FREENBECKY - Fierce Attraction : Unexpected Pressure

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The spring sunshine over Bangkok shimmered, casting its golden warmth over the bustling streets. Towering above the chaos, the opulent Orchid Rosewood Hotel stood like a beacon of luxury.

Today, its grand ballroom hosted a high-profile charity gala, an event Becky Armstrong would have gladly skipped if given a choice.

Adjusting the folds of her emerald-green gown, Becky stepped out of the car with her manager, Chut Pattarapon, close behind. The elegant dress hugged her figure perfectly, catching the sunlight as photographers swarmed the red-carpeted entrance.

"I thought today would be quiet," Becky muttered, her tone laced with annoyance.

Chut offered her a wry smile, his phone buzzing with notifications.

"Blame Chankimha Group for this one. They think putting you at a gala with the Chankimha name splashed everywhere equals good publicity. It's for a children's arts program, so... think of the kids."

Becky sighed, smoothing an invisible crease in her gown.

"I'm all for kids. But another red carpet, another crowd, and more cameras? Do they ever think about the rumors they're fueling?"

Chut patted her shoulder lightly. "You're here now, so let's survive this. Photos first, mingling second, and then we disappear before someone concocts another engagement story."

Steeling herself, Becky looped her arm through Chut's for the cameras, flashing the perfect starlet smile as they ascended the steps.

Photographers shouted her name, cameras clicked in rapid succession, and questions flew. She ignored the bait about her "mystery man," instead offering polite nods and well-practiced grins.

Inside, the ballroom unfolded like a dream. Chandeliers glittered overhead, casting golden light over the richly adorned space.

Groups of socialites sipped champagne near tables draped in ivory linens, their laughter mixing with the soft melody of a live string quartet. Becky scanned the room, hoping for a quiet corner where she could fade into the background.

Her hopes were dashed the moment her eyes caught the bold lettering on a nearby banner: Chankimha Group—Proud Sponsors of the Children's Arts Initiative.

Of course.

Becky's stomach sank.

Wherever Chankimha's name appeared, Freen Sarocha Chankimha herself wasn't far behind.

"Do we know if she's coming?" Becky asked, her voice low but edged with tension. Despite her irritation, she couldn't suppress the faint flutter in her chest at the thought of seeing Freen again.

Chut checked his phone. "She's on the guest list. Probably donated a fortune, but no one's sure if she'll show. Public events aren't exactly her thing."

"Let's hope she stays home," Becky muttered, though the idea of not seeing Freen filled her with equal parts relief and frustration.

The evening passed in a blur of polite conversations and choreographed smiles. Becky floated from one group to another, exchanging pleasantries with sponsors and philanthropists. Occasionally, she caught snippets of praise for her latest film or murmurs about how well she handled the recent press debacle. Every so often, she glanced toward the entrance, half-dreading Freen's arrival.

The moment came sooner than expected.

The murmur of the crowd shifted, and all heads turned toward the grand doors.

Freen stepped into the room, an imposing figure in a tailored white suit. Her long brown hair, usually pinned into an impeccable updo, cascaded freely over her shoulders, softening her otherwise sharp feminine features. Though her suit was minimalist in design, it exuded quiet luxury, a perfect match for her poised demeanor.

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