Ch. 181..190

Chapter 181 Chapter 181 Victor struggled to rise from his hospital bed. His butler rushed to stop him. “Sir, you’re still injured! The doctor said it’s a miracle you’re even alive. Please, don’t move around!” “It’s not a miracle…” Victor shook his head vigorously, his voice breaking. “It’s my daughter, Faith. She saved me…” His voice trailed off, nearly choking with emotion. The butler paused, surprised.

Faith Ashton had become a taboo subject in the Ashton family-o one dared to mention her name. She was Victor’s most beloved daughter. Twenty years ago, in a fit of rage over her relationship with a poor boy, Victor had banished her from the Ashton family. He had even declared that if she stepped out the door, they would be dead to each other forever.

Faith then left without looking back. Victor had hardened his heart and chosen to ignore her existence, and their relationship had frozen in time.

For three long years, Victor had thought of Faith often. Eventually, he sent someone to quietly gather news about her, thinking he could at least make amends, but instead, the man returned with devastating news. She had died.

It turned out that six months before Victor had sent someone to inquire about Faith, she and her husband had already passed away.

At that time, Faith had just given birth. While on the run, she endured the agony of hiding her newborn daughter to protect her from danger. Later, Faith and his husband had been chased down, and in the end, they had both been killed.

Upon hearing this, Victor was overwhelmed with regret, falling into a deep depression that aged him a decade overnight. He had spent years searching for the baby Faith had hidden but to no avail. If the child were still alive, she would be eighteen now-growing into a lovely young woman.

As memories flooded back, the butler’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Sir. I know you miss her, but Miss Faith has been gone for years. You need to look forward…” Victor sank back onto the bed, tears streaming down his face. But after a long moment, he suddenly opened his eyes, determination flaring within them despite his tears. “Keep searching! No matter what, I want to find my granddaughter!” *****

Meanwhile, a plane landed at Royal Bay. It was six in the evening, and Tiffany hoped to make it home in time for dinner. As she stepped into the car and was about to head home, she looked out at Richard standing alone in the sunset, she couldn’t help but think that he always seemed to be by himself.

Before she could think twice, she called out, “Why don’t you come home with me?” Immediately, she regretted the vitation. ‘Will Dad and Mom be okay with Richard coming over?’ she wondered.

Richard raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. A few moments passed before the wind carried his response. “Sure.” When Tiffany turned to look at him, she found his handsome features lit up with a genuine smile, bright like the moon rising over the mountains. It made her heart flutter, sending ripples of warmth through her.

The Kelley family had prepared a feast for Tiffany, but when they saw Richard, their surprise quickly turned to warmth and hospitality.

At the dinner table, Tiffany’s father, Charlie, said, “Thank you, Mr. Hampton, for looking after my daughter. If she’s been a handful, please forgive her.” “Not at all,” Richard replied graciously.

The family dinner lacked the usual formalities of business gatherings, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Chapter 181 After they finished eating, Tiffany’s mother, Thalia, nudged her to see Richard home. She wanted Tiffany to personally ensure that Richard, who had been drinking, made it back to Royal Bay safely before returning.

“Wait, what?” Tiffany nearly thought she misheard. After confirming again, she replied, “That’s not necessary. He has a driver. Besides, he’s not even drunk.” Deep inside, she thought, ‘He seems perfectly sober!

Just as Tiffany was about to decline, Eric looked at her earnestly, adopting a wise-beyond-his-years tone. “Richard brought back from Traron City. It’s only fair you return the favor. Go on!” With that, he gave her a gentle push out the door.

you Tiffany couldn’t mutter a word.

Richard laughed softly, “Your family is quite charming.” “Just go!” It dawned on Tiffany that if she didn’t complete this task tonight, she might as well forget about going home. So, she grabbed Richard and shoved him into the car, slamming the door and ordering the driver to head to Royal Bay. She was thinking that the sooner she dropped him off, the sooner she could return to bed.

Meanwhile, Charlie was still puzzled and asked, “Wait a second. Why would a grown man need my daughter to personally see him home?” Without missing a beat, Thalia replied, “Our daughter owes him a favor, so she should repay it herself.

Eric nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly, Dad! Didn’t you teach me that?” “Uh, I guess that makes sense.” Charlie scratched his head, slightly convinced but still feeling something was off. Before he could figure it out, Thalia dragged him away. With no further thoughts on it, Charlie went along with her.

Twenty minutes later, Tiffany finally dropped Richard off at Royal Bay. She waved. “Well, I’ll be on my way.” “Alright.” Richard stood still, silently watching her leave.

Tiffany felt something was amiss and asked, “Are you alright? You seem a little off tonight…” He seemed more serious than usual.

“I’m fine.” Richard gave a faint smile, his expression unchanged.

With that, Tiffany climbed into the car and left.

The driver, who worked for the Hampton family, had taken Tiffany and Richard straight from Royal Bay to the Kelley residence earlier. Just as they pulled away, he suddenly said, “Miss Kelley. Today is actually Mr. Hampton’s birthday.” Tiffany froze in shock.

