Chapter 358: Catherine Holloway Stared Blankly at the Crystal Chandelier Overhead

Catherine Holloway stared blankly at the crystal chandelier overhead, her fingers absently tracing the sofa armrest.

"If only I'd accepted Clara Whitmore back then..."

She murmured the words so softly they were almost inaudible.

Victoria Holloway paused mid-peel beside her, the knife's blade making faint scratching sounds against the apple skin.

"Tell me about it."

Had she not objected, she might be holding a grandchild by now instead of worrying about graduate school quotas.

But there were no second chances in life.

* * *

At the bistro, Sloane Bennett stood abruptly after hanging up her phone.

"My treat."

She slapped her black card on the table and arched a brow at Clara.

"Try paying and I'll make you regret it."

With that, she grabbed her purse and strode out, heels clicking decisively.

Thirty minutes later, a blue sports car pulled up outside BlueMaple Entertainment.

A tall young man jogged over and smoothly opened the passenger door.

"Babe!"

Marcus Arlen slid into the seat, eyes sparkling.

The breakout star of recent mini-dramas had delicate features and luminous fair skin.

"What's wrong?"

Sloane brushed sweat from his temple.

"My agent wants me at this dinner..." Marcus bit his lower lip. "I'm scared."

His red-rimmed eyes made him resemble a frightened rabbit.

Sloane was powerless against that look.

"I'll go with you."

She pinched the young actor's cheek.

"Really?" Tears spilled over even as he brightened. "You're the best, Vi."

* * *

The neon lights of Halcyon Club blazed conspicuously in the night.

Sloane narrowed her eyes.

She'd heard of this place—an infamous "hunting ground" in their circles.

"You're sure about this location?"

"Brother Young said the investors chose it." Marcus whispered. "There's a supporting role in an S-tier project..."

The moment the private room door opened, Sloane froze.

Every face was familiar.

Mason Reed choked on his drink.

"Holy—" He elbowed Julian Cross. "Why's your girlfriend here with some actor?"

Julian set down his chopsticks with icy precision.

His gaze turned glacial as it landed on Marcus's hand resting on Sloane's shoulder.

The temperature in the room plummeted.