let's terminate my contract," she said softly.

Lachlan nearly swerved into the curb. He slammed the brakes, parked on the side of the street, and whipped his head around to stare at her.

"You used me as a stepping stone to escape Yorath. I took all the heat, I made the enemies, and now you want to walk away scot-free? Do you honestly think that's going to happen?"

"The moment you surrendered the survival show's rights to Yorath, you abandoned me," she replied evenly.

"You know better than anyone the sheer power of his family. Without their nod, I can't book a single gig.

"The survival show was greenlit by them. Earning a spot on that cast was the only way other directors would dare touch me.

"Even if I'm not officially blacklisted, without that show, I am untouchable."

A comeback project was a matter of life and death.

"You signed me, you threw your successful banquet, and you scored your public victory over Yorath. My usefulness to you has peaked. Keeping me around holds zero value."

Lachlan fell silent for a long moment. "If you leave me, what will you even do?"

"Someone is waiting for me to settle down and have kids," she answered casually.