****

At Royal Bay, the tall figure of Richard sat on the hillside, surrounded by rows of red wine bottles-two of which were already empty. The stars twinkled brilliantly in the clear night sky. The view from the hillside was always beautiful, though the breeze was a bit chilly as if it could reach deep into one’s soul.

Richard casually tossed his wine glass aside and loosened his tie. With the top two buttons of his black shirt undone, his lean chest and prominent collarbone became visible. Despite his relaxed demeanor, there was a striking elegance to him- handsome and captivating.

He gazed out at the scenery, but his mind was plagued with darker memories. Flashes of blood, people crying, others laughing, and desperate calls for help filled his mind.

The memories came rushing back like a suffocating wave; they were reminders of his childhood-those days filled with darkness. He could see a four-year-old boy desperately holding onto a pair of hands belonging to a poised woman. She lay in a pool of horrifying crimson, yet she smiled as she wiped away her son’s tears, saying, “Don’t be scared, don’t be scared… Then, she fell into eternal sleep.

Laughter echoed around themi.

Richard’s handsome face hardened, and a menacing aura radiated from him. Just then, footsteps sounded behind him. Irritated, he turned around, only to be met with the sight of a slender figure stepping into view.

Chapter 182 Chapter 182 A young woman walked gracefully over, wearing a stunning red sundress. Her skin glowed, and her features were striking, with bright eyes that sparkled like stars. The charming smile on her lips made her beauty almost ethereal. It was Tiffany, returning unexpectedly.

Richard was taken aback. “What are you doing back here?” Tiffany playfully touched her nose, a little sheepish. ‘Can I really admit that I turned back after hearing the driver’s words?’ she thought.

She knew Richard was a force to be reckoned with-a powerful man who didn’t need anyone’s pity or sympathy. But whenever she thought of him standing alone under the moonlight, there was an indescribable heaviness in her heart. That was why she came back, even if it was just to spend a few more minutes with him.

As Tiffany stepped closer, the sweet scent of wine filled the air. Looking into Richard’s handsome face, she asked, “How about I give you a gift?” “Oh? What kind of gift?” he replied, with a casual smile that revealed just a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

Tiffany then performed a dance. Under the bright moonlight, her red dress swirled around her, her movements fluid and enchanting. She seemed to dance like a gentle breeze, unexpectedly captivating Richard and leaving a lasting impression.

Richard’s gaze grew deeper, the smile fading from his face. On the open hilltop, the evening breeze carried the sweet scent of wine. Beneath the night sky, the moonlight draped a delicate veil over Tiffany’s slender figure, making her appear almost dreamlike. Yet, in his eyes, no other scenery could compare to her in that moment.

After finishing her dance, Tiffany breathed a little heavily. She had never danced in front of anyone before, even though she had been influenced by her mother since childhood. Yet, during those years chasing after Kenneth, the world had only remembered her as a silly girl. Now, she was dancing for Richard for the very first time. Standing there, she smiled and asked, “Did you like the gift?” Richard’s intense gaze held a mixture of emotions. He was not just pleased-Tiffany’s appearance and the dance she performed solely for him felt like a ray of light breaking through the shadows of his heart, dispelling all gloom. Her efforts to comfort him silently were profound.

A smile crept across Richard’s lips as he finally stood up and walked toward Tiffany. She looked up, waiting for praise, but unexpectedly found herself met with a kiss.

Their lips touched, and a cool and sweet sensation enveloped her, mingling with the intoxicating scent of wine. It was a moment that sent her heart racing.

Tiffany exclaimed, stepping back in surprise, trying to push Richard away. But Richard, ever the assertive man, tightened his embrace, holding her close.

a The full moon above was partially obscured by drifting clouds, and the stillness of the mountaintop was accompanied by gentle breeze that carried an air of lingering intimacy, weaving an almost palpable tension in the night. Though Tiffany hadn’t had a drop of alcohol, the scent of the crisp wine made her feel lightheaded, as if she were floating in a dreamy haze… Eventually, Richard released her. Tiffany felt her legs weaken, teetering on the edge of falling. With a soft chuckle, he swept her off her feet.

‘How embarrassing!’ Tiffany bellowed inwardly as she closed her eyes, wishing to disappear.

In the end, Richard drove her home. As soon as they arrived, Tiffany dashed inside, desperate to avoid her parents or brother seeing her swollen lips.

Hiding her face in her bed, she promised herself inwardly, ‘I have to keep my distance from that enigmatic man!” you the cos Chapter 182- That night, Tiffany struggled to sleep, tossing and turning until dawn before finally dozing off. When she woke dragged herself to school, feeling exhausted.

Zoe approached her with curiosity. “Tiffany, did you stay up all night? You look wiped out!” “Yeah.” Tiffany nodded. “I didn’t sleep well.” “Ah, that makes sense. By the way, did you hear? Sandra Olson dropped out!” “She dropped out? When did that happen?” up, she +5 “Just yesterday,” Zoe replied. “She left in a hurry, and the Booth family sent a whole crew of bodyguards to pick her up. It was quite the scene.” The news about Sandra’s connection to the Booth family had spread quickly. No one expected her to suddenly leave school. This meant she had already given up on Kenneth and the hope of becoming the future Mrs. Harper, but she had firmly latched onto Jordan Booth, her golden ticket. As long as she held on tight, her future was secure, and she’d never have to worry about her needs again.

