Chapter 333 Backing
Triston’s estate served multiple purposes. The top floor was his private space for hosting guests. The first and second floors housed a bar and club, respectively. Triston had developed this entire estate to the fullest.
Apart from “Charm Bar,” this club was also very well-known in Casier. Many wealthy people frequented it for leisure.
One had to pass through the first floor to leave the top floor. After concluding his discussion with Triston, Branden descended from the top floor. Branden glanced at an open private room as he walked through the first floor.
He noticed someone he knew inside, which caught his attention. Paxton noticed that Branden had suddenly stopped, and following Branden’s gaze, he saw Audrey standing in the private room.
Audrey was with a few fat men, and one of them, the film producer Jeff Baker, was seen holding a glass and pouring Audrey a drink. Considering Audrey’s relationship with Catherine, Paxton proactively asked, ” Mr. Duncan, should I go over?”
Branden didn’t respond to him but instead walked directly toward the private room. This surprised Paxton once again, as Branden was usually indifferent to such matters.
If it had been Catherine inside, he wouldn’t have been surprised, but for Branden to personally intervene for Catherine’s sister indicated that Catherine held a significant place in his heart.
The once lively private room suddenly became eerie. The intense atmosphere made everyone look towards where the strange feeling came from.
Among the film producers, some recognized Branden and quickly stood up, approaching him with great respect.
“Mr. Duncan, such an honor to see you!
“Mr. Duncan, so good to see you!”
In Casier, when someone was addressed as “Mr. Duncan” and treated with such respect by Mr. Baker, who was typically quite arrogant, it was clear that there was likely no one else but Branden who could command such reverence.
Everyone was shocked and didn’t understand why Branden had come over. Branden glanced coldly at Audrey, who was standing nearby, and Audrey immediately lowered her head.
Given Catherine’s relationship with Branden, Audrey could consider Branden as someone close to him. Being caught in such a situation by Branden, Audrey felt incredibly embarrassed.
Jeff followed Branden’s gaze and saw Audrey’s reaction, which surprised him. There had been rumors in the industry about Audrey having a powerful background, but she hadn’t made much impact after her appearance on the variety show.
She would have already had plenty of acting chances if she had such strong connections. So why come to him for a role in his movies?
Jeff didn’t think much of it and, seeing Audrey’s attractive looks and figure had thought of having some fun with her. He hadn’t expected her to know Branden. Now, he was doomed!
If he upset Branden, it wouldn’t just affect him in Casier. Jeff was concerned he might be unable to work in the industry anymore.
Jeff felt highly anxious, like waiting for an impending storm. However, to everyone’s surprise, Branden didn’t say anything. He simply turned and walked away. Audrey understood that Branden had looked at her before leaving, signaling her to follow him.
Branden’s strong presence made Audrey not dare to oppose him, so she obediently followed him. Before leaving, she also apologized to Jeff.
“Mr. Baker, I’m sorry, I must go now.”
Jeff couldn’t blame Audrey for anything but felt grateful for her. “Miss Swann, take your time. We can discuss the contract signing tomorrow. Audrey gave a bitter smile, thinking about how superficial society could be.
Just a moment ago, Jeff acted as if he wouldn’t cast her in his movies without taking advantage of her. Now, he was willingly offering a contract, all because of Branden’s influence.
Knowing that Branden was waiting, Audrey didn’t dare hesitate. She nodded casually and walked out the door quickly. As she reached the doorway, she noticed a black Maybach parked outside.
The car door was open, indicating that it was waiting for her to get in. Audrey sensed the tense atmosphere in the car but understood that disobeying Branden could have serious consequences. In the end, she forced herself to get into the car.
Inside the car, she saw it slowly heading towards the apartment. Branden also lived in that area, so this was probably just a convenient ride he offered her.
Audrey secretly breathed a sigh of relief but remained tense. The car was eerily quiet, and even the sound of breathing was distinct.
Her scalp tingled with anxiety, and she tried to speak several times but was subdued by Branden’s imposing presence. Finally, she mustered the courage to speak. “Mr. Duncan, can I ask you for a favor?”
Audrey sat in the back seat, separated from the front by a partition. The car was initially silent, and with Paxton’s excellent hearing, he also heard Audrey’s words clearly.
A trace of disdain crossed Paxton’s lips. He had seen countless women like Audrey. In his eyes, perhaps Branden would help her out of respect for his sister Catherine.
After all, asking Branden for a favor was a better choice than mingling with those older men. Branden heard Audrey speaking, turned his head to look at her, and motioned for her to continue.
Seeing that Branden wasn’t angry and remained composed, Audrey finally dared to speak slowly, “Mr. Duncan, I just want to ask you not to tell Catherine about this, would that be alright?”
Audrey had Kim take her out to socialize because she didn’t want to burden Catherine. Catherine had endured a lot, and now that she was back from the countryside and dating Branden, her future looked promising.
How could she bear to see Catherine humbling herself for her sake?
Having grown up in high society, Audrey knew all too well how important it was to have a powerful husband.
In this world, a husband’s power determines his wife’s social standing and honor. Though it might sound harsh, it was the reality.
Catherine had asked Branden for help several times before to make Audrey’s path easier, ensuring she could join variety shows without fearing retaliation or compromising herself.
But Audrey didn’t want to rely on Catherine all the time. She was Catherine’s elder sister, she would need to become stronger.
Even though she couldn’t help Catherine with the Swanns’ issue, Audrey hoped to be there for Catherine in other ways. In the future, she wanted to become Catherine’s support and help her gain a higher standing in Branden’s eyes.
