Third Person's POV
"Very well, Miss Dalton," Stewart replied.
"You may leave," Vanya said.
Once Stewart exited, Vanya leaned back in her chair, exhaustion etching lines on her face.
A knock sounded, and Vanya opened her eyes to see Calvert standing at the door. "You look worn out today," he said.
"Why are you here?" Vanya asked, glancing at the clock. She recalled Calvert should be at the filming site.
"The shoot wrapped early. I saw you return to the office and came to check in," Calvert explained as he sat across from Vanya.
Lately, Calvert's star had soared. His dramas dominated platforms, and endorsement deals flooded in.
Now a top-tier actor, his presence was in high demand.
Vanya sipped her coffee to stay alert. "Did you come just to check on my well-being?"
"I have a question for you," Calvert said.
"Go ahead," Vanya prompted.
"Do you know Melinda?" Calvert asked.
Vanya's brows furrowed. She hadn't expected Calvert to bring up this name.
As far as she knew, Calvert and Melinda had no connection.
"You know my recent work involves the M Group," Calvert continued, pausing to gauge Vanya's reaction.
Vanya stayed silent, letting him proceed. Calvert went on, "When I entered a subsidiary of the M Group, I saw Melinda. She's the rumored girlfriend of Cliff, and you two aren't on good terms."
"And then?" Vanya asked calmly.
"I paid extra attention because it concerns you," Calvert said. "I realized I know her."
Vanya's hand froze mid-sip. "You know Melinda? How?"
"Curious?" Calvert smiled.
"Of course I am," Vanya replied.
Calvert's grin widened. "Dinner tonight, and I'll tell you."
Vanya's enthusiasm dampened. "You're a big star now. You don't need my money for a meal."
"The significance is different," Calvert said.
"Being treated to dinner by you would be a status symbol."
Vanya didn't fully grasp Calvert's motives but decided to trust him.
That evening, Vanya booked a high-end restaurant, opting for a private booth to match Calvert's status.
Vanya rode in Calvert's sports car, feeling the thrill of speed.
She was surprised that Calvert, usually so brooding and sly, would go for something as flashy as a sports car.
"Boss, please step out," Calvert said, opening the car door for Vanya.
Vanya's outfit was casual, and she wore no makeup.
To avoid exposing Calvert's identity, she even bought a mask downstairs.
But Calvert had no intention of keeping a low profile.
Vanya remarked, "Calvert, you're a superstar now. This flamboyance might get you recognized. Tomorrow's headlines could be 'Calvert Dines with Mystery Woman.'"
"Isn't some news good?" Calvert countered.
Vanya realized Calvert had surprisingly no scandals since his debut.
"You can't use your boss for that," Vanya said.
"I'm a partner," Calvert corrected.
"In the eyes of outsiders, I'm your boss," Vanya insisted.
They bantered all the way to the restaurant, a frequent hangout for celebrities, with top-notch privacy.
"Right this way," the waiter said, leading them to a private booth.
Inside, Vanya removed her mask and spotted Melinda.
Melinda wore an old gown from a previous gala—likely a gift from Cliff.
Her expression shifted subtly.
A woman emerged from the booth, tugging Melinda's arm impatiently. "What's taking so long? Get in here!"
Melinda followed the woman into the booth without acknowledging Vanya.
Vanya turned to Calvert. "Did you arrange this on purpose?"
This gathering clearly wasn't orchestrated by her.
It seemed to be Melinda's "side job."
Given the attendees were mostly low-profile industry folks, Melinda's scheme was unclear.
"Come on," Calvert said, leading Vanya to the booth.
Inside, dishes were laid out, but Vanya had lost her appetite.
"Here's Melinda's personal resume," Calvert said, placing a document on the table.
Vanya frowned. "I've already reviewed Melinda's resume and had Stewart investigate her this afternoon. Is there an issue?"
"The issue is that Melinda's resume states she attended a municipal private girls' school in ninth grade, but in reality, she was at Cumran High School," Calvert explained.
"Cumran High School?" Vanya questioned, puzzled.
She recalled Melinda was handpicked by Cliff in ninth grade.
At that time, the Todd Group donated to various high schools for charity and spotted Melinda at the municipal private girls' school.
Calvert continued, "I was at Cumran High School then and in the same class as Melinda."