Reborn as Mr.CEO's Fat Wife-Chapter 958: Is it an Exclusive Interview or a Feast at Hongmen?

Chapter 958: Chapter 958: Is it an Exclusive Interview or a Feast at Hongmen?

Mary Scott didn’t dare think any deeper; the moment she did, her guilty conscience surfaced.

"Ahem, can you tell me what this interview is all about?" Mary coughed to conceal her emotions, then opened her phone to find Mia Anderson’s message sent after midnight. At that time, she was deeply engrossed in a discussion with David Locke and hadn’t paid any attention to her phone.

Mia Anderson didn’t dare to delay, "Around midnight last night, Miss Spencer suddenly contacted me, saying she had scheduled an interview for you this morning. It was too late for me to call you then, so I asked a few colleagues at the company this morning. Turns out, the reporter for this exclusive interview is a self-media journalist—but that’s not the main issue. The biggest problem is that this journalist is quite famous, known for her sharp and cutting style. Almost no one escapes unscathed from her interviews. On top of that, she has a massive fanbase and her own operations team. Given how abruptly this interview was arranged, Mary, I suspect the company is trying to set you up."

Mary Scott’s brows knitted tightly after hearing this. "Are you talking about Helena Marion?"

Mia Anderson nodded.

Mary Scott instantly understood Mia wasn’t wrong. Her refusal to renew her contract with Jocelyn Spencer was clearly provoking retaliation!

Having spent years in the entertainment industry, Mary was well aware of Helena Marion’s team. They had branded themselves as champions of justice in the industry, but their secretive actions were infamous—mercilessly exposing scandals to the point of destruction, and commanding the highest PR prices in the field.

What made them feared most, however, was their unreliability. Even if someone paid their exorbitant PR fees, any conduct that displeased them could still lead to dirt being publicly exposed. This dichotomy left people both loathing and dreading their entanglement.

Now, Jocelyn Spencer had unexpectedly arranged an interview with Helena Marion? Mary refused to believe it was a simple matter.

Her mind made up, Mary instructed Mia to wait while she went upstairs, applied simple makeup, and changed outfits. As she descended, she saw David Locke gesture to her from the dining table. "Take breakfast with you."

Mary approached curiously and opened the paper bag: a simple sandwich and warm boxed milk. Feeling pleased, she arched a brow at the man. "Thanks."

With that, Mary picked up the paper bag to leave, but David pressed her hand down. "The driver is waiting outside, and I already informed Benjamin Jones. If need be, you can contact him."

If the breakfast warmed Mary’s heart, David’s words touched her even more deeply. She hadn’t anticipated such thorough consideration on his part. For a moment, she didn’t know how to express her emotions. The words of thanks were already forming, but as David pressed his finger to her lips, she hesitated. Confused, she looked up at the man, only to see him smirk. "No need to thank me formally. If you must express gratitude, let me dictate the method."

Mary caught the teasing glint in David Locke’s handsome face, and involuntarily recalled the incident at the doorway that night. Suddenly, the man’s elegant fingertip on her lips carried a flush of sensuality. Her previous sense of gratitude evaporated in an instant, replaced by a smirk. "Relax, I won’t stand on ceremony with you."

David Locke, "..."

Fair enough.

"Cough, cough, cough..." Standing by the door, Mia Anderson hadn’t heard their conversation. But wasn’t it just breakfast? Why was it taking so long? She could only fake a cough to discreetly hurry them along.

Mary Scott caught the sound from outside and remembered Mia was still waiting. Straightening herself, she said, "Alright, I’m leaving now."

"Mm, contact me if something comes up," David nodded, finally letting Mary go.

Mary wrapped herself in a scarf and left the villa with Mia, only to see the waiting car outside—a Bentley, one of David’s favorites.

It wasn’t often David used his usual car to pick her up, but today he’d gone against convention. The underlying meaning was clear enough for Mary to figure out with little thought.

Boarding the car with Mia, Mary accessed the company’s internal email. Sure enough, she found the renewal contract Jocelyn Spencer had mentioned earlier.

Mary carefully read through the contract twice, marveling at Starlight Entertainment’s generous offer this time. Not only were they promising annual high-end commercial opportunities, endorsements, and film projects with detailed division of shares, but to express sincerity, they had included the female lead role in the country’s hottest costume IP "The Return of the Phoenix" as a renewal gift. At the same time, her profit-sharing ratio with the company had shifted from the previous 70-30 (company 70, her 30) to an unprecedented 40-60 (company 40, her 60)—an unparalleled percentage within Starlight Entertainment.

