Addiction to Temptation: His Mischievous Sweetheart Captivates Him-Chapter 241: Attending the Gala

Natalie Vaughn and Zane Thorne’s shopping trip at the mall caused a small stir online. Returning to Lantheon at ten in the evening, Natalie received a call from Zoe Chandler.

It turns out that "Reign Supreme" will start releasing next summer.

"Isn’t the promotional campaign supposed to start a month before its release? Ms. Chandler, why are you calling me now?"

Zoe Chandler never expected Miss Vaughn to have time to join the crew’s promotion.

"There’s a party in a few days, the organizers sent an invitation and specifically called to sincerely invite you."

Natalie Vaughn has never been interested in parties.

"I’m not going."

Zoe Chandler had already anticipated Natalie Vaughn’s reaction.

"The party has a charitable nature, mainly to fund those families who are impoverished and have members needing medical expenses due to serious illness. Many celebrities will attend, Julian Sutton will be there, Theo will be there, oh, and your favorite Caleb Lawson is performing."

Natalie paused.

"What kind of party is this?"

"It’s just a charity event, inviting celebrities is only to boost awareness, you don’t need to do anything, just eat, drink and watch the performances."

Natalie chuckled.

"I don’t need to do anything, so why should I go, Ms. Chandler? That’s not enough to convince me."

Zoe Chandler: ....

"At the party, you can meet many people, Director Gable will also be there." 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

"So, Ms. Chandler, you still haven’t given up on persuading me to develop in the entertainment industry, huh?"

".....Yes."

"Ms. Chandler, I’m going to Brythania in the spring."

"Why Brythania?"

"To study."

"...."

Just when Zoe Chandler felt disheartened and thought it was all for naught, ready to hang up the phone, Natalie suddenly spoke,

"But I can attend the party."

This charity event, if she remembers correctly, Zane Thorne also received an invitation.

...

Three days later, at a top-tier hotel banquet hall in Astra City, Natalie Vaughn and Phoebe Quinn stepped out of the car. Zane Thorne was on a business trip for the past few days; according to Seraphina Sutton, he was returning that evening. If time permitted, he might drop by.

Celebrity arrivals would be through a red carpet, but others wouldn’t need to; Natalie couldn’t be bothered with media greetings, so she followed Phoebe through the exclusive channel.

"Nina, you dislike the media so much, why did you initially agree to Felix Langdon’s movie?"

Natalie chuckled, recalling the initial deal with Felix Langdon.

"Swayed by male charm."

"What? You were swayed by Felix Langdon’s charm, Nina? How dare you say that! There are too many eyes and ears here; aren’t you afraid someone will hear and tell God Thorne?"

Natalie: ....

"You’ve been flirting with Aaron Channing lately, it seems you’ve gotten your head in the clouds."

Phoebe Quinn: ...

"What do you mean?"

"What else could it mean, it’s because of Zane Thorne."

Phoebe Quinn raised a hand and patted her forehead; oh right, she had completely forgotten. Back then, Nina investigated things from five years ago and specifically sought out her brother, saying she wanted to look for God Thorne’s brother.

"But, Aaron Channing and I... it’s not exactly flirtation now, is it?"

Upon hearing that, Natalie glanced at her.

"Hmm, not flirtation, just an adult game."

As they spoke, the two walked into the inner venue, where Phoebe Quinn was soon approached by business partners.

"Nina, have fun for a bit; I’ll come find you later."

Phoebe knew Natalie didn’t like such events, always disliked people approaching her, and would usually be the one to help fend off unwanted attention.

"Don’t worry, I’ll go hang out with Theo."

With that, Phoebe stepped away.

However, Natalie didn’t go looking for Theo; instead, she picked a spot close to the performance stage to sit down.

She wore a simple champagne-colored dress today with a soft pink shawl and a simple low ponytail. Her outfit was the most understated at the party, yet her fair skin and remarkable demeanor made her stand out the most.

As a celebrity, Natalie is a newcomer; in the business world, she’s even more of an unfamiliar face.

Several people couldn’t help but ask those around them upon spotting her.

"Who brought that young lady over?"

In their eyes, anyone dressed so plainly must be an unknown nobody.

"Don’t know."

"Let’s go take a look."

Just as they set their wine glasses down and prepared to approach Natalie, someone called them back.

"President Archer."

The man called President Archer stopped in his tracks, brightened up upon seeing who had called him.

"Ah, Actress Blackwood, long time no see."

It was Serena Blackwood. After the joint suppression by The Vaughn Group, The Thorne Group, and The Langdon Group, Serena Blackwood had almost vanished from the entertainment world. Only a few insiders knew the reason behind it.

President Archer had previously pursued Serena madly; at that time, Serena had just returned to The Blackwood Family and had the confidence to reject his advances.

A hint of disgust flashed quickly in Serena’s eyes, but she maintained a graceful smile.

"I had been ill recently, so I haven’t been out."

Regardless of her words, anyone engaged in business could see that Serena’s endorsements had vanished overnight—it was clear she had offended someone.

Though President Archer admired Serena, he was also weighing the situation.

"Illness, hmm, no wonder you look so much thinner."

Serena noticed the hesitation in the man’s eyes, making her feel even more repulsed.

"President Archer, long time no see, care to have a drink together?"

President Archer genuinely liked Serena; she was undeniably attractive. When he pursued her earlier, she had never given him the time of day; now her initiative piqued his interest.

A nearby person encouraged him.

"President Archer, why not accompany Actress Blackwood for a drink?"

President Archer nodded, wrapping an arm around Serena’s waist and leading her aside, though before leaving he glanced longingly at Natalie.

Serena sensed his gaze and followed it, frowning slightly upon seeing Natalie.

Of course, Natalie was bound to be at such a party, yet Serena was surprised to see her alone.

"Serena, I’ve missed you during your absence."

With that, President Archer’s hand began to rove around Serena’s waist.

Serena subtly shifted away.

"President Archer."

Serena smiled as she handed him a glass.

"I initially wasn’t planning to come today; it’s just that a distant cousin wanted to see the world a bit, so I brought her along."

Even in his slight inebriation, President Archer realized Serena’s sudden remark held underlying intentions.

"And who might be Serena’s cousin?"

Serena chuckled as she clinked glasses with President Archer.

"Didn’t you just see her, President Archer?"

"Did I see her?"

President Archer frowned in thought, recalling a figure that suddenly lit up his mind.