When Dorian realized this, his expression darkened.


    Noah held no real power, so Dorian wasn''t too concerned about him. However, Noah''sck of restraint made his actions erratic and unpredictable, sometimes crossing the line into unscrupulousness. Dorian had suffered losses at his hands before.


    The only person Dorian could think of who would go out of his way to make things difficult for him was none other than Noah. He couldn''t allow L to continue interacting with Noah.


    The mere thought of them standing together, looking perfectly matched, with L gazing up at Noah with delight, drove him mad with jealousy.


    Didn''t she realize how alluring she was? How could she dare speak to a man like that?


    Dorian felt a surge of anger, yet when facing L and others, he concealed it well, maintaining an air of appropriate concern that befitted someone who had once won the Best Actor award.


    "L, you don''t need to refuse my kindness."


    "Exactly, L! This is such a great opportunity-why would you turn it down?" Billy chimed in.


    L remained firm, and her gaze was clear. "I like the two neers I''m working with. Since I''ve taken them on, I must be responsible for them. No matter how tough it is, this is my choice, and I hope both of you can respect that."


    Dorian almost lost his temper and intended to question what she meant by "respect".


    How could she not see that this was for her own good? Besides, didn''t she want resources?


    He took a deep breath, suppressing his irritation. Their rtionship was already strained. If he opposed her further, she would likely push him away even more.


    "Okay. If you don''t want to switch now, that''s fine. But if you feel tiredter and can''t handle it, just let me know. I can support you even if you don''t want to work too hard."


    She couldn''t help butugh. In just two years, he had managed to elevate Zara from a neer to a second-tier star. He could probably handle ten of her without any trouble.


    She nodded. "Okay. I''ll take my leave if there''s nothing else."


    Billy nced between Dorian and her, feeling somewhat out of ce.


    Dorian followed her out to the door. "L," he called.


    L acted as if she hadn''t heard him, striding forward. However, she was stopped right before the elevator doors.


    "L, look at the new ne I chose for you yesterday."


    She nced at him and said, "This brand is what Zara often buys. You should give it to her. I''m sure she''ll like it more than I would."


    As soon as the elevator arrived, she stepped inside and left.


    He was momentarily stunned as the elevator doors closed and began its descent.


    Her words made him feel like the box in his hand was burning. The ne had been carefully chosen by Zara, who had volunteered to help him win L back.


    ...


    L, Jamie, and Teddy all had the same day off.


    Teddy had been busy with filmingtely and, with his leg injury still healing, decided to rest in the hotel for the day.


    L decided to take Jamie back to the city.


    When she arrived at the hotel entrance to pick her up, she happened to run into Dorian.


    He was apanied by a man L had never seen before, likely his new assistant.


    Dorian approached her car briskly. "L, if you don''t like that ne, I''ll get you a new one today. You didn''t like Zara around me, so I''ve switched to a new assistant. Do you feel any better now?"


    L suddenly felt that she needed to pray before heading out from now on. Perhaps she needed divine protection to protect her from these unwanted, sporadic encounters.


    Seeing her remain silent, Dorian pressed his lips together slightly before pulling back his sleeve to reveal his left wrist. "Look at this."


    L instinctively lowered her gaze.


    It was a sandalwood bracelet.


    Each bead had been carved with a slightly crooked design, the faint outline somewhat resembling a primrose pattern.