Too Much to Bear, My Love

Chapter 897 The Special Invitation

Instead of looking at Oscar, Rory shot Amelia a glance and flashed a smile. As her looks slightly resembled Amelia’s, the way she smiled made her look like a replica of the latter.

As Amelia watched her grin, she somehow felt an inexplicable disdain in her heart. Subconsciously, she glanced at Oscar and noticed he was staring at Rory. Amelia's heart skipped a beat because she feared Oscar would have different feelings for Rory.

“Rory, right? You should know what I like before you try to seduce me. Dressing up and getting plastic surgery to look just like my wife doesn't mean I will like you. A defective product will always be flawed. Don't imitate my wife on purpose. You're only making a fool out of yourself, and the sight of you disgusts me,” uttered Oscar unwaveringly with the corner of his lips quirked up. His words sounded rather malicious to others.

Rory's picturesque and exquisite face grew slightly distorted from her grimace as she dug her slender fingers into her skin. “Mr. Clinton, she is my companion. Don't you think you are being disrespectful to me for saying those words in my face?” the man said angrily.

All it took was a glance from Oscar for the man’s aggressiveness to subside. “Since she is your woman, you should stop her from hitting on other guys, especially with that face of hers after she had plastic surgery. Even if she looks exactly like my wife after the surgery, she is still a defective product,” Oscar said imposingly.

Rory’s expression became even grimmer. With that, Oscar took Amelia with him to the side, leaving Rory and the man. The latter's face was contorted from anger, but he dared not do anything to Oscar.

“Rory, how dare you persuade me to come over so that you could seduce Oscar? I turned out to be just your pawn.” The man immediately flung her hand away and left in a huff.

Rory froze on the spot, biting her lip. Initially, she thought she could catch Oscar's attention by dressing up, but she didn't expect to be mocked by him instead

Undoubtedly, Oscar and Amelia, who had already left, couldn't be bothered with whatever went on in Rory’s mind.

Oscar helped Amelia to take some food. Seeing the faint frown on her forehead, he lifted his hand to caress the furrow.

“Stop frowning. Otherwise, it will ruin your looks,” said Oscar gently.

Amelia snickered at that.

"Oscar, I suspect the actress who calls herself Rory earlier is actually Rory Sanders. I don't believe there would be that many who look like me in a city.” She finally voiced out her suspicions.

Oscar caressed her cheeks. “Don’t worry. She is nothing but a clown. I'll have someone find out more about her. If these people think I am someone who easily yields to seduction, they would surely lose badly.”

After the banquet ended, Oscar took Amelia home and called Hugo, asking him to run a background check on Rory after Amelia fell asleep. Hugo sent all of Rory’s information to Oscar in less than two hours

It turned out Rory had indeed undergone plastic surgery, and she was the one who had taken care of Amelia before that. After she was exposed and kicked out of the company, she hooked up with Jennifer, who paid for her surgery. Jennifer also exploited her networking to gain sponsors for Rory and helped Rory become an actress in the entertainment industry. Besides that, now that Rory’s facial features resembled Amelia's, the media was spreading rumors saying she was the sister of ClintonCorporations’ heir's wife. Regardless of the veracity of the rumors, the entertainment industry treated her with a measure of respect just to be safe. Anything was possible when it came to family background.

Perhaps because of such an advantage, Rory quickly rose to fame in the entertainment industry. In just a year since she made her debut, she had acted in many series and had gained many diehard fans who called her a sexy goddess.

As Oscar read the facts, the corner of his lips curled up into a smirk.

Just then, Hugo's call came in.

“Boss, I've hacked into Jennifer's computer and found many photos of Rory before and after the plastic surgery. There are also photos of her sleeping with many investors. If these photos were uploaded to the internet, her acting career would be completely over,” stated Hugo.

“Go ahead,” ordered Oscar.

He had no interest in playing childish games with a woman who tried to ruin his family and would nip the problem in the bud if there were any danger. Isabella's tricks had made him beyond wary. He dared not overestimate himself and underestimate his enemies’ capabilities again. Any threat had to be eliminated so that his enemies wouldn't rapidly grow more powerful and threaten his family. If that happened, there would be dire consequences.

The next day, intimate photos of the rising actress Rory getting drunk with many producers and being taken advantage of while sitting in some older men's laps were all over the newspapers from major media companies. Various photos of her hit the headlines of the entertainment news. The news also spread fast on the internet. Her Twitter account—which she had only recently created— and the social platforms related to her were flooded with comments. Many were disappointed to find out about her true colors. At the same time, there were some who were enjoying the show on the internet as the matter was no concern to them.

