The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!-Chapter 65: The Banquet

Lazy felt Maya Monroe’s touch, affectionately sticking out his tongue to lick Maya’s hand, wagging his tail in a pleasing manner.

Serena Sawyer watched, clicking her tongue in wonder, "Lazy is usually very shy, didn’t expect him to like you so much."

Maya nodded, "The little guy is quite cute."

In the story, Serena Sawyer married a wealthy man, so her appearance in this top villa area was not surprising. However, running into Serena here was still quite a coincidence for Maya Monroe.

"Recently, your acting skills have improved a lot, and your rankings have risen significantly. That’s great." Serena spoke, not as hard to approach as the rumors suggested.

"You’re the one who consistently tops the charts, that’s truly impressive."

Serena smiled faintly, her eyes seemed to flash something, "No one can stay at that position forever; the cycle of change is fast. I guess I’m just in the right place at the moment."

Maya seemed to ponder for a moment, "Honestly, meeting you here is quite a coincidence indeed."

Serena scrutinized her, her amber eyes unblinking; she saw that Maya Monroe was even more beautiful up close. The appreciation for beautiful things is not limited to intergender interactions. Serena liked the presence of beauty, which made her first impression of Maya inexplicably good.

Serena had occasionally bumped into Maya at the company, where she was always bristling with thorns like a dangerous yet intoxicating red rose. But now meeting her, she found Maya’s looks still as flamboyant and bright, yet her temperament had become calmer and more reserved, lacking the prickly demeanor.

Perhaps because being at home was too boring, or maybe there was no need to follow the storyline in front of Serena, Maya opened up a lot and chatted with her on various topics.

Serena occasionally squinted while observing Maya, with Lazy held in her hand. She always felt that Maya had changed a lot compared to the last meeting.

Seeing that it was almost lunchtime, Maya thought of saying goodbye to Serena, "See you next time, I have something to do and need to leave now."

Serena’s lips still carried a faint smile as she said, "I realized I don’t have your contact information, let’s add each other on WeChat."

Maya agreed readily because she quite liked Serena.

However, in the original impression of the protagonist, Serena was known for her smooth and slick personality, only revolving within her circle of interests, never overly concerned about others or other things.

As she was leaving, Lazy brushed against Maya’s ankle again, and Maya crouched down to gently rub his head.

"Lazy, see you next time."

Maya stood up and looked at Serena, "I’m heading off."

Serena bent over to pick Lazy up in her arms and smiled at Maya, "Contact me if there’s anything."

*

The company’s annual party is held today, and naturally, Maya received an invitation. In fact, the original protagonist participated every year, although her rank was not good, she had strong backing.

Maya slouched on the sofa watching TV, her legs crossed on the couch, not caring about anyone else’s opinions. Her ivory toes were exposed in the air, and her light pink nails resembled budding roses.

Maya reached forward, only to find the snack plate had been emptied by her, the bare plate glaring starkly, worsening her mood.

The issue with rankings had troubled Maya for quite some time. Since events deviated from the book’s plot, why was the story’s excitement still rising? Was it merely a coincidence or had she overlooked something?

If the data showed no abnormalities, it meant Maya’s approach wasn’t wrong. Yet, Maya herself couldn’t pinpoint what step she got right. The current task world’s deviation from routine suddenly seemed significantly tricky.

Maya’s head started to hurt, reluctant to ponder this matter further, so she got up to the kitchen to find Aunt Wang, requesting her to prepare more food.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed, Ian Rowe entered from outside, wearing a coffee-colored plaid suit, his slightly longer hair was brushed back exposing his prominent sword-like brows, the sharpness between them was no longer concealed. Less delicate, more roguish elegance.

"Haven’t gotten ready yet?"

Ian asked.

Maya first sighed once again, appreciating how good-looking people are stunning in any attire or style.

"I’m almost ready, isn’t this easy to tidy up? I’ll change my shoes and we can go."

Ian’s gaze moved from her slippers to her fuzzy cartoon pajamas, "Are you planning to go out in your pajamas?"

The pajamas were baggy and loose, her collarbone exposed with smooth skin, bending over would be...

His eyebrows slightly furrowed, "Go change, I’ll take you to get styled later."

Ian had an event tonight, reportedly hosted by a prominent figure within the circle, so he’d like Maya to accompany him.