“She really knows how to play her cards,” Zoe commented in irony. “She couldn’t snag Kenneth, so she’s moving on to Jordan. Not a bad trade-off.” Tiffany chuckled softly. Others might not understand, but she knew Sandra all too well. Someone like Sandra would never be satisfied, even if she did marry into the Booth family. Whether or not she had truly given up on Kenneth was uncertain, but Tiffany believed that with the level of hatred Sandra harbored toward her, Sandra would definitely be plotting some kind of revenge.

The school bell rang, signaling the start of another day.

Meanwhile, at the Booth household, Sandra lay comfortably on the couch. Though she hadn’t officially moved in, the staff already referred to her as “Mrs. Booth,” and even Jordan’s parents dared not scowl at her. It was a stark contrast to how they had treated her before.

Gently rubbing her belly, Sandra smiled, reveling in her newfound status. She had confirmed her pregnancy the day before while sneaking away during class. So she confronted the Booth family and announced the news.

The Booth family had only one kid for generations, which was acceptable when they weren’t wealthy. But now that the Booths were a well-established family, they needed an heir to inherit their considerable fortune.

Jordan, despite his health issues, had never gotten anyone pregnant before, but their one time together had resulted in a pregnancy. As the implications sank in, Sandra felt conflicted-both pleased and horrified.

Despite her deep-seated resentment, Sandra had no choice but to accept the situation. Besides, this child would not only elevate her status within the Booth family but could also be incredibly useful for her plans. With that thought in mind, she couldn’t help but smile.

With a satisfied grin, she took a sip of juice but immediately spat it out, glaring at the nearby servant. “What’s with the in this? How am I supposed to drink this?” “Sorry!” the servant stammered, quickly apologizing and wringing her apron. “I must have missed something while preparing it. Please forgive me.” “Can’t you make it right?” Sandra snapped, still irritated.

“Yes, of course,” the servant replied, scurrying off to redo it.

seeds Once in the kitchen, the scolded servant quietly complained to her coworkers, “Honestly, does she think she’s royalty? I’ve never worked for someone so high-maintenance before!”

Chapter 183 Chapter 183 Even though the servant was frustrated deep down, she had to put on a good face and serve Sandra well.

Meanwhile, after living a life where she constantly had people serving around, Sandra started to entertain the thought- becoming Mrs. Booth seemed like a ticket to a life of luxury and ease. She figured if she could stay in this role, she’d never have to worry again.

But when Jordan came home that night, reeking of cheap perfume, Sandra’s fantasies shattered. ‘How could I have ever thought a man like Jordan is worthy of me?’ she thought.

Clenching her fists, Sandra tried to maintain her composure. But Jordan, with his drunken swagger, staggered toward her, muttering, “Not a great deal, huh? Spent a fortune to marry you, and I’ve hardly even gotten my money’s worth…” Sandra was boiling with anger but forced herself to speak sweetly. “Come on now, don’t start. I’m pregnant, remember?” Jordan grumbled but reluctantly backed off. “Fine, fine. But you make sure to have that baby and don’t get in my way. Give me a son, and I’ll reward you properly.” His slurred words were nonsense, but they confirmed one thing for Sandra-she was nothing more than a baby machine for the Booth family. Without this child, her place in this household was fragile, to say the least.

That realization twisted something inside Sandra. No matter how rich the Booth family was, none of it would ever belong to her unless she played her cards right. She was like a dog-scraping for scraps, no dignity to speak of. Since that was the case, she’d have to figure out a way to turn the Booth family’s money into her own. That thought sent a determined smile across her face.

Another week went by. During this time, Tiffany received several calls from Oliver. He mentioned that the filming rights had been approved, and casting auditions were next. If everything went smoothly, they’d start shooting next month. He wanted to get things rolling as soon as possible.

Tiffany, who didn’t involve herself in the details, simply nodded in agreement. “Mr. Fraser, I trust your judgment. Just let me take a final look at the cast before you make it official.” “Of course.” As this was also part of the contract, Oliver agreed and then rushed off to handle his workload.

There was another piece of good news. Tiffany’s father, Charlie, had been working with Richard on a film set renovation project for an old alleyway. The project had been progressing smoothly.

Charlie had been overseeing it personally, leaving early and coming home late to supervise. Now that the renovations were nearing completion, he finally seemed to relax a little, even teasing Tiffany when he got home that evening.

“Sweetheart, the film set officially opens tomorrow. Want to come see your old man’s masterpiece?” Though phrased as a question, the look of eager anticipation on Charlie’s face was impossible to miss.

Tiffany played along. “Of course! I wouldn’t miss it for the world!” Charlie laughed heartily, pride written all over his face.

So, the next morning, Tiffany accompanied her father to the newly renovated film set.

