Ch. 2101..2105

Chapter 2101

Chapter 2101 They went at it until it was nearing midnight. Roland must have been missing her greatly after having not seen her for several days as he was all over her.

It was only after Isabel remarked that she had more scenes to shoot tomorrow morning and pleaded for him to show mercy on her that he finally released her.

The moment he released her, she felt herself deflating like a balloon and promptly fell asleep. The bedroom was dimly lit.

Roland hugged her tenderly and looked at her rosy cheeks, still red from their activity. It did not seem like he was going to sleep anytime soon.

Dawn came. Isabel was awakened by Carla knocking on the door.

She woke up and saw Roland lying on his side next to her with one of his arms propping himself up sideways. He was staring at her.

She gave him a quick peck on the lips. "| have to go to work. Get yourself some breakfast." Roland sat on the bed and watched her without a word.

Isabel was not in the habit of showing up late on set. Although she knew that the film crew would be very understanding even if she were to be late, she did not want to cause unnecessary trouble.

She swiftly threw on a shirt before heading into the bathroom to wash up, and she was on her way out in no time. Roland rolled out of bed after she left.

He took his time showing and dressing. After he made himself ready for the day, he walked out of the hotel room and went to a breakfast joint nearby for his first meal of the day.

Isabel tried to rush to the set as fast as she could but still ended up several minutes late. The director and the rest of the crew were waiting for her.

She apologized profusely, "Director, I’m sorry for being late.” The director did not sound bothered at all. "It's just a few minutes. It's fine."

"We understand. Besides, you're already surprisingly early considering that your boyfriend came to visit last night," the assistant director teased her.

Everyone burst out laughing upon hearing this. Isabel felt her cheeks growing red hot.

All of the crew members stayed in the same hotel, hence there was no chance that they would not know that Roland came over to visit and even stayed the night.

Still, she was not too concerned about that. She then turned to Carla. "Can you get me some snacks and drinks from the car?" Carla nodded and promptly went to get the things she mentioned.

Meanwhile, Isabel prepared herself mentally for the shoot. It was about time they got started.

The scenes today went relatively smoothly, and they only needed to do two retakes.

The problem was that Carla was still nowhere to be seen. Isabel had not had a bite of food since she woke up and was starving by this point. She was just considering asking the others if they had any food for her to eat when she spotted a very familiar silhouette from the corner of her eye.

The man was dressed very casually today. Instead of his usual suit and pleated pants, he was wearing an ordinary shirt with a pair of slacks thrown on. Despite that, he still appeared handsome like a model.

He was easily more gorgeous than any of the other male actors on the set.

Unsurprisingly, Isabel caught several girls on the set stealing the occasional glance at the handsome stranger.

She quickly walked up to him and asked suspiciously, Why are you here?"

"There's nothing to do at the hotel,” he said as he produced a takeout packaging from behind him. "I figured I'd come to see you and bring you something to eat."

The logo of the cafe outside the hotel was printed on the packaging. Isabel was delighted to see this. She gladly took it and led him to the common area. Perfect timing since she was just starving!

She opened the container and was greeted by the steaming hot food inside. There were steamed buns, baked beans, and fresh milk.

She took the bun and took a big bite. It was only after she had eaten several mouthfuls that she remembered to ask Roland, “Have you eaten?"

Roland smiled. "| have."

"Well, eat some more,’ she said as she tore off a piece and delivered it into his mouth. Roland opened his mouth and gladly ate it.

Isabel smiled gleefully, then she darted a glance in the other direction.

The few actresses who had been checking out Roland had already left.

Chapter 2102

Isabel still had a couple of scenes to shoot today.

After finally filling her stomach, she went over the script a few more times before heading back to the set. Time flew by.

It was late afternoon in the blink of an eye, and they were already shooting the final scene for the day.

During the break, she went to join Roland in the same spot and informed him, ‘There's only one last scene left. We can go back to the hotel after that."

She already told him he could head back after they had their breakfast, but he refused and stuck around until now. Roland smiled faintly. “Sure.” Isabel grabbed some water to drink, then she touched up her makeup before getting ready for the scene.

"Action!" the director called out. Isabel and another male actor who was also part of the scene geared themselves up for their monologue.

They were shooting a scene of the final breakup between the characters. The heroine played by Isabel wanted to leave, but the male protagonist would not let her.

The two tussled around for a while until the male lead pulled her into his arms. Isabel's character resisted at first, but she was ultimately hesitant and threw herself into his arms.