Even with these enticing perks, Mary’s gaze lingered on the contract’s renewal terms: a seven-year extension with all agency rights managed by Starlight Entertainment—a setup almost identical to her previous contract except for the additional two years.

In an entertainment industry so volatile, Mary, with five years already under her belt, would effectively be selling her remaining career years to Starlight with another seven-year contract.

Given her current popularity, only Starlight Entertainment would dare propose such terms!

After reading the final word, Mary stowed her phone in her bag and dialed Benjamin Jones.

The call connected quickly, and Mary outlined her request. Benjamin paused briefly before responding, "When do you need it? I’ll send someone over."

Mary checked the time, deliberating. "I have an interview at 10:30; it should wrap by 11—roughly that time frame."

"Alright," Benjamin agreed, then delegated the arrangement to his assistant. Catherine Ford, overhearing the conversation, looked worried. "Don’t you need to handle it yourself? If you’re busy, go ahead—I can manage things here with Alice."

It was Alice’s first day at her new kindergarten, and Benjamin had personally come to drop off the mother-daughter duo. Now, seeing him take phone calls, Catherine couldn’t help worrying it would interfere with his work.

Benjamin glanced at the two women beside him—their identical expressions amusing him as he ruffled both their heads. "Don’t worry. It’s just the young actress from Director Locke’s family handling contract matters. I’m not needed yet."

Catherine froze. "Is Mary finally terminating her contract?"

Then another thought struck her. "Does Director Locke asking you to look after Mary mean they’ve reconciled?"

Benjamin noticed Catherine’s nervousness—she seemed less concerned with other people’s relationships than her own. He tightened his grip slightly. "You care that much?"

With her hair mussed by his hand, Catherine struggled free and nodded affirmatively. "Mary is practically a friend now. Seeing her thrive makes me happy! Also, the people you send must be capable enough to ensure her smooth termination—all I can say is Starlight Entertainment is downright exploitative..."

Years in Swallow City had left Catherine with few friends. Since meeting Mary and others at Moon Lake Manor, she’d enjoyed amicable interactions, resulting in her chatter now.

Patiently listening to her ramble, Benjamin hoisted Alice into his arms, grabbed Catherine’s hand, and settled into the car. Even an otherwise detached man showed tenderness amidst this familial warmth. Before long, he also messaged his assistant, assigning Starlight’s toughest negotiator to support Mary.

Mary ended her call with Benjamin and soon received another from Lawyer Yardley. She quickly sent the materials she had prepared earlier, awaiting his feedback.

At 10:20 a.m., Mary arrived at Starlight Entertainment’s office building.

Her last visit here had been for a women’s fashion ad shoot just before the Lunar New Year. Back then, amidst endless divorce rumors with David, her exclusive campaign was suddenly shared with Charlotte Leigh.

But in just a month, everything had turned upside down. Her variety show had exploded in popularity, her collaboration with Brian Joule for Raspberry Snacks was a hit, and she was about to join David’s production. Suddenly, Mary was a coveted star glowing with momentum. Amidst this, her relationship with David had greatly improved, while Charlotte Leigh was plagued with scandals and facing termination.

Life could be... truly fascinating.

"Mary, don’t worry too much. Your current popularity is soaring, and with Director Locke backing you, even if Helena Marion was invited by Jocelyn Spencer, there’s no need to be scared," Mia reassured Mary, noticing her poised yet distant gaze towards the building.

Mary nodded slightly. "Mm."

Without further delay, Mary led Mia inside.

The meeting was scheduled in the guest lounge. Once upstairs, Mary headed straight there. Nearing the entrance, Mia sidled up and whispered, "I saw chatter in the company group saying Charlotte Leigh showed up today. Why is she here too?"

Mary frowned slightly. Charlotte Leigh? Here?

"Let’s head in first." The unease gnawed at her briefly, but standing before the door, Mary chose not to overanalyze. She walked in punctually and found both Helena Marion and Jocelyn Spencer already seated.

They stood to greet her, both wearing polished smiles.

Scanning the two, Mary confirmed they had come prepared.

But what they had prepared...