As soon as they arrived, the historical charm of the place was striking. The old alleyway itself was well-preserved, and with Charlie’s touch, each carefully designed detail elevated its authenticity.

Tiffany, of course, showered her dad with praise. “Dad, this is genius! The creativity is off the charts! You’ve outdone yourself! Once it opens, I bet this place is going to be packed with tourists and film crews.” Charlie’s grin couldn’t get any wider. And Tiffany wasn’t wrong.

On the opening day, early in the morning, a small film crew arrived to shoot a few scenes. It wasn’t a big-budget project by any means-just a low-investment web series-but still, it was a start.

As Tiffany and Charlie walked past the filming area, an assistant tan over, out of breath, asking Charlie to come assist with some last-minute decisions.

“Go ahead, Dad. I’ll explore a bit and catch up with you later,” Tiffany said. Charlie nodded and hurried off.

With the film set not being too crowded on its first day, Tiffany felt safe wandering around on her own.

As she strolled, she overheard the sounds of a scene being shot nearby. Two actresses were in the middle of an intense confrontation. The lead actress raised her hand and slapped her co-star hard. Then she continued with her lines, but the delivery was an absolute mess.

The director called cut, and they reset the scene. Another slap. Another cut. After three takes, the supporting actress’s face was visibly swollen and red from the repeated blows.

Tiffany frowned. Though she wasn’t in the business herself, she knew enough to understand that most scenes like this were faked. Directors who weren’t aiming for high-level realism usually resorted to clever camera angles to avoid actually hurting the actors. But this seemed intentional.

Tiffany glanced toward the lead actress and noticed the smug, triumphant smirk she flashed at her suffering co-star.

After a few more takes, the director called for a break. Immediately, assistants flocked to the lead actress, touching up her makeup, and handing her drinks, while the other actress sat silently by herself, not even given an ice pack for her swollen face, As Tiffany passed by, she overheard two Tew members talking in hushed tones.

“Abbie Hopkins… what a fall from grace. She was once one of the biggest stars, and now she’s playing second fiddle to an unknown rookie.” “Yeah, it’s sad. Just goes to show how unforgiving this industry is. Once people forget you, you’re nothing.” Tiffany stopped in her tracks. ‘Abbie Hopkins?’ she thought. The name rang a bell.

Five years ago, Abbie made her debut in a blockbuster film, winning dual Best Actress awards in her very first year. At just 20, she was the youngest star ever to claim such honor. Her career had skyrocketed. Every project she touched turned into a massive success, and her future seemed limitless.

But two years ago, she’d been arrested for assault. After that, every contract she had was canceled, her endorsements were pulled, and she’d been forced to pay massive penalties. Her reputation was utterly destroyed.

Eventually, the agency gave up on Abbie. She’d vanished from the public eye, and when she finally resurfaced, it was too late. The industry had moved on, leaving her in the dust. Now, she had been reduced to taking roles in low-budget web series, playing a supporting character with little screen time and even less appeal. And to make matters worse, she was being blatantly bullied during filming.

But Tiffany knew the truth. Abbie’s assault had been a cover-up-she had taken the fall for her then-boyfriend, a third-rate actor. He’d convinced her that with her fame, she’d bounce back, and promised he’d take care of her if things went wrong. Abbie agreed.

In the past two years, her once-third-rate boyfriend had skyrocketed to stardom, constantly stirring up rumors and getting cozy with other A-list actresses, basking in the spotlight. Meanwhile, Abbie was left to fend for herself, forgotten and alone.

Tiffany chuckled bitterly. In her past life, she’d been just as naive as Abbie. She bought a bottle of cold water and walked over to where Abbie was sitting. “Here. Use this for the swelling.”

Chapter 184 Chapter 184 Abbie paused for a moment, assuming that someone kind from the crew had handed her the cold bottle of water. But when she looked up, she was greeted by a completely unfamiliar, yet strikingly beautiful face. The girl had refined features- radiant with natural beauty.

Abbie’s eyes flashed with admiration as she took the ice-cold water. “Thanks,” she said lightly.

“You’re welcome.” Tiffany sat down beside Abbie on the steps, as they were already old friends. As the rest of the crew. laughed and chatted off in the distance, this little corner felt like an island-quiet, isolated, and completely ignored.

Tiffany raised an eyebrow, her voice casual. “Ever thought about switching jobs?” “Huh?” The sudden question caught Abbie off guard. She blinked a few times before asking, “And you are?” “Me?” Tiffany’s smile curled mischievously, her tone bold and with an air of arrogance that could easily get someone punched. “I’m your future boss.” Abbie burst out laughing, pressing the cold bottle against her face. “Thanks for the water,” she replied, making it clear that was all she was interested in discussing.

Tiffany, however, wasn’t offended. Her smile grew even wider. “How about I offer you an audition? Interested?” Abbie, still good-natured but obviously not taking Tiffany seriously, asked, “For whose film?” Her tone was more like someone humoring a child, distant and detached.

“Oliver Fraser’s new film.” Abbie’s hand froze in place, mid-movement. Now she was sure this girl, who was claiming to be her future boss, was clearly a little off so that to say all that nonsense.

