By 5:30 p. m., Marilyn had on a black evening gown, her long hair elegantly pinned up, exuding an air of gracefulness, as she stood downstairs. She appeared stunningly captivating with a hint of light makeup on her beautiful face. She noticed a figure standing ahead as she stepped out of the corridor. The pure appearance of a white T-shirt paired with jeans made Marilyn feel a sense of surrealism.

Contemplating the intimacy between this woman and Robert, even the self-confidence naturally emanating from her temperament made Marilyn feel somewhat inferior.

Marilyn took a deep breath, put on a smile, and took the initiative to speak. "Were you waiting for me?"

"Yes." Naomi walked over with a smile, her brighteyes scanning Marilyn's dressed-up appearance. "Are you going to Crown Club?"

"The rumors about it in Yrinas are widelyknown," Marilyn answered with a smile.

Naomi wore a puzzled expression."Marilyn, I don't quite understand. Why are you going to Crown Club? Are you admitting that you are just

a toy for Zabel Group and allowing others to. defile you?"

Marilyn's gaze revealed a hint of evasion, but she maintained a smile on her face."Naomi, my affairs shouldn't concern you."

"Yes, it has nothing to do with me. I even wishyou would become notorious." Naomi crossed her arms."But this matter is related to Robert."

"Naomi, I think you should go talk to Robertabout this now that you two are already together-"

Before Marilyn could finish speaking, she was cut off by Naomi.

"Marilyn, you're taking it lightly," Naomi said,pursing her lips. "Let's talk as we walk. I won't take up too much of your time."

After speaking, Naomi turned and walked toward the gate of the community. Marilyn pondered for a moment before following.

Naomi saw Marilyn approaching and smiled as she spoke, "We aren't together. That day, I just didn't want to see him embarrassed in front of so many people. To be honest, if I had the chance, I would actually like to compete with you. Although Robert's heart is entirely yours,

you remain indifferent toward him and unaffected by his deep affection. If it came down to a competition, I'm 80% confident I would win."

Marilyn was about to respond when Naomi's voice interrupted her again.

"But I'm leaving soon. I have a flight at 7:30.That's two hours from now. Maybe I'll be back in a few days, or maybe I'll stay elsewhere. Marilyn, if I do come back, I will definitely compete with you for Robert."

"Is that why you're here?" Marilyn tilted herhead slightly.

Naomi shook her head."What I wanted to say is that you should focus more on him. Seriously, Marilyn, I envy you for having someone who cares about you so much."

"Envy me?" Marilyn chuckled self-deprecatingly."What is there to envy? Being treated as a toolby my family?"

"You are weak." Naomi suddenly stopped andstared at Marilyn. "Weak, timid, unwilling to face everything, and you treat your weakness as an irresistible force because you do not understand how to refuse."

Marilyn furrowed her brows."What are you talking about?"

"Was I not clear enough?" Naomi smiled andadded, "You warned Robert not to mess with Zabel Group. Do you think you're the only one who knows how powerful the Zabel Group is? Nobody else? Does Robert not know? Why had he always confronted Zabel Group? Yes, there is business competition, but cooperation outweighs harm! Do you think he doesn't know how much that theatre chain is worth? Do you think he doesn't know what to do if he breaks ties with Zabel Group? Don't you know why he suddenly changed his mind and sued Kendrick?"