Rural Belle & Three Heirs
Chapter 43 Not Making Money at the Expense of Conscience

Michael didn't really want Chloe tagging along; he had his own reasons.

As a star from a rich family, he was always surrounded by fans, and it was getting old. Having Chloe around was the perfect way to keep people at bay. She wasn't a classic beauty, but her sharp wit and quick comebacks were something he really enjoyed. Plus, the engagement between the Martin and Davis families made Chloe the perfect cover.

Spending time with her, Michael found out she had a fierce ambition and a strong drive to succeed. So he had a plan in mind, just in case she turned him down.

"Well... you don't want to go? If that's the case, I'll take you home in a bit," Michael said, playing it cool in front of Chloe.

When Chloe heard him say he'd take her home, she didn't say anything.

Just then, Michael's phone rang in his pocket.

He answered it, making sure Chloe saw the screen, which showed a call from director Cedric Gray.

"Hey Cedric, it's Mic. You hitting the party tonight? What? An $8 billion project to chat about? Cedric, I'm all in. That last $200 million I threw in with you almost made a billion back. You've got a killer instinct; the box office was off the charts. Alright, catch you later."

Michael hung up, noticing Chloe's surprised look.

"That was Cedric, the director with billion-dollar box office hits. We're really close, and he always brings me in on money-making deals," he bragged.

Seeing Chloe's interest, he switched tactics. "Chad, the next intersection is the way home, right? Turn there and take Miss Davis home first," he told the driver, Chad Myers.

Hearing Michael say he was taking her home, Chloe panicked a bit. She couldn't pass up a business opportunity with a billion-dollar box office director.

Just as the driver was about to turn, Chloe grabbed Michael's arm. "Mic, I'm actually very interested in your party. Why don't you take me along and show me what it's all about?" she said.

Seeing Chloe fall for his trick, Michael felt a rush of joy. In reality, his project with Cedric was still short on funds, and he wanted Chloe to invest.

Michael softened his tone, "You really want to go?"

"Yes, I do."

"You can't go like this. Your current look is a bit... inappropriate for the occasion. You need a makeover," Michael said, pointing at Chloe's two large braids. "Do I really look that bad?"

Michael nodded. "Yes, but don't worry. With me, you'll be a rising star in the fashion world."

While Chloe was still in shock, Michael, like some kind of magician, pulled out a makeup bag from the car and quickly gave her a makeover. He untied Chloe's braids and styled her hair into a high bun, adding a small crystal tiara on top. He then applied some foundation to cover the birthmark Chloe had deliberately drawn on her face. He also used some makeup to cover a large mole and drew a pair of wings next to it, making it look like a butterfly about to take flight. After his makeover, Chloe's appearance completely changed. The bun highlighted her long neck, and the delicate skin on her neck shone with a radiant glow. With a large diamond necklace around her neck, Chloe's entire aura was elevated. For a moment, Michael was stunned. He couldn't believe that the girl everyone thought was ugly could look so dazzling with such a simple makeover. Having also prepared an evening gown for her, now he could already picture her in it. Michael had been around many women and seen many beautiful ones, but he had never seen someone with such strong potential as Chloe. He thought Chloe's profile resembled a famous star in the industry. "What are you looking at? Never seen an ugly girl before?" In Michael's dazed gaze, Chloe seemed to realize something. She glared at Michael and then quickly turned her face away.

She didn't want the three brothers of the Martin Family to discover her secret. She just wanted to leave, to escape from Sovereign City.

The car drove quickly and arrived at the party venue in a few minutes. After they entered the building, Michael assisted Chloe in replaceing a dressing room, and when she emerged in an elegant dress, holding Michael's arm, she captured everyone's attention at the party.

Everyone knew Michael and Karlie were a well-known couple in their social circle. So, who was this girl he had brought instead?

The sound of cameras clicking filled Chloe's ears. Not wanting any media attention, she instinctively covered her face. This action elicited laughter from the crowd.

In their high-end circle, female stars typically posed eagerly for the cameras, making Chloe's reaction all the more amusing. By acting this way, she was basically telling everyone present that she was a country bumpkin. "Who is the woman Mic brought? She's not from the circle, right? She looks decent, but her demeanor is a bit off."

"Exactly, isn't Mic dating Karlie? Did they break up?"

"Who knows? Maybe this girl is clinging to Mic."

"This girl doesn't seem to belong here. How can she compete with Karlie? Mic is probably just playing with her."

As everyone was talking, Karlie, also a star, appeared at the party in a tight dress and full makeup. She came alone, looking quite lonely.

When she saw Chloe holding Michael's arm, a hint of displeasure flashed across her face.