Everyone knew Oliver Fraser had the golden touch-he could make anyone a star. If this had been three years ago, Abbie might have had the confidence to consider it. But things had changed. No big director would touch someone with a reputation as tarnished as hers.

Tiffany yawned lazily. “You’re really not interested?” Abbie asked instead, “Do you even know who I am?” It wasn’t meant to be boastful. She didn’t have the right to brag anymore. She said it more to save this “future boss” Tiffany the trouble. Abbie Hopkins was a name tainted by scandal. Even scammers wouldn’t waste their time with her, so there was no point in Tiffany trying. It was a dead end.

Abbie stood up, ready to head back to the set, when Tiffany’s lazy voice drifted over. “I know exactly who you are. Two years ago, you took the fall for your beloved boyfriend and ended up in prison, throwing away your entire career in the process. You’re Abbie Hopkins, the former A-list actress, right?” The words were tossed out so casually, yet they hit like a bomb. Abbie whipped around, her normally icy face full of shock and suspicion. “How do you know that? Who exactly are you?” No one knew Abbie had taken the fall for that man. Their relationship had always been under wraps, and even now, no one had ever blown their cover. She had kept quiet because she knew no one would believe her. And the man who had betrayed her certainly wouldn’t spread a story that could destroy his own career. Abbie wondered how Tiffany knew.

Tiffany just smiled. “I told you. I’m your future boss.” Deep inside, she thought, ‘As for how I knew? Well, that was from a different lifetime.’ Back then, Abbie had revealed the truth herself. But not a single person had believed her. Instead, she was sued again by that same s***g for defamation. A tragic ending.

“You’ve only got one shot. Whether you take it or not, it’s up to you,” Tiffany said, looking Abbie straight in the eye. Her voice was still casual. But there was a sharpness in her gaze. “If I were you, I wouldn’t rest until I crushed that piece of garbage into the ground Abbie’s whole body shuddered, lost in thoughts, I’ve dreamed of getting revenge on that bastard. Why should a backstabbing, ungrateful man like him rise to the top, while I have to scrape by? I’ve thought about it so many times. But no one would believe me, no one would… Abbie shook her head forcefully as she recalled the memories.

lany, with a half-smile, added, “Of course, if you’d rather keep quiet, then pretend I didn’t say anything.” Some people simply couldn’t be helped.

Abbie’s expression changed.

Just then, the loudspeaker announced the next scene was ready for filming. She had no choice but to return to the set. But her mind was racing. In that brief moment, so many thoughts flashed through her head. ‘I’m hitting bottom. Am I really that afraid of losing more?’ she questioned herself inwardly.

Then, in the next second, she made a bold, impulsive decision-one she would look back on years later with no regrets. She turned around and looked straight at Tiffany. “My contract isn’t up yet. Are you covering the penalty fee?” Tiffany grinned. “Of course.” “Alright.” Abbie nodded, and just then, the cameras started rolling again.

The female lead of this low-budget web series, the arrogant, haughty actress with a guaranteed spot in the show, raised her hand to slap Abbie on camera.

Smack! The sound echoed loudly. But this time, the slap hadn’t landed on the usually submissive Abbie. Instead, it was on the lead actress. Everyone was stunned, not knowing what on earth just happened.

The director was livid. “Cut! What the hell are you doing? That wasn’t in the script!” And then, for the first time in what seemed like ages, Abbie smiled. It was a small, subtle smile, but on her cold, expressionless face, it was as if she had suddenly come back to life-like she was once again the confident, shining star she had been before everything fell apart.

Everyone on set froze. Abbie looked different, almost unrecognizable. Then she spoke. “I’m not doing this anymore.” And with that, she turned to walk off the set to change out of her costume.

Everyone was in shock. The director was dumbfounded. “What? You’re quitting? We have a contract! You’ll owe three times the penalty fee! You can’t afford that!” Abbie, of course, had no money. Before going to prison, she’d already paid an enormous fee for breaching another contract. If she hadn’t needed the money so badly, she wouldn’t have agreed to do this low-budget web series in the first place.

The director knew this, and that was why he wasn’t taking her seriously. “You’d better get back into costume and apologize, or that penalty’s coming your way, and there’s no way you can avoid it!” But Abbie remained unfazed, calmly tossing back. “Don’t worry about it. It’s just a penalty fee. My boss can handle it.” Everyone burst into laughter. “Don’t you know your agency’s given up on you? They’ve already written you off. No one’s paying for someone as washed-up as you! Is your boss a dumba***” Abbie’s tone was indifferent. “Yeah. That’s why I just fired him.” Everyone thought that Abbie was mad. There was no other explanation. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be this reckless. She was burning all her bridges in the industry. There’d be no coming back from this. They wondered who gave her the guts. Under everyone’s confused, wide-eyed stares, Abbie walked straight up to Tiffany and calmly called out, “Boss.” The future boss was now officially the present boss. And Abbie couldn’t be happier.

Chapter 185 Chapter 185 Upon seeing Abbie call a young girl the boss, everyone in the room grew uneasy. It was like a lunatic had just run into a clueless kid, and everyone around seemed completely out of touch with reality.

