After all, this was an era ruled by money.

Yolanda probably hadn't expected to see Yvonne at the festival. She ignored Yvonne, shooting her a cold glance filled with arrogance and disdain.

Out of courtesy, Yvonne had intended to greet her, but since Ms. Walker clearly looked down on her, she didn't bother trying to curry favor.

To Yolanda's other side sat another well-known actress. She seemed to be close with Yolanda, and they were talking in low voices, just loud enough for Yvonne to overhear.

"Yolanda, I heard Mr. Bennett Thompson got hurt a while ago saving some C-list actress. Don't tell me this is going to turn into one of those cliché dramas where she repays his kindness with her body?"

Yolanda replied, "You've been watching too much TV. She's just an irrelevant person. Bennett doesn't give her a second thought."

"Exactly. All sorts of women try to latch onto Mr. Thompson. They really overestimate themselves."

Yolanda smiled faintly, full of contempt. "Trying to marry Bennett is certainly overestimating oneself. But maybe she's just aiming to be a rich man's plaything. Young girls these days have no self-respect, selling their bodies for money."

"Everyone knows Mr. Thompson is a gentleman. In all these years, you've been the only one. He doesn't even have a female mosquito around him."

After they finished, they let out a few soft snickers.

Yvonne knew they were saying it all for her to hear.

Her hand, resting on her lap, clenched, then relaxed, then clenched again. It took several repetitions to suppress the anger rising in her chest.

As Bennett's official girlfriend, it was understandable for Yolanda to be hostile toward any woman who had her eye on him. Besides, causing a scene at an event like this would make everyone look bad.

Yvonne managed to calm herself down, pretending she hadn't heard them as she continued to look at her phone.

Soon, all the guests were seated. The stage lights changed, and the hosts walked out.

The film festival officially began.

Yvonne put away her phone and

watched the opening cek net

attentively. Whenever the camera panned to her, she maintained beautiful and graceful smile.

Sandra had secured an award for Yvonne. When the presenter opened the envelope and read out her name, all the cameras turned to her.

Yvonne stood up elegantly, smiled and bowed, then walked toward the stage.

As she passed Yolanda, the friend sitting next to Yolanda suddenly stuck out her foot and stomped hard on the hem of Yvonne's dress.

If Yvonne hadn't reacted quickly, covering her chest and gathering her skirt, she might have had a major wardrobe malfunction in front of everyone.

Yvonne stopped, her gaze turning cold as she looked at Yolanda's friend. "Your foot is in the wrong place."

"Is it? Oh, my apologies," the friend said, slowly retracting her foot with an indifferent expression.

Yvonne ignored her, straightened her dress, and continued gracefully toward the stage.

Her acceptance speech had been prepared by the company's PR department. Yvonne recited it word for word, appearing generous and porsed, Then, she returned to her seat with the trophy.

The festival lasted for several hours. By the time it ended, Yvonne's back was sore from sitting.

Afterward, Yvonne handed her trophy to her assistant and went to the restroom alone.

She knew there would still be reporters outside for interviews.

Yvonne stood in front of the restroom mirror, taking the opportunity to touch up her makeup.

Just then, the restroom door opened

and closed as several women walked in. They were the same ones who had been chatting animatedly with Yolanda ted by the friend who had tripped her.