Most of the people left in the venue were staff working on the fashion show, so there was nothing to hide. Besides, the two of them were husband and wife—nothing about their intimate behavior was out of place.
Lauren Shaw tiptoed and pressed a kiss to his lips, her eyes sparkling with mischief, like a cunning little fox, utterly enchanting.
Shen Yanchen’s Adam’s apple bobbed. That wasn’t enough for him. He slipped an arm around her waist and was about to deepen the kiss when a sudden cough interrupted them, forcing them to stop.
“Can’t you two wait until you get home to be lovey-dovey?” The voice dripped with cold sarcasm.
Shen Yanchen narrowed his eyes and looked up. It was Mo Fan.
Mo Fan was pushing a wheelchair, with Mo Qinglin sitting atop it, his eyes fixed intently on Lauren Shaw.
That stare made Shen Yanchen deeply displeased. Instinctively, he shielded Lauren Shaw behind him, shooting Mo Qinglin a warning glare.
Lauren Shaw, ever composed, wrapped her arm around Shen Yanchen's, her voice lazy and casual. “Since you saw us being affectionate, Mr. Mo, wouldn’t it be more polite not to intrude? Interrupting us like this isn’t very courteous, you know.”
They were standing in a dim corner, and hadn't done anything inappropriate, really. Mo Fan was definitely meddling too much.
Mo Fan chuckled lightly. “Sorry to bother you.” He said, pushing the wheelchair as if to turn away.
Shen Yanchen’s tone turned icy. “Mr. Mo, did you just come over to bother me and my wife on purpose?” He knew perfectly well the answer, which only annoyed him more.
Mo Fan paused and turned to face him, shrugging. “Originally, I just wanted to say hello, Dr. Shen. But if we’re not welcome, we’ll leave.”
Mo Fan was certainly good at twisting the situation, making it sound like the couple was rude for not welcoming him.
“Or perhaps Mr. Mo enjoys peeping on couples being affectionate?” Shen Yanchen said with a deadpan expression.
Mo Fan choked on his words, unable to reply.
Before he could respond, Shen Yanchen went on, “Mr. Mo, for someone of your stature, is this really the most polite way to greet someone?”
A moment ago, Mo Fan had looked mocking, but now at Shen Yanchen’s pointed words, his expression soured.
Mo Qinglin tried to smooth things over. “Sorry, Mr. Shen, we didn’t mean to disturb you. Please forgive us.”
You had to admit, Mo Qinglin was more tactful than Mo Fan—he knew better than to pick the wrong fight.
Shen Yanchen said nothing, instead pulling Lauren Shaw closer, the possessive gesture impossible to miss. Leaning into him, Lauren Shaw was the picture of demure affection.
Mo Fan watched their retreating figures, his face dark, fists clenched tightly.
“Uncle, didn’t I tell you already—Shen Yanchen isn’t easy to mess with.”
“Hmph, he’s just a brat, nothing to be afraid of. All bark, that’s all.” Mo Fan really didn’t know much about Shen Yanchen.
Mo Qinglin said nothing more, his gaze tinged with mockery.
—
That night, the company hosted a banquet at the Peninsula Hotel.
Most of Ancheng’s elite were in attendance, along with a few well-known local designers. As one of the company’s designers, Lauren Shaw was obliged to exchange greetings.
Wherever there are admirers, there are also detractors.
Mingling through the crowd with a glass of wine, Lauren Shaw overheard someone mutter, “What’s so great about her? Don’t you all remember that plagiarism scandal?”
As soon as it was brought up, the buzz of whispered gossip resumed all around.
Lauren Shaw didn’t get angry. She headed straight for the woman who’d spoken.
“Miss, about that plagiarism scandal—did you not see how things turned out in the end?”
The woman hadn’t expected to be overheard by the person in question, and shrank away, too guilty to respond.
“Next time, think before you speak. Or else, with what you just said, I could easily take you to court for slander.”
Lauren Shaw stared her down, leaving the woman stammering, “I’m sorry, I misspoke.”
Ever since news got out that she was the third young mistress of the Shen family, people only dared gossip behind her back—no one dared cross her outright.
“What, is this something everyone’s supposed to keep quiet about?” sneered Hannah Xu, her tone heavy with scorn.
She shot Lauren Shaw an unfriendly look. Thanks to Claire Xu, she’d never liked Lauren Shaw, and wouldn’t even have come if May Lee hadn’t asked.
Lauren Shaw smiled coolly. “Oh, go ahead and spread your rumors if you want. Just know that my lawyer will be sending you a letter for defamation.”
Hannah Xu pressed her lips together, wanting to retort but not daring to push her luck.
“Shengsheng!” Claire Xu arrived, quickly searching the crowd for Lauren Shaw. Seeing Hannah Xu by her side made Claire Xu’s eyelid twitch. What was she doing here—out to start trouble?
Setting her concern aside, Claire Xu strode quickly to Lauren Shaw’s side, lifting her chin and glaring at Hannah Xu with thinly veiled disgust.
“What are you doing here?”
Without May Lee backing her up, Hannah Xu was a little intimidated, but still feigned composure. “If you’re allowed here, why can’t I come? I’m the heiress of the Xu family, unlike you, just a model.”
She put on all the airs of a spoiled wealthy socialite.
Claire Xu snorted, folding her arms. Compared to Hannah Xu’s affected sweetness, her natural poise was far superior.
“So being an heiress is all you have to be proud of? I thought you were someone impressive.”
“You—!” Hannah Xu seethed with indignation.
Claire Xu dismissed her, moving close to Lauren Shaw. “Don’t mind her. Like I’d expect pearls from a pig’s snout.” (She’s not about to get wisdom from her; an riff on the saying, ‘don’t expect ivory from a dog’s mouth.’)
Lauren Shaw grinned. “If a dog bites me, I’m not about to bite back, am I?”
“Exactly! That’s the smart way.”
The two shared a look and laughed together, while Hannah Xu turned green with rage, stamped her foot, and stomped away.
“Was she picking a fight with you just now?”
Claire Xu knew Hannah Xu only ever came looking for trouble, especially since Lauren Shaw was close to her, and couldn’t ever resist a jab.
Lauren Shaw shrugged. “With that IQ, even two of her couldn’t take me. Her little tricks don’t bother me at all.”
Lauren Shaw was different now; maybe she’d been influenced by Shen Yanchen, but she was becoming more and more like him.
Claire Xu gave her a silent thumbs-up.
“Claire Xu, long time no see.”
Hearing the voice, Claire Xu felt a sudden chill and turned around in disbelief. Standing before her was Lu Yuanbo, watching her with a smile.
After their last encounter abroad—when Claire Xu bit him—they hadn’t met since. Seeing each other now, here of all places, was more than a little awkward.
Lauren Shaw knew about their past conflict, and knew Claire Xu hated him. She had no idea why Lu Yuanbo was here, but instinctively moved between him and Claire Xu, her gaze icy and distant. “Mr. Lu, it’s been a while.”