Actually, Maya had no desire to attend any party, whether it was the company’s annual party or going with Ian, she couldn’t muster any enthusiasm.

However, if forced to choose between them, she might as well go with Ian because she remembered this year’s party was unique as it was when Joel Quinn would first experience the budding feelings for Kiki Monroe, a very important part of the story.

When she couldn’t quite grasp the real reason for the plot’s excitement rise, she still followed the previous way to move the plot forward.

If she didn’t attend the annual meeting, Kiki would have had the chance to attend, which would align with the original plot.

Maya Monroe changed her clothes and came downstairs, maintaining her usual style of dressing—baggy clothing. Luckily, she was slim; otherwise, she would look bulky.

After styling herself, Maya headed to the banquet with Ian Rowe, wearing a simple black and white formal gown, draped with a light-colored fur coat—elegant yet not lacking in nobility.

Maya was a bit surprised when she got in the car, noticing the driver was someone unfamiliar.

"Where’s Vincent Summers?"

Ian’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before he replied, "Vincent has work to do, so he didn’t come with us. He’s usually not very nice to you, aren’t you thinking about him now?"

"I’m just not used to it, how could I..." Maya realized midway that her tone was too normal. Her character in front of Ian was supposed to be "grossly affectionate."

"Honey, what nonsense are you talking about? In my heart and eyes, it’s only you; all other men are trash, they’re garbage!"

She said this sentence smoothly, without any pauses in between.

When she looked up, she noticed Ian’s gaze on her, and for a moment, she felt as if she would drown in the focus of his eyes.

However, Maya quickly snapped back to reality.

She felt a bit strange internally, thinking it’s odd how a character in the book could capture her attention like this. After all, she’d participated in so many missions and could manage her feelings perfectly.

Ignoring her internal oddities, Maya teasingly remarked, "Honey, I just mentioned Vincent, and your tone changed. What, are you jealous?"

Ian’s pupils slightly narrowed, then he turned his head and closed his eyes as if pretending to sleep.

Maya noticed his reluctance to respond, moved closer and teased, "Are you shy from what I said? Oh dear, don’t overthink—I have no one but you in my heart! You hold the same place as snacks do in my heart!"

Ian suddenly opened his eyes and asked, "Are snacks very important to you?"

Maya nodded firmly.

Once again, Ian closed his eyes, picturing her as she nodded.

She loves snacks, candies, knuckles... Such a possessive person over food, yet she’s willing to share it with him...

Maya always professed her love verbally, which Ian never cared about. But hearing her current sweet words made his heart swell with slight ripples. Why was that? Was it the sincerity she demonstrated?

It was rare for Ian to contemplate a question for this long, even more than he ever did with the most intricate financial planning proposals.

Maya didn’t know what he was thinking, but she saw him closing his eyes with an annoyed look, unwilling to engage.

Maya turned her head as well, knowing he’d not see her withdraw her oily, deep-loving demeanor. This trip wasn’t short; she popped a piece of gum into her mouth.

As they exited the car, Maya spat out the gum from her mouth.

Everyone entering the hall was in pairs, walking arm-in-arm. Maya wouldn’t miss the chance to be clingy with Ian; she immediately grabbed onto his arm before he could say anything, instantly feeling the stiffness from his body.

Maya smiled genuinely, "Honey, let’s go inside as well. Holding your arm like this means I’m not afraid of any little vixens captivating you!"

However, she was puzzled—how come grabbing Ian’s arm before would lead to his classic aloof and dismissive demeanor, and today, his expression seemed slightly multifaceted?

But Ian’s expression soon reverted to his usual untouchably noble and composed look, as if unapproachable from head to toe.

Maya held onto Ian’s arm as they entered the banquet hall; both their standout appearances attracted quite a bit of attention.

Everyone at the banquet was in suits, exuding an aura of someone in a high position, eyes sharpened over time.

The people here probably matched up to being significant figures.

Honestly though, the kind of banquet Ian attended was surely of a notably high tier.

Maya once again witnessed Ian’s popularity; his entrance caught everyone’s eye, and soon a group gathered, raising champagne flutes and exchanging greetings with Ian.

"Isn’t that Mr. Rowe? Usually, you attend solo; now, you’re finally not hiding your lovely wife?"

Ian smiled faintly, "Hello, Mr. Chen."

The man called Mr. Chen had a receding hairline and wore glasses, though wisdom sparkled in his eyes from time to time.