“Seriously? Do you really think that little girl can pull this off? She’s not going to save your career!” “Stop dreaming!” “Last chance,” the director warned, stepping forward. “Apologize now, and I’ll let everything slide. Otherwise…” Before he could finish, Tiffany waved her hand dismissively. “Shut up! You sound like a fly buzzing around. Keep talking, and I’ll kick you out myself!” The entire film crew erupted in laughter.

“What? Did I hear you right? You’re going to throw us out? Little girl, do you even own this studio? What a joke!” “You think you can con us like you did Abbie? No way!” As they continued their banter, the group grew reckless. In addition to leaving trash scattered everywhere, one of them kicked the old wooden door of the historic set. The door didn’t stand a chance and broke with a loud crack.

Tiffany spoke up in a relaxed manner, “Nice job, pal. Destroying a piece of cultural heritage? I wonder how many years you’ll get for that?” With that, a snap of her fingers summoned Charlie, who happened to be on patrol. Sensing something was off, he rushed over with his team, almost as if he had appeared at Tiffany’s command.

As the head in charge, Charlie wore an official ID badge, which made it faces instantly changed. easy for the reckless group to recognize him. Their This situation could be serious, so the director thought he could smooth things over with some cash. Approaching with a friendly smile, he ingratiatingly said, “Mr. Kelley, it’s all a misunderstanding…” But before he could finish, Tiffany calmly interrupted, “Charlie, do what needs to be done. Don’t let anyone off easy.” The director and the crew were taken aback by Tiffany’s audacity. Not only was she calling Charlie by his name with that aloof attitude, but she was also barking orders as if she were above him. It was clear that Charlie wouldn’t be pleased to hear that.

After the initial shock, the director found himself oddly pleased. The more disrespectful Tiffany was, the easier it would be to downplay the situation. But to his surprise, instead of getting angry, Charlie nodded and said with enthusiasm, “Rest assured. I won’t let this slide!” His overly respectful tone left everyone feeling astonished and also curious about Tiffany’s true identity.

Satisfied, Tiffany nodded and calmly left with Abbie. Meanwhile, the arrogant group received the consequences they deserved. As for the broken door, they not only had to pay for it but would also face criminal charges for willfully damaging a historic site.

Not just the others, but even Abbie was stunned. Following Tiffany in a daze, she couldn’t help but ask, “Boss, who are you? Why is Mr. Kelley being so polite to you?” “Oh, you mean Charlie?” Tiffany replied, “That’s my dad.” Abbie couldn’t help but smirk, thinking to herself, “This father-daughter duo really knows how to put on a show!’ She asked again, “Did you want me to switch jobs because you own the company, or is it under Kelley Group?” “Well…” Tiffany paused and said seriously, “I’m actually planning to start an entertainment company So there is no company at all! Isn’t that surprising… Abbie bellowed inwardly and her elegant face showed a crack of disbelief. It seemed she had just jumped from one fire pit into another.

Tiffany rubbed her nose and flashed an innocent smile. “Don’t worry, I always deliver on my promises.” With that, she called Sean. After sharing her plan to start an entertainment company, Sean quickly replied, “That sounds like a great idea. There’s definitely a market for it.” Tiffany didn’t care much about his opinion. She casually dropped a hundred million dollars into the venture and got the company registered. She named it StarRise Entertainment. The first artist to sign on was Abbie Hopkins, a former A-list star now trying to revive her career.

Watching Tiffany’s whirlwind of actions, Abbie felt completely bamboozled. Even though she knew that Tiffany was backed by her father, Charlie, a big shot in Lovell City, this whole affair felt like Tiffany was just playing around. It seemed like Abbie had jumped from one difficult situation straight into another, with no real change in her circumstances. She felt a wave of disappointment wash over her; Tiffany might be playing this game for fun, but for Abbie, the stakes were high.

Tiffany smiled, not offering any further explanation. “Let’s go grab a bite to eat. Consider it a welcome from your new boss.” They headed to a trendy bistro in the city center, sitting down and ordering food. As they ate, Abbie found her appetite waning. She felt lost and completely unsure about the path she had just chosen. ‘Was this impulsive decision the right one?’ she wondered.

After their meal, Tiffany suggested they go shopping. “My team can’t look less than fabulous; pick out whatever you like, and I cover it.” Abbie couldn’t help but be amused, even as the afternoon.

she picked out a few items here and there. Their shopping spree lasted well into Once Abbie got back to her apartment and had just kicked off her shoes, the doorbell rang. When she opened it, she was shocked to see her new agent standing there, ready to sign her up.

“Wait, I thought you said there wasn’t a company yet?” Abbie exclaimed, her eyes wide.

The agent grinned. “Well, there is now!” Abbie’s jaw dropped. She had only met Tiffany earlier that day, and the company didn’t even exist then. Yet, in less than a day, StarRise Entertainment was registered, and the contract was already in her hands.

The agent continued, “I’ve already helped you terminate your old contract, so you don’t need to worry about that.” Abbie’s former company was eager to get rid of her, so the process was a breeze. The penalty fees were also sorted out.

