After Nathan took off, Betty wasted no time and called up Selena. "Ms. Fair, watch out for the White family, especially Nathan. He ims Mr. Montague was behind Aria''s mess and that you''re next on his list. The guy''s a real piece of work, and most folks can''t handle him."


    Selena, still grinding away at the office, wasn''t shocked by the news.


    She''d heard about Nathan before; the guy was notorious for being a cocky jerk who even shot someone in broad daylight, showing zero respect for thew.


    "Got it, Betty. You be careful too and try to steer clear of Nathan," Selena replied.


    After hanging up, Selena checked the time-it was already 8 PM.


    She hadn''t eaten dinner yet, so she called the pet hospital to check on Max. Hearing that Max was getting better, she finally felt a bit of relief.


    Caught up in work and scheming against All Star Entertainment, she had totally spaced on her promise to meet Raymond at Manston Manor tonight.


    Back at Ashbourne Manor, Fiona was still griping about Raymond. "How could Mr. Montague be into someone like Brenda?"


    Raymond had Brenda taken away from Ashbourne Manorst time, and with Max still at the pet hospital, Fiona was still fuming.


    Fiona thought it was unfair that Selena, who had been married to Raymond for three years, was being treated this way. Even though they were divorced, she couldn''t stand the idea of anyone pushing Selena around. But Fiona kept her thoughts to herself, not wanting to upset Selena.


    Selena was in the study, knee-deep inpany stuff, and was about to jump into an impromptu meeting when she saw Austin''s flight info pop up in thepany group chat. His flight wasnding in half an hour. Austin had been filming abroad for over a month and was finallying back.


    The S.M Corporation staff had a group chat, and Ann chimed in: [Should we throw a wee party for Austin tonight? It''s his first time back from Hollywood.]


    Sophia was quick to agree: [I''m in! Is Ronalding?]


    Since S.M Corporation started, everyone had been swamped. Sophia had just wrapped up filming "The Phoenix" and was now all in on thepany''s new series. After that, she was heading to Hollywood for her role. Tonight was a rare free night for everyone.


    Ann added: [I called Ronald before Austin''s flight, and he said he''s down to hang out.]


    So, everyone in the group started tagging Selena, wanting her take on it.


    Not wanting to be a party pooper, Selena suggested they hit up a bar.


    It wasn''t Sky Gallery, since that''s a members-only spot, but the bar Selena suggested still had a minimum spend of over $10,000. Naturally, everyone in the group started chiming in. [Ms. Fair is so generous.]


    [Thanks, Ms. Fair.]


    Selena quickly threw on some light makeup and made it to the bar by 9:30 PM.


    Most of the crew was already there-Sophia, Ronald, Ann, and Betty. The guest of honor, Austin, had justnded and was on his way.


    Sophia, the life of the party, immediately grabbed the menu. "Ms. Fair, I don''t have any scenes tomorrow. Can I have a drink tonight? Can I order some drinks?"


    Selena chuckled, "Go ahead, but if you get drunk easily, maybe take it easy."


    Sophia shot a nce at Ronald, thinking Selena really got her. Tonight, she was set on winning Ronald over.


    Sophia took a deep breath, clutching the drink menu tightly. "Ms. Fair, how much can I spend on drinks?" Selena smiled, "As much as you want."


    The room erupted in cheers.


    Just then, Austin walked in, but his eyes immediately found Selena.


    Selena was only twenty-four, and even though she was the boss, everyone in the group liked her.


    Austin looked at her and suddenly felt a bit nervous, then quickly pretended to naturally report his work to the others.


    Betty, who was about to join a Hollywood crew, sat next to him, eager to learn from his experience.


    Austin chatted with her a bit, but his eyes kept drifting towards Selena in the corner.


    You can''t hide the look in your eyes when you like someone.


    But Selena was the calmest and mostposed of the group. Probably thinking her presence might make them ufortable, she called the manager, paid for the drinks, and added some money to the membership ount before sitting quietly in the corner.


    Austin gathered his courage, picked up a drink, and walked over to Selena. "Ms. Fair, thanks for giving me this opportunity."


    Selena was caught off guard for a second, then raised her ss and smiled lightly. "Don''t be so formal."


    Austin took a few sips, seeing her quietly sipping her drink with her eyshes lowered, and naturally sat down beside her.


    Ann pretended not to notice. As Selena''s assistant, she dutifully took care of everyone.


    Since Sophia was the most lively, talkative, and the youngest, everyone unconsciously treated her like a little sister.


    Ann poured her a few sses of juice and then saw Sophia drunkenly leaning towards Ronald.


    Ann nced at her juice bottle and pulled Sophia back.


    Sophia was still pretending to be drunk when she heard Ann say, "At least drink some alcohol before pretending. I poured you all juice! Ronald would know."