In short, Rory became a hot topic almost everywhere in the country in a day, but her acting career was over.

Meanwhile, Rory, who had been acting arrogantly in the agency, was yanked into the office by her manager. He then took out his phone to show her the articles about her scandal spread across the internet.

"Oh my God. This is surely the end for you. Your scandals are now all over the newspapers and the internet. You have truly become famous this time, but your acting career is utterly ruined. I think it would be hard for you to start over even if you have influential people to back you up,” her manager said fretfully while walking in circles.

Rory’s expression turned grim. As she stared at the photos of her drinking recklessly with the producers and investors on the website, the words “It's over” couldn't stop reverberating in her head.

Everything she had worked hard to achieve might be at stake because of the scandals.

The first thought that came to her mind was Oscar. All she did was show up before him once yesterday, yet her scandals were already spreading all over the place the next day. She had always known that Oscar was so powerful that he could hide any truth as he pleased. However, she did not expect he would be so ruthless as to force someone who had only appeared before him once into a corner.

Her limbs turned cold in an instant while her mind was a mess. As her manager continued to lament and fret over the news, his voice sounded like a buzzing fly to her.

Picking up her bag, she planned to leave without looking back. Before she could do so, her manager grabbed her hand.

"Where do you think you're going, Rory? Hordes of reporters are camping outside, just waiting for you to appear! You'll be surrounded by them as soon as you step out of here. We're already in a mess right now, so please stop causing trouble. Once the heat is off us, we'll arrange a press conference to clear things up.” The manager pulled Rory back inside and added, “Right now, you need to stay in here, and I'll go find the higher-ups to deal with the photographs.”

Rory could only purse her lips tightly without saying a word.

Her manager shot her an impatient glance and left the office to handle the issue of the photographs

Once the man had left the room, Rory took her bag and ran out of there.

Putting on a disguise, Rory left through the back door of the building and got inside her car before driving off quickly.

When Rory reached a remote location, she called Jennifer, explaining her current circumstances. However, Jennifer did not respond at all. Unable to withstand the dead silence over the phone, Rory could only plead desperately, “Jennifer, you have to help me this time! You've wasted so much time and effort getting me into the entertainment industry, so I'm sure you don't want me to be ruined so easily, right? That would mean all your efforts would be completely wasted.”

Even so, Jennifer still remained silent.

"Just give me a response, Jennifer! If we let these photographs spread around, my career will be utterly ruined! Please help me. I'll do whatever you want me to do,” Rory said anxiously as she ruffled her hair out of frustration.

Jennifer eventually spoke, though her tone was less than friendly.

“I've seen everything on the internet. It's a common trick, but for you, the damage is straightforward and effective. Come over to my place first. I've already gotten people to delete as many photos as they can,” Jennifer replied in a petulant manner.

Rory heaved a sigh of relief.

She then drove to Jennifer's place.

“Rory, I found out that the photographs were sent out on Oscar's instructions. I haven't even ordered you to do anything, and yet he’s made the first move already. It seems I've underestimated him. He's deliberately destroying everything that you worked hard to achieve. Are you going to just admit your defeat like that?” Jennifer said casually with her arms folded across her chest.

Rory glanced at Jennifer. It was clear that she refused to admit defeat, but there was nothing she could do. Rory had no connections in the entertainment industry, nor was she powerful enough to stand up for herself. Furthermore, with those photographs being leaked to the public, everything she had worked so hard to achieve was basically ruined. It was hard for her to accept losing everything, and she even began to despise Oscar.

The main reason Rory allowed herself to be manipulated by Jennifer was that she wanted to gain more power so she could approach Oscar herself. However, not only did the man not give her a chance at all, but he was now even planning to destroy her mercilessly. No matter what, she could not take this lying down.

“Rory, your career to stardom is technically over. Do you want to seek revenge?”

Rory merely stared at Jennifer.

Jennifer then motioned Rory over, and the latter leaned in instinctively as Jennifer whispered a few words in her ear.

After hearing Jennifer's words, Rory stared at her in confusion.

“Just do as I told you, and once Amelia is captured, I will pay for you to change your appearance. After that's done, I'll use my own connections to open up a whole new world for you in the entertainment industry.” Jennifer gave Rory her promise.

Rory lowered her head as she fell into deep thought. For a long while, she was quiet.