The speed of it all was astonishing. It took Abbie a moment to grasp what was happening. She hadn’t been duped; she had really latched onto Tiffany’s success. She couldn’t believe what an incredible stroke of luck and opportunity she received.

Without a second thought, Abbie signed the contract. But before she could fully process it, the agent dropped another bombshell. “Miss Kelley secured you an audition for Oliver Fraser’s new film. Here’s the script. Prepare well; if you nail it, you could be back on top!” ‘Back on top… How distant that feels.’ Abbie pondered as she stared at the script, her fingers trembling with excitement. ‘Earlier, Tiffany mentioned that she’d get me an audition for Oliver Fraser, a big-time director. I thought it a mere fantasy- there is no way someone like me can land a role in a film directed by him. But now, every word she spoke has come true.’ Trying to contain her excitement, Abbie took a deep breath. At that moment, she felt a wave of gratitude for her impulsive decision today. Clutching the script tightly, she nodded firmly. “I’m in.”

Chapter 186 Chapter 186 His expression immediately darkened when Tiffany told Oliver Fraser about the casting decision. “Absolutely not!” he protested, clearly unhappy with the choice.

Abbie Hopkins received a lot of bad press. Despite being a talented actress and winning two prestigious awards early in her career, which he initially admired and considered working with her, things quickly took a turn. Not long after, she ended up in prison for assault charges.

The only silver lining was that the person Abbie hurt wasn’t seriously injured; otherwise, she wouldn’t even have the chance for a comeback. Even so, no one dared to cast her anymore. If the audience didn’t accept her, it would be a significant loss for him.

Oliver responded, “I’ve got my eye on another newcomer. I think she’s a perfect fit.” He tried to persuade Tiffany.

However, Tiffany remained unmoved. “I’ve already made the announcement. The decision will be based on Abbie’s performance at the audition the day after tomorrow. Of course, your newcomer is welcome to audition as well.” ‘Everyone should compete fairly,‘ she thought. After all, Tiffany wasn’t the type to be overly oppressive or have the final say in everything. If she were, it would be more obvious.

Oliver was left speechless and could only nod in reluctant agreement. It was already written into the contract, and he had prepared for this from the start. Now, he could only hope the actress he had chosen wouldn’t disappoint him.

It was the day of the audition. The filming location was the Lovell City studio, and the audition was held there.

With the audition happening right in her backyard, Tiffany had no reason not to show up and support Abbie. After all, Abbie was the first artist signed under her company. The success of this film depended on whether StarRise Entertainment could genuinely make a name for itself.

At 9 a.m., Abbie and her new agent stood at the entrance of the audition building, ready to go inside, when a car slowly pulled up in front. They initially thought it was another auditioning artist arriving, but to their surprise, the person who stepped out of the car was Tiffany.

“Boss?” Abbie exclaimed in surprise. Tiffany had already paved the way for her, yet she still took the time to be there in person, clearly there to show her support. This gesture was quite moving for Abbie.

Tiffany calmly waved her hand. “Don’t call me that in public. I’m not the registered owner of the company; call me by my name.” Aside from a few, no outsiders knew that Tiffany was the mastermind behind StarRise Entertainment.

Abbie nodded in agreement. The three entered the building and took the elevator to the twenty–fifth floor. The staff had made arrangements, and directional signs were posted on the walls. They were the first to arrive.

While waiting in the lounge, Abbie sat down and focused on reviewing her script. Even though she had spent the past few days tirelessly analyzing it, she still felt extremely nervous. After all, this audition was crucial for her career and future; whether she could turn things around depended on securing this role. It was hard not to feel anxious.

Upon seeing her anxiety, Tiffany said softly, “Do you know why I chose you?” Even though StarRise Entertainment was established on a whim and had been only two days since its founding with no artists signed yet, Tiffany had the financial resources to quickly bring in new talent whenever she wanted. She specifically chose Abbie despite her being labeled as a washed–up actress with a troubled past.

Abbie was taken aback. She thought, ‘Of course, with StarRise Entertainment’s resources and potential, it has everything to offer. So, why was I chosen?‘ She shook her head in confusion.

Tiffany replied calmly, “Because you and I share similarities, I believe you can understand the character in this script better than anyone else.” She wrote the script and closely mirrored Tiffany’s and Abbie’s backgrounds.

13 Chapter 186 Only those who have experienced it can truly understand the ambition of wanting to rise again after falling into the depths. “So, don’t worry, and certainly don’t be afraid. You need to believe in yourself and show that confidence,” Tiffany said, looking at Abbie, speaking each word slowly and deliberately. “I want to see your ambition.” ‘Ambition?‘ Abbie felt a momentary daze. She had thought she had long lost that sense of ambition, as reality always dealt her harsh blows.

But at that moment, seeing Tiffany’s bright and carefree smile in front of her, she suddenly realized that as long as she was alive, it was never too late to rise again. So, she nodded, her expression more serious than ever before.