Isabel was completely immersed in her acting and barely noticed Roland standing at the corner of the set and looking at her with the darkest expression he had ever worn.

Then, the male lead kissed her on the forehead. It was swiftly followed by the director calling out, "Cut!" Isabel took a step back and exhaled.

The male lead was still standing motionlessly as if he had lost himself in the script. He was looking at Isabel tenderly. He seemed to have forgotten that they were just actors playing a role.

Isabel was about to approach him to say something to him to pull him out of his trance when she felt a sharp presence behind her. She turned around and saw Roland standing a few meters behind her with a disapproving frown.

She only needed one look at his face to tell that he was upset.

She immediately gave up on the thought of speaking to the male lead. She walked up to Roland and remarked with a brisk smile, "Hey, it's all just acting at the end of the day."

It was the way the script was written, and it was their job to play it out to its full effect.

Roland did not speak. He put his hand out and touched her face, wiping away the tears from the corners of her eyes. Isabel made a face. "A little bit of crying is needed to achieve a dramatic effect."

Roland did not respond. Instead, he asked, "Are you guys done already?"

She assured him, "That's all the scenes for today. We can go now."

He promptly took her hand and walked her out.

She briskly said goodbye to the director and several actors before walking out with him.

She was still wearing her set costume, so she quickly went to the dresser to get changed into her regular clothes, then they went back to the hotel after that.

Upon entering the hotel room, she planned to take a shower and remove her makeup when Roland pinned her against the door with a mighty shove, producing a loud bang. He pressed his lips into hers, not allowing her room to breathe.

After a while, Isabel felt herself slowly suffocating. She had to pat him on the back several times before he understood the signal and released her lips.

He was still pressed against her, their foreheads touching. His large, beaming eyes stared into Isabel.

"| don't like him kissing you,” he said in a raspy voice.

Isabel expressed with difficulty, "Roland, it had to happen for the plot. Besides, it was just a peck on the forehead, nothing more than that."

"Kissing your forehead is the same as kissing you."

She grew silent.

She did not know what to say, and after she thought for a while, she remarked, "I'll wash my forehead. Does that work?"

He grew silent for a few seconds before releasing his grip around her waist.

She walked towards the bathroom.

After walking a few steps, she noticed Roland following her. She turned around, ’Don’t follow me. I'll join you again after I'm done."

He proposed, "Let me do it for you."

Isabel took a deep sigh and gave in. ‘Okay."

If she refused to let him wash her forehead, he was probably going to stew in anger for the rest of the day. They entered the bathroom together.

She took off her coat and pulled her hair back before remarking, "I have to remove my makeup first.”

"Sure."

 

Chapter 2103

Isabel slapped some makeup remover on her face.

Then, she gently massaged the makeup remover over her face before rinsing it off. With that, she was her usual self again. Now that that was done, she craned her face up toward Roland and said with her eyes closed, "Go on."

She wanted to see how he would go about cleaning this supposed stain on her forehead.

Soon, she could hear the sound of water flowing.

After a while, she felt a warm and wet towel placed against her forehead.

Roland began rubbing her forehead, specifically the very spot where he saw the male lead previously kissing her. He rubbed at that spot repeatedly.

After rubbing it a dozen times, Isabel could not take it anymore. She opened her eyes and shot him a look. ‘Are you trying to dent my forehead?"

Roland seemed surprised by this. ‘Does it hurt?" While it was not to the point of hurting, it was certainly a little excessive. She told him, ‘It doesn't hurt, but | think it's clean enough already, | don’t think you need to keep wiping.”

Roland frowned and did not have much to say about that though it was quite telling by the look on his face he wanted to continue wiping her forehead.

Isabel took a deep sigh, then an idea suddenly came to her. She suggested, "How about you kiss my forehead instead? You can mark it with your kiss."

Roland seemed to perk up at the idea. "Sure."

He finally was convinced to put away the towel. Then, he cupped Isabel's face in his hands and pressed his lips to her forehead. Isabel felt the wetness of his lips.

He kissed her for what seemed like forever. Why was he not letting go?

She eyed him and noticed him still kissing her forehead, so she asked cautiously, "Roland, are you done yet?"

Roland lowered himself to look at her. His lips brushed against her brows, and his eyes soon dropped toward hers. Isabel noticed the lust in his eyes at once, a primal desire like that of a beast, completely unabashed and bold.

"| want to kiss you more,* he said hungrily.

Isabel scowled.

Was that all he wanted?

She did not vocalize that thought. Instead, she surrendered herself. "Go on."

She craned her chin up.

