Rural Belle & Three Heirs
Chapter 28 She's Not a Hedgehog

The script discussion went down at this swanky café in Sovereign City, which was totally booked out for the event.

Michael snagged a cozy corner for Chloe, got her favorite coffee, and handed her a few books to keep her busy. Chloe quietly dove into her reading.

Once everyone was there, Michael kicked off the script talk. With his natural charm, he really brought the script's most exciting parts to life. The group quickly got sucked into the lively chat.

Chloe listened in a bit and had to admit, the script was pretty solid. If it got turned into a movie, it could probably rake in some serious cash. Michael, being the lead actor and one of the investors, definitely had a knack for this stuff. An hour later, they were still deep in discussion. Chloe, feeling a bit bored from reading, was about to close her eyes and rest in her wheelchair.

Just then, a stylishly dressed, slender woman with exotic looks walked up to her.

Seeing Chloe, she smiled gently and then plopped down on the sofa next to her.

Chloe recognized her. It was Karlie Taylor, a famous actress with some clout in the film industry. She had worked with Michael on several TV series, where they played a couple.

Later, they did a few variety shows together, and with some investor backing, they became a well-known on-screen duo.

"Miss Davis, right?" Karlie said, acting like they were old pals.

Chloe, always friendly to those who were nice to her, responded kindly. She wasn't the type to snap at everyone she met.

"Yeah, I'm Chloe Davis." Chloe lifted her face and openly admitted her identity to Karlie.

Karlie noticed the mole on Chloe's cheek and showed a hint of disdain in her eyes.

"I heard from Mic that you came from out of town to seek refuge with the Martin Family?" Karlie's use of the word "refuge" was clearly meant to undermine Chloe's status.

Was Karlie implying that the Davis Family had declined so much that Chloe sought refuge with the Martins? Chloe couldn't discern if "refuge" was Karlie's or Michael's term.. She decided to keep her cool and speak calmly.

She smiled and said, "It's unclear if it's seeking refuge. I'm just staying at the Martin Mansion for now."

Karlie, upon hearing this, frowned slightly and remarked, "As an unmarried young woman, residing at the Martin Mansion might not be suitable. It could impact your reputation."

At first, Karlie's words made Chloe feel cared for, prompting her to reconsider her opinion. However, Karlie then changed her tone and said something unfriendly, "But you common folks probably don't care much about reputation. But Mic is different. He's a popular star with a bright future. If his fans replace out you're staying at his house, there might be bad rumors that could affect Mic's career."

After all that Karlie said, Chloe just responded with a simple "oh."

Chloe, feigning humility, asked, "What would Miss Taylor suggest I do?"

Karlie casually suggested, "In my opinion, you should replace a place outside the Martin Mansion. Renting a place would be wise. It would safeguard Mic's reputation and maintain harmony in his family's life. As a young person, setting boundaries and avoiding causing inconvenience to others is important."

Chloe realized Karlie aimed to push her out of the Martin family but couldn't understand the source of her confidence. Was Karlie Michael's girlfriend? It didn't seem so. A Martin family member? Her surname wasn't Martin. What authority did she possess?

Chloe speculated that Karlie might have feelings for Michael. If that were the case, it was their concern; Chloe had no interest in Michael and didn't wish to interfere. However, Karlie's attempt to bully her was unacceptable. Chloe had always stood up to bullies. She would rather anger others than compromise her own happiness.

Thinking of this, she said to Karlie, "Miss Taylor, it doesn't feel right for me to leave the Martin Mansion, does it?" Karlie raised her face, looking puzzled. "Not right?"

Chloe continued confidently, "Exactly. Didn't Mic mention it to you? I'm here at the Martin Family's request, as per both our grandfathers, to select a husband. All three brothers are potential candidates on my list." Karlie's face darkened visibly. "That's ridiculous."

She looked at Chloe's unattractive face, not believing that such an ugly girl would be choosing a husband among the three handsome heirs of the Martin Family.

Key word: choosing.

"Yeah, it's nuts. Why are elders still pushing arranged marriages these days? Karlie, I don't want this either. Can you talk to Louis and get him to call it off? Then I can just head back home." Chloe threw this suggestion at Karlie. Karlie's face darkened. As a minor star, she couldn't risk confronting Louis about the marriage, fearing it would end her career. She was baffled by his favoritism towards Chloe, whom she found unattractive.

Seeing Karlie close her mouth, which had been speaking like a close friend, Chloe felt a bit pleased. She reached out to pick up her coffee cup, intending to take another sip.

At this moment, she noticed the coffee in the cup had gone cold.

She called out in Michael's direction, "Mic, come over here for a moment."