Mary couldn’t shake the thought of Charlotte Leigh’s unreported presence and her past comments at the hospital. Could Charlotte be collaborating with Jocelyn?

Various thoughts raced through her mind as Mary glanced at her phone—no reply yet from the lawyer. Composing herself, she smiled politely at the pair across from her. After brief pleasantries, she seated herself, with Mia standing behind.

However, Jocelyn soon directed her gaze to Mia Anderson, her intentions clearly indicating Mia should leave.

But Mary and Mia both feigned ignorance, neither moving.

Jocelyn forced a fake smile, "Um, Mia? Could you go get Mary a cup of coffee?"

"Oh, no need. I don’t drink coffee. There’s bottled water right here—I’ll have that instead," Mary remarked, feigning slow comprehension.

Mia quickly unscrewed a bottle of guest-provided water and handed it to Mary.

Jocelyn, "..."

She fumed silently.

Mary accepted the water, placed it in front of her, and turned her gaze to Jocelyn and Helena. "Miss Spencer, Mia mentioned today’s arrangement is an exclusive for the ’Detectives and Wilderness’ variety show. Can we begin now?"

Her words carried subtle ridicule. Most agents stood united alongside their artists, while Mary’s so-called good agent blatantly sat beside a journalist intent on exposing her, even trying to dismiss her assistant. As Mary spoke, she casually twirled her phone in her hand.

Behind her, Mia discreetly activated her phone’s recording feature.

Across from them, Jocelyn’s expression transitioned from smugness to disdain—her eyes filled with contempt and glee, silently saying, "I warned you; you chose to walk into this yourself."

Jocelyn’s gaze sent a chill down Mary’s spine as it then shifted to Helena Marion. Contrary to her professional demeanor, Helena’s eyes radiated malice, mingled with unwelcome satisfaction.

Seeing Mary look her way, Helena smiled politely before producing a recorder pen. "Miss Scott, this interview isn’t actually about the ’Detectives and Wilderness’ program. It’s regarding other matters."

Mary immediately rose. "Then I’m sorry, I decline this interview."

Her actions carried a bluntness so abrupt that Jocelyn and Helena froze momentarily, particularly Jocelyn, whose face darkened in indignation—feeling publicly humiliated.

Mary remained impassive, her tone even and unyielding. "My assistant was notified this interview concerned the ’Wilderness’ program. Since Miss Marion has changed the topic, I am within my rights to refuse."

After saying this, Mary pinned her gaze onto Jocelyn. "Miss Spencer, I reviewed the renewal contract you sent me. I’m afraid I cannot accept your offer."

Jocelyn’s expression shifted once again. She hadn’t expected Mary to outright reject her proposal so definitively. Confident in her preparations, though, Jocelyn remained composed, her polite veneer slipping away. "Mary, the company invested heavily in your development. You shouldn’t disregard years of support just because your popularity has surged overnight. The ’Wilderness’ show was secured for you by the company."

Though irritated, Jocelyn’s words remained meticulously calibrated.

Mary shifted her gaze to Helena, who appeared comfortably poised with her recorder pen, clearly enjoying the show. Taking a deep breath, Mary responded, "Miss Spencer, we have outsiders present. Are you sure this is the discussion you want to have with me?"

Jocelyn bristled, then pivoted toward Helena Marion. "Miss Marion, didn’t you have some questions for Mary? Now seems like the perfect time."

Mary’s face hardened—was this an attempt to force the interview?

But before she could reject again, Helena posed her first question: "Miss Scott, you and Director Locke are in a second marriage, correct?"

Boom!

Even though Mary had braced herself internally, Helena’s words struck her like a thunderclap, leaving her staggered. The shock in her eyes betrayed the gravity of the revelation—she hadn’t expected Helena to uncover this.

Her heart sank uncontrollably. If Helena had found this, there must be more...

Fixing her stare on Helena Marion, Mary’s calm exterior cracked slightly, while behind her, Mia Anderson trembled in fear. Seeing Mary’s reaction only amplified her unease—this situation was bound to escalate.

"Judging by Miss Scott’s expression, I didn’t get it wrong?" Helena’s smile turned smug.

Beside her, Jocelyn folded her arms across her chest, exuding self-satisfaction. Internally, she applauded Charlotte Leigh’s contributions, vindicating her trust in the intel. This time, Jocelyn vowed Mary wouldn’t escape unscathed.

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