Roland kissed her on both cheeks.

Soon, his lips were inching against hers. He locked eyes with her and said with desire in his voice, "I want to kiss you." Isabel smiled wryly.

In an instant, his lips were placed on hers.

Suddenly, the bathroom felt more cramped and hot than it was.

Soon, she felt herself lifted off her feet and planted next to the sink.

She glanced to her side and noticed the shape of their shadows, the two locked together in an intimate embrace.

In Westchester, upon noticing that it was getting dark outside, Decker, who had been preparing to leave for a while, got up to his feet.

Clarice went to him and helped him put on his tie.

“Are you sure you don't need me to go with you tonight?"

He was going to meet Odell Carter, the master of Carter Corporation, at the dinner tonight.

The Carters were the most wealthy family in Westchester, thus surely Odell was not any ordinary person.

Although the Rockwells were also a significant family in Southboro, they were still rather inferior when compared to the likes of the old-money Carters that had been reigning for centuries. Clarice figured that things would probably progress smoother if she showed up as well, considering she was the daughter of the Houstons.

Decker smiled and caressed her cheeks. "Don't worry, I'm just going to get acquainted myself with the Carters. | don't want to trouble you with having to go with me. Just wait for me like a good girl at home, okay?"

"No, it's no trouble at all-" Decker put a finger against her lips to silence her. He smiled charmingly and said tenderly, "Be good, alright?” Clarice's gaze softened, and she nodded obediently.

Decker kissed her again, then he turned and walked out. The moment he walked out the door, a sharp gleam of ice surfaced in his eyes.

Getting acquainted with the Carters was only a small part of what he was after. He had a more important task tonight.

 

Chapter 2104

Chapter 2104 At Astral Restaurant, a five-star restaurant built on the top of a mountain in Westchester.

During the day, the restaurant would be clouded in a thick layer of mist. At night, the patrons had a clear view of the city basked in a cluster of lights.

This was a premium place for dining, reserved only for the wealthy.

Decker was driven to the foot of the mountain. After he stepped out of the car, he was escorted by one of the staff to a special passage that soon brought him to an elevator that went up to the restaurant.

Carter Corporation was hosting a dinner tonight for its business partners.

Decker arrived with a friend he recently made in Westchester. Being the heir of the Rockwells in Southboro, he was someone of significant status, so it was no surprise that the invitation was extended to him once his friend found out about his background.

A beautiful platform, which surface was crystallized marble, was erected over the top of the mountain. Luminous lights were lined up on the edges that offered the place an ethereal glow. It was as if the guests had been transported to another dimension.

Decker first went up to the friend mentioned previously. He grabbed himself a glass of wine and followed said friend around where he was introduced to the others. They shared drinks and small talk.

Some of the senior members of Carter Corporation were present as well. With his friend introducing them, he got acquainted with most of them.

Soon, there was a commotion nearing the elevator where guests arrived in.

Decker heard some of the members of Carter Corporation whisper among them, "It must be President Carter." All of the senior executives floated over to the elevator.

Decker's friend nudged him. 'Mr. Rockwell, let's go over there and have a look too."

Decker seemed to scowl ever so faintly, but his lips traced the shape of a smile and he agreed, "Let's."

They went to the entrance.

Soon, a tall and handsome middle-aged man stepped out of the tunnel. He was immediately swarmed by the senior executives of Carter Corporation.

He wore a rather simple black suit, yet there was a magnificent aura around him that made the rest of them tremble in his mere presence.

This was a man of great stature and reputation, who had cemented his place in the business world over the years. There was an unmistakable air of nobility about him that added to his mystique.

Even Decker was astounded.

So, this was the legendary master of the Carters. Even at his age, he looked handsome as ever, but with an added worldliness that only came with age and experience. He still effortlessly captured the heart of the young ladies.

When Odell walked past Decker, he cast a glance in Decker's direction. The moment Decker met his gaze, his first instinct was to shrink away to avoid looking at the revered man.

He immediately recalled his purpose for coming here today and made himself fix an iron stare at Odell. He smiled politely. "Good to see you, Mr.

Carter. | am Decker Rockwell.”

Odell paused.

One of the executives trailing behind Odell introduced Decker formally," President Carter, Decker Rockwell is currently overseeing Rockwell Corporation in Southboro."

Odell glanced at Decker. "Good to see you."

He pressed onward after that.

Decker's eyes darkened.

It seemed like Odell Carter was not interested in getting to know him at all.

