Lauren clenched her teeth, never expecting Raegan to be so forthright.

Her carefully crafted image of a refined lady seemed perilously close to being tarnished.

Wearing a smile tainted with lingering resentment, Lauren retorted, “Oh, please tell me that was a joke.”

“A joke? You surely are." Raegan didn't back down, for Lauren had been the first to employ sarcasm.

Cary intervened to ease the tension, "Both of you are remarkable ladies. The design industry is beginning to grow because of talents like you. I'm impressed."

"Cary, I'm flattered." Lauren seized this moment to smooth things over.

This gathering comprised prominent figures in the design industry, and she was determined to prevent her past from being exposed, which could tarnish her burgeoning career and reputation.

Although her current standing in the industry was modest, she had a bigwig behind her, and she couldn't afford to let the bigwig get to know any of her disgusting past.

With this in mind, Lauren opted to restrain herself, refraining from contributing much to the conversation.

Cary took the lead in most discussions. In truth, this gathering served as a bid selection process.

In the past, smaller studios seldom had the opportunity to directly compete with Alpire Studio, an unwritten rule that had prevailed.

However, with the inclusion of Crescent, boasting comparable style and influence, the dynamics had shifted. There was an air of curiosity among those present, wondering if the makeup and styling company responsible for Sino Entertainment's A-list stars this year would change.

After all, the allure of celebrities often eclipsed that of even the most compelling advertisements.

Halfway through the gathering, Cary excused himself to visit the restroom. As the chamber's restroom was occupied, he ventured outside.

After a while, Lauren discreetly made her way to the restroom door.

She scanned the area, finding it empty, and entered.

The restroom was spacious, offering a comfortable seating area.

Before Lauren could stand firm, Cary pulled her over and rubbed her waist with his hand.

Lauren rested her knees on the toilet lid, facing the wall.

The mirror behind her reflected the curvaceous nature of her buttocks as she knelt there.