The Rise of the White Lotus

"What's going on?"

"Gosh... he looks like Mr. Lu — I'd mistake it was Mr. Lu if I bump into him somewhere!"

"Wait — so, basically, he's the one in the clip?"

"This looks interesting..." one after another, confused murmurs resonated across the entire event hall. Gazes altered from Ethan Lu to the man that resembled him, and then to Laurel Wang whose complexion seemed she ran out of blood. 

The allowed media that were inside immediately surrounded them as they came to confirm. The medias could not take photos inside and interview the guest. However, they could not help but take photos of the confrontation. 

If not for a fact that it was a private event by the Huang's princess, they would have already fawned on Laurel Wang and the man. This would be a shocking headline tomorrow!

Everyone didn't notice the man that looked like Ethan Lu as they were focused on the bets that were going on. Even so, as they peered at the man, although he had the same features as Ethan Lu, their demeanor's were different. 

The man's aura wasn't something a person could take notice. Despite that, he didn't look that bad, compare to Ethan Lu, the man felt normal. 

"Care to explain, Miss Wang?" Tilting his head to the side, Ethan Lu asked. 

"I — Mr. Lu, what's going on? I don't know him!" Despite her trembling lower lip, Laurel Wang pretended she was at a lost as well. Looking at the eyes that were on her, she could tell those judgmental thoughts they had. 

"Then why were you with him earlier?" Ethan Lu furrowed his brows as a frown plastered on his lips. He had foreseen that Laurel Wang wouldn't admit the truth until the end. 

"I — I — how can you do this to me? Didn't you like me?" Stuttering, Laurel Wang suddenly snapped as she didn't care on her surroundings anymore. She stared at Ethan Lu straight in the eye, with tears forming in the corner of her eyes. 

She could not go down like this. She knew she must say something to save herself. And by saving herself, Laurel Wang needed to give doubts about his claims. 

So, if adding confusion was to shamelessly admit that they had an affair, so be it. Ethan Lu didn't appreciate her efforts and love, anyway. Maybe, by being the complete villain — just like what Lexi was — he'd notice her. 

"Did you just use me all this time? Now that... what we had, all those little promises... now that everything is out in the open, you're disposing me?" Laurel Wang's voice cracked, playing the victim card nicely. 

As the crowd heard her remarks, they turned their attention to Ethan Lu. Considering his position and history, they wouldn't be surprised if Laurel Wang was saying the truth. 

After all, one could do anything evil if cornered. It was not that everyone around were saints; it was just the mutual understanding they had. If they were in the same position, they'd probably do what Ethan Lu had done. 

With that, the opinions from the crowd had split in half. Some believed Laurel Wang, while others remained neutral. 

"Why?" On the brink of breaking down, Laurel Wang bit her lower lip as she shifted her gaze to Lexi. "I didn't intend to love him — he made me. He told me all sort of lies — even denied that you're still together. I'm foolish to fall to such a man, I'm sorry." The second Laurel Wang apologized to Lexi, a tear fell from her eyes. 

"Tsk tsk, Mr. Lu, how can you be so heartless? Playing with these two beauties' hearts like that?" Clicking his tongue, Zack Lee shook his head sideways in disappointment. 

No one dared to speak their mind, and could only sympathize with Laurel Wang in silence. Yet, Zack Lee uttered the main thoughts in their mind, giving justice to the poor Laurel Wang. 

"Ah?" Instead of appearing remorseful, Ethan Lu's face distorted in dismay. There was not a single tinge of guilt that could be seen on his surface as he looked at Zack Lee in disdain. 

Knowing that using words in this argument wasn't enough, Ethan Lu shifted his gaze to Diane Huang. "Miss Huang, I know we've been causing you too much trouble, but let me use this opportunity to clear my name. I'd truly feel disheartened if I upset my dear Lexi further."

"As long as it's not beyond the line — sure." Diane Huang stared at him for several seconds before she shrugged her shoulders indifferently. 

It also intrigued her how this scandal would unravel. Hence, Diane Huang was rather honored that this happened in her party. By this, her birthday celebration would be truly memorable. 

Ethan Lu's lips curled into a smile as he slid his hand inside his suit pocket. Picking up his phone, Ethan Lu tapped on the screen a few times, which made everyone's curiosity reach its peak. 

 "What do you think you're doing here?! Do you know what kind of event is this?! Are you stupid? How can you show up in here?!" After a second, everyone heard Laurel Wang's agitated voice coming from the speakers in the event hall. 

"Miss Wang, didn't you want the scandal between you and Mr. Lu to look more believable? I'm doing this for you because I can't take you out of my mind and if helping you with him will make you happy — I'll be happy to assist!"

"You're really stupid... you're not helping me in any way. Go now before I kill you myself." The recorded conversation was brief yet, it was full of emotions. 

Unlike her tone and behavior seconds ago, she sounded vicious in the conversation. Especially as she spouted her last remark, everyone could not believe that her voice seeped grudges. 

Laurel Wang could hear her world slowly crumble down. Her lip color had entirely left with no color as her knees weakened, giving way the next second as she plopped to the tiled floor. 

"No..."