The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!-Chapter 137: Gilded Invitation

Yvonne Hall wore an elegant dress, her jet-black hair coiled at the back of her head, a pearl necklace gracing her fair neck, exuding luxury and elegance.

"Mrs. Hall?" Maya Monroe searched her mind for related information about Yvonne Hall.

She recalled hearing news about Yvonne inviting her to be in the spotlight not long ago, and she didn’t expect to meet her again so soon.

Yvonne’s gaze swept over her, but the investigative intent was not obvious, leaving an impression of warmth.

Yvonne smiled and said, "It’s truly my honor that Ms. Monroe remembers me. Are you going to see Mr. Rowe now?"

Maya responded with a nod.

With a soft chime, the elevator door opened, and Maya and Yvonne entered together.

"It seems the rumors are true, your relationship with Mr. Rowe is indeed enviable."

Yvonne chatted casually with her.

Maya asked her, "Mrs. Hall, do you have something to attend to here?"

"Yes, I came to discuss a collaboration with Mr. Rowe, but unfortunately..." Yvonne’s smile remained, though her eyes held some regret, "we couldn’t reach an agreement, as Mr. Rowe didn’t seem interested in my proposal."

"Oh..." Maya responded casually, turning her head to watch the elevator numbers decrease, "Business isn’t an easy thing to handle."

Yvonne was taken aback by Maya’s response, expecting some encouragement or silence.

Yet Maya’s seemingly lamenting words made her unsure of Maya’s intentions...

Yvonne was a shrewd woman. Though rumors about Maya were unflattering, Yvonne’s investigation revealed otherwise.

Whether it was receiving Shane Morgan’s praise or shining in variety shows, these indicated that Maya wasn’t as incompetent as rumored. Especially managing to keep Ian Rowe in line; there hadn’t been any scandals about him keeping mistresses—such skills in managing a husband were not common.

In their circle, wealthy men were often unfaithful, and Yvonne occasionally worried about mistresses outside.

Maya, seemingly carefree and indifferent on the surface, actually secured a lot of good resources and kept Ian’s entire heart bound to her—quite a feat.

When Yvonne fell silent for a moment, Maya didn’t continue to search for another topic.

Her gaze fixed on the elevator’s numbers, finding the confined space unbearably stifling.

"You’re right, wins and losses are normal in business, encountering setbacks is nothing."

Yvonne looked at her again, her gaze lingering on Maya’s fair, outstanding profile, "Actually, I have some other projects. I wonder if Mrs. Rowe might be interested; I’d be happy to provide some opportunities."

"Hmm?"

Seeing her puzzled expression, Yvonne elaborated, "You’re still young and might not think so far ahead. However, having your own money is better than relying on others. Holding onto money and power yourself is most reliable."

"No matter what happens, no matter how many unpleasant people or situations arise, as long as you have capital, no one can easily look down on you."

Yvonne nodded slowly.

She spoke a lot today, partly because she liked Maya.

Maya understood the implication—wealthy wives should have their own assets to avoid being easily manipulated.

However, understanding was one thing; deciding whether to act on it was another matter.

If Maya’s task was to woo Ian Rowe or other characters, she’d certainly strive to enhance her capital for others’ attention and recognition. But her current ultimate goal was for Ian to tire of her and to serve as a contrast on Kiki Monroe’s path to excellence.

In that case, Yvonne’s advice wasn’t particularly impactful.

The elevator stopped at "1," and the door opened the next second.

Maya walked out in front.

"Thank you for your offer, Mrs. Hall, but I don’t think I need it."

Yvonne shook her head, chuckling silently. She had only hinted, partly to forge a closer connection. If Maya wasn’t interested, there was nothing she could do.

However, Maya didn’t reveal her thoughts, so she might have her own plans already.

Yvonne took a gilded invitation from her bag, "In three days, I’m hosting a small gathering at home. Please do attend if you have time, Mrs. Rowe."

Even for a small gathering, one didn’t typically go through the trouble of sending invitations, showing Yvonne’s intent to win Maya over.

Maya accepted it, contemplating excuses to decline it in a few days.

Previously, she would have gladly attended for a free meal at a new place, but having just returned from the wilderness, she preferred not to leave her comfortable nest unless necessary.

Yvonne’s smile widened, "Then I shall await Mrs. Rowe’s arrival at my home."

Maya nodded, "The driver is waiting for me outside, so I’ll leave now."

"Looking forward to our next meeting."

Back in the car, Maya thought of Yvonne again. She had initially expected Yvonne to mention the "Mirror" audition, but Yvonne hadn’t brought up anything related to show business.

Maya’s confusion only lasted a moment before sleepiness caught up with her again.

*

In the evening, during dinner, Maya sat beside Ian Rowe.

The invitation Yvonne gave her earlier was casually stuffed in her pocket, but now it felt uncomfortable during her meal, so she took it out, tossing it onto the table.

Ian’s gaze followed the sound, pausing on it, "Who gave you this?"

"Oh..." Maya had just taken a bite of rice, chewing slowly before saying, "It was from Mrs. Hall, inviting me to her house. She seemed quite enthusiastic, so I accepted."

Ian squinted, as if recalling something, "Yvonne Hall?"

"That’s her."

Unexpectedly, Ian guessed right just from the surname.

Ian’s expression darkened, "Feel free to hang out with her, but don’t get involved in anything else."

Yvonne was a shrewd, smooth operator, and it was hard to dismiss the idea that she might be trying to use Maya. Maya, usually so innocent, might actually be used...

The mere thought of Maya being used irked Ian, his dislike for Yvonne soaring to new heights.

"If something happens, come back and tell me," so you won’t foolishly be used...

Maya nodded, nonchalantly saying, "Mrs. Hall also invited me to do some business, but you know I have no ambition, only thinking about eating, drinking, and sleeping."