His friend seemed to have sensed his disappointment and tried to console him, 'That’s how President Carter is. It’s kind enough of him to just acknowledge you at all. Don't overthink it."

Decker smiled briefly. "Alright, sure."

That was a good point. Southboro was, after all, a tier below Westchester. Furthermore, the Carters were the reigning monarch in Westchester for more than a century, and their name was pretty much symbolic of the city itself. Meanwhile, the Rockwells were a poster child for what one would describe as new money. They only struck gold several decades ago and were nowhere close to the Carters in terms of wealth and status.

Odell Carter taking the time to speak to him at all could be considered a sign of respect in itself. Three round tables that were designed with high-culture artisan taste were placed in the center of the venue.

Odell and his entourage of senior executives sat at the center table.

 

Chapter 2105

The friend Decker came here with had regular business dealings with Carter Corporation and was considered one of their more respected business partners. It was out of consideration for his status that he and Decker were seated in an esteemed seat at the table right next to Odell's.

One of the senior executives was put in charge of hosting everyone and promptly addressed everyone with a brief speech. After everyone was invited to sit, the dinner commenced.

Decker picked up the cutlery gracefully, minding his manners all the while. He waited until all of the noteworthy men had given toast to Odell before raising the glass himself and motioning politely in Odell's direction." President Carter, it is a great honor to have met you here. Let me give you a toast."

Odell looked at him rather cordially. "You are very kind, President Rockwell."

Decker downed the glass of wine.

Odell raised his glass and took a humble sip from it.

Decker sat back in his chair after that.

While dinner was ongoing, several executives of Carter Corporation exchanged casual small talk with their business partners.

After eating several bites of food, just enough to fill his stomach, Decker looked at the people around him. Upon noting that they were wrapping up their conversation, he asked quite nonchalantly with a friendly smile," Speaking of which, why isn't the current president of Carter Corporation, Mr. Roland here?"

This seemed to have caught Odell's intrigue, but his reaction was quite subtle. Upon hearing this, two senior executives eyed Decker suspiciously.

One of them asked, "President Rockwell, it sounds like you're quite familiar with Mr. Roland. Are you acquainted with him by any chance?"

Everyone else at the table turned to look at Decker to see what he had to say.

Decker remarked with a candid smile, "You see, he is my nephew."

The two senior executives were visibly caught off guard by this and darted curious glances at Odell.

Everyone else at the table was equally shocked.

Odell, on the other hand, was quite in control of himself. He barely reacted at all to this sudden revelation.

The two executives redirected their attention back to Decker.

One of them remarked, "That's a surprise. We didn't know that Mr. Roland came from Southboro and is a Rockwell as well."

Decker noted, "Yep. Something happened in our family around a year ago which led to him leaving Southboro. It was only very recently that when | received word that he had found his way to Westchester and was now the acting president at Carter Corporation. It was such a shock to me and completely refreshed my opinion of him."

Everyone fell silent for several seconds to process this information.

Although Westchester and Southboro were some distance apart, news tended to travel faster than one would expect, especially in exclusive circles among the high society. This was especially the case with scandals such as what went down with the Southboro’s Rockwells.

It was said that the patriarch of the Rockwells favored his illegitimate son over his grandson who was said to be quite a promising young man. Not only did the patriarch choose to let his illegitimate son inherit Rockwell Corporation, but he even planned to leave behind all of his assets to the illegitimate son as well. Of all these assets, more than half of them belonged to his wife who had expressed firm intention of letting their grandson inherit them.

If Roland was truly Decker's nephew, that must make Roland the rumored true heir of the Rockwells. He was the one who was said to be a very promising young lad but ended up getting betrayed by his grandfather who chose the illegitimate son over him, the one who ended up getting banished from the city.

Everyone knew better than to blatantly point this out, but they all shared a secretive chuckle amongst themselves since they knew the full story.

One of the executives quickly pulled himself out of his state of shock. He swiped a glance at Odell's expression before turning to address Decker," You must not be very familiar with your nephew. He may be young, but he is certainly a high achiever and has proven himself to be more than capable in everything we entrusted him with. We have nothing but admiration for him. Even President Carter is impressed by him.”

Another executive echoed the same sentiment, "That's right." They were not-so-subtly rallying for Roland.

Decker stiffened briefly, then he played it off with a quick smile. "I've always thought he was very competent as well, but he refused to stay in Southboro and there was nothing | could do about it.”

After a pause, he asked casually, "Why isn't he here today? | thought I would see him here."

One of the executives remarked, "It’s Saturday. He usually spends his weekend in private."