“Rory, I doubt you'll be able to return to a job paying less than ten thousand every month after experiencing the spotlight and attention in the entertainment industry. That's not even enough to buy a luxury handbag! Moreover, you'll need to save up to even get a dress that you like. Tsk, tsk. I feel sad just thinking about those penniless days,” Jennifer intentionally said as she glanced at Rory. Rory's face turned ashen at her words.

After a long silence, she finally agreed, “All right, I promise you. I'll ask Amelia out.”

Jennifer could not help but smirk, her eyes glinting with smugness.

Oscar's action had indirectly fueled the flames within Rory.

“As long as you assist me in capturing Amelia, I shall help you become an A-list artiste in the entertainment industry. Once you become powerful, nobody will think of you as a softie and take advantage of you," Jennifer promised.

Rory gave her a look, obviously wary and unconvinced by Jennifer's words.

“I've asked a lawyer to draw up a document, which I've already signed. Once you sign it as well, this document will be legally binding,” Jennifer said as she took out a document from her bag.

Rory took the document from her. When she was done reading the document, her eyes widened briefly before returning to their normal state.

"You're giving me fifteen percent of the shares in Larson Group?” Rory asked in disbelief.

Jennifer nodded.

“As long as you take care of this matter for me, all of this will be yours. I won't go back on my words. If you're determined to make it big in the entertainment industry, I'll pay for you to have another plastic surgery, and then you can return to filming. You have a talent for acting, so you will definitely become a superstar someday.” Jennifer's words were honey-sweet as she plied Rory with glamorous promises.

Rory's eyes flashed. It was obvious that she was tempted by the offer.

"Okay, I'll try to think of a way to lure Amelia out.”

“I'm counting on you, Rory. I hope you won't let me down this time. Otherwise, everything I've provided to you in the past can also be fully revoked.”

Rory nodded to show she understood.

After leaving the Larson residence, she drove to Royce Technologies and stopped outside the entrance. As she stared at the magnificent building through her car window, Rory waited for a chance to approach Amelia.

When Rory finally saw Amelia, she noticed Jolin was next to her. She was about to unbuckle her seatbelt when she became hesitant. After giving it some thought, Rory decided to keep her seatbelt on instead.

Amelia and Jolin got into the car and drove away. Noticing their car leaving, Rory quickly trailed behind them.

Rory was cautious as she followed behind their car, but because Jolin was skilled at countersurveillance, she quickly realized their car was being followed.

She froze for a moment before saying, “Sit tight, Mrs. Clinton. Someone's following us right now. I'd like to see who's the daring thug trying to harm you this time!"

Amelia nodded her head slightly.

Jolin then drove to a fairly remote place and stopped the car. Through the rearview mirror, she saw that the vehicle following behind them had also stopped.

“Mrs. Clinton, I'm going to find out who's the dimwit stalking you,” said Jolin.

“Be careful.”

Jolin nodded.

As soon as she opened the door, Jolin raced toward the other car without even giving Rory a chance to react.

Jolin knocking on the car's window left Rory with no choice, so she could only wind down the window and face the bodyguard.

When Jolin saw Rory's face, she was quite surprised as the latter bore a slight resemblance to Amelia. However, Rory’s countenance was rather stiff. Based on Jolin's observations, she was confident Rory had undergone cosmetic surgery.

It looks like she did cosmetic surgery to look like Mrs. Clinton. She probably doesn't have any good intentions. Now that I've caught her red-handed stalking Mrs. Clinton, I'm sure she’s up to no good “Get out,” Jolin said coldly.

Rory wore her sunglasses and got out of the car.

“I'm looking for Amelia.” She went straight to the point.

Jolin smiled, but her expression remained cold. She grabbed Rory by the neck and pinned her against the car.

She uttered ruthlessly, “Don't take yourself too seriously. Just because you paid money to look like Mrs. Clinton doesn’t make you the one I swore to protect with my life.”

Rory stared at her calmly. “I know Amelia and need to speak to her about something. You won't stop her from meeting a friend, right?”

In response, Jolin stared at her coldly.

At that moment, Amelia got out of the car and walked over to them.

"Amelia," Rory called out.

After Rory took off her sunglasses, Amelia found herself feeling disturbed when she looked at the face that bore such a resemblance to her own.

Due to the changes in Rory, both physically and mentally, she had become more and more like a stranger to Amelia. Amelia could no longer sense the same honest and down-to-earth air from this woman she knew back then.

Even as she was deep in thought, she was walking toward Rory.

"Amelia, it's me, Rory Sanders. I went to have cosmetic surgery after getting some money. However, I can tell you've already guessed who I am,” Rory said.

Amelia stared at her indifferently.

“Indeed, but I don't get why you're stalking me.”

"Amelia, I just watched to catch up with you. I have no bad intentions. Let's go and get a cup of coffee,” Rory replied in a deliberately timid tone.

A smile appeared on Amelia's face. Just as Rory thought there was hope, Amelia shot Jolin a look. Jolin immediately pushed Rory into their car before moving to the driver's seat. Meanwhile, Amelia slowly made her way to the backseat.

Amelia said, “Jolin, let's go back to the organization. I'll let Oscar handle her first.”

"Amelia, what are you doing? This is kidnapping! I can call the police,” Rory cried warily.

Amelia replied softly, “Rory, didn't you seek me out? I'm simply inviting you to the organization to have a chat. It's been a while since we chatted over a cup of coffee. I miss those days. Although I couldn't get a clear picture of how you looked back in Beshya, I'm pretty sure you didn’t look that similar to me then.”

Rory's expression changed drastically. She did not know what Amelia was trying to do. After a year of not seeing the latter, she could no longer guess what the other woman was thinking.

“Rory, you don't have to be scared of me,” Amelia stated after noticing Rory’s expression from the rearview mirror.

Rory was stunned, and an indiscernible emotion flitted across her eyes.

Amelia could not be bothered with Rory anymore and closed her eyes. She fell asleep after a while. When they reached their destination, Jolin gently woke her up.

“Rory, let's go up. I'll treat you to a cup of coffee. The coffee beans they keep here are pretty good. Since you came to find me, it would only be right for me to treat you,” Amelia said as she got out of the car.

Rory felt uneasy after getting out of the car. After hearing Amelia's words, she became even more apprehensive as she could not guess what Amelia was trying to do.

Jolin gave her a push.

“Go on, Ms. Sanders. It's not a scary place, so you don't need to look as though you're facing death,” she said.

Rory could only follow after Amelia. The instant she entered, her eyes widened in amazement at the luxurious and elegant interior design. She had never seen such spectacular decor before.

Taking the elevator up, they saw Kurt and Hugo the moment they stepped out of the elevator.

“Ms. Sanders, this way, please. Let me brew you a cup of coffee.” Hugo made an “after you” gesture, appearing the epitome of a gentleman. However, his tone was firm, and his expression was cold. Rory instinctively grabbed Amelia's hand.

Amelia retracted her hand discreetly. “Ms. Sanders, didn’t you deliberately come and find me to catch up? I'm sure you know Kurt and Hugo too. Let Hugo treat you to a cup of coffee. I'll come over in a while.”

Rory’s heart started racing as she realized it would be difficult to get out of this place now. "Amelia, I really came to catch up with you. Also, I'm a public figure now. My manager will call the police if he can't find me, so you guys can't detain me,” Rory babbled nervously.

Amelia failed to stop a laugh from escaping her lips.

“Ms. Sanders, weren't you the one stalking me? You said you wanted to catch up with me, so I'm asking Hugo to prepare a cup of coffee for you. He makes good coffee, and I'm sure you will like it. As for your manager, I'll instruct someone to contact him. Don't worry. He won't say anything,” Amelia said gently with a smile.

Rory grew anxious upon hearing her words. In the end, Hugo had to force her to a high-end private office.

Rory looked at the office, where she was alone with Hugo. Her heart was pounding hard.

"Hugo, we're in a law-abiding country. If something happens to me, the police will come looking for me,” Rory said as she took a step back.

Hugo pointed at the couch off to the side and replied, “Sit. I just want to find out some things. If you're honest, I won't do anything to you.”

Rory sat down on the couch like a puppet. Her hands instinctively rubbed her legs in her nervousness as unease flickered in her eyes.

She took a deep breath and willed herself to calm down.

Hugo placed a cup of hot coffee in front of her before walking over and sitting on the couch opposite her. Crossing his legs, he then stared at her calmly.

“Ms. Sanders, I will let you leave here unscathed as long as you tell me everything you know. However, I won't be able to do that if you hide something. I know you understand I have ways to make you wish you were dead,” Hugo stated mildly.

Rory could not help but shudder. She believed Hugo's words were not just an empty threat.

If she concealed something from him, she might suffer a fate worse than death.

The wheels were turning in her head, and her eyes glistened. She tried to make a last-ditch effort, pretending to be oblivious.

“Mr. Hugo, I don't know what you're talking about. I truly only followed Amelia to talk about old times with her.”