“Yes, I can,” Abbie said with determination. No longer looking at the script, she closed her eyes to rest and began mentally rehearsing her lines, which she had already memorized thoroughly, over and over again.

Upon seeing this, the agent, Nevach Roger, felt concerned and whispered to Tiffany, “Is this a good idea?” She didn’t doubt Abbie’s acting skills; she was just worried that Tiffany’s words might lead Abbic to underestimate the importance of this audition.

Competitions were always ruthless. It was easy to speak so confidently then, but there was a chance the director might not have recognized her potential.

Tiffany smiled and said calmly, “It’s okay.” She was the one with the most authority when it came to casting. Since she had already chosen Abbie, there was no possibility of changing her mind.

The audition was merely a formality intended to win Oliver’s approval, so she felt no concern.

After sitting for about ten minutes, several more newcomers began to arrive for the audition. These were the few candidates Oliver considered promising enough to give a chance, totaling no more than five.

It wasn’t until the last newcomer swaggered into the lounge that everyone heard her voice before she stepped inside. “You expect me to rest here? Don’t you know I should have a private lounge?” Her tone was as arrogant as ever.

‘This voice sounds a bit familiar,’ Tiffany thought; she looked up to see a flamboyantly dressed woman strutting in with pride. As luck would have it, it was Wendy Trujillo, the daughter of the Trujillo family, one of the four prominent families in Traron City.

In the spacious lounge, even with a dozen people gathered, Wendy spotted Tiffany immediately. No matter the time or occasion, Tiffany always drew attention; even in profile, her features remained flawless and strikingly beautiful.

Wendy stared for a few seconds, then returned to reality and sneered. “You’re here for the audition too?” Her tone dripped with hostility..

Others also turned to glance, each carrying a hint of caution and unease. After all, Tiffany’s face was too recognizable; if she genuinely aimed to debut, it would be incredibly easy for her. For the others, this was a significant threat.

Tiffany smiled. “I didn’t realize Miss Trujillo was also in the industry. How come I’ve never seen any of your work?” With what Tiffany said, Wendy was left utterly speechless.

She had debuted three years ago, leveraging the resources from the Trujillo family to land roles in major films and dramas alongside big names. Yet, due to her lack of acting skills and unremarkable looks, even the characters meant to be minor had outshone her. It was a deep wound for her. And now, having it brought up publicly by Tiffany, someone as proud as Wendy felt utterly humiliated.

Chapter 187 Chapter 187 She gritted her teeth, holding back her frustration repeatedly until she finally snapped with a sarcastic jab, “If you’ve never seen it, that’s just because you’re clueless!” Tiffany went along, flashing an innocent smile. “Alright, as long as you’re happy.” Wendy was speechless, on the verge of losing it. That was meant to agree with her, but instead of feeling even a bit happy, her frustration only deepened.

Just then, a staff member came over to announce that the auditions were officially starting and that everyone should enter according to the number they received. Abbie was third in line, while Wendy was second. The first person had already gone in-a complete newcomer, but they had put in the effort. Their hair was neatly styled, giving off a fresh and confident vibe.

Tiffany stood up and said to Abbie and Nevaeh, “I’m going to the restroom.” With that, she headed out. As the screenwriter and casting director, she naturally had to go backstage to observe their performances.

Wendy assumed Tiffany was getting nervous about her audition, letting out a dismissive laugh. Her face was full of confidence as she declared, “Just wait and see; this role is mine!” Tiffany stuck to her usual line, “As long as you’re happy.” ‘If fooling yourself doesn’t tire you out, that is,’ she thought. After stepping out and taking advantage of the empty hallway, Tiffany quietly opened the audition room door. Inside, Oliver was waiting for her. Seeing her enter, he finally spoke, “Let’s begin.” The audition room was designed to prevent actors from feeling pressured. A mirror divided the space, allowing the judges to watch the performances while remaining unseen by the actors.

The script was about a girl betrayed by her lover and friend who fell into a deep sleep for several years before awakening. Faced with the harsh reality of a world that had changed while she was gone and the profound sense of disorientation and loneliness that came with it, this complex emotional journey required a performer with exceptional acting skills.

However, the first person’s acting skills were only superficial. After one performance, all that remained was a sense of emptiness and daze. Tiffany remained silent; she turned to gauge Oliver’s reaction. She noticed him marking a cross expressionlessly, indicating that this newcomer had not passed the audition.

The second to arrive was Wendy. As soon as she stepped into the audition room, she looked at the mirror and said, “Mr. Fraser, I’ve dreamed of the chance to work with you. I can’t believe you gave me an audition opportunity.” As she spoke, she flashed a sweet smile that made her appear shy, a stark contrast to the overbearing attitude she had just displayed in the waiting room.

Wendy worked hard to create a good impression but didn’t forget to stab someone in the back. “By the way, Mr. Fraser, let me tell you something secret. Among the few newcomers behind me, there’s one named Tiffany Kelley. You should be careful not to be fooled by her!

“Her personal life is a mess, and her behavior is questionable-she only knows how to seduce men. People like her may look good on the surface, but that’s all they’ve got!” Fortunately, the mirror wasn’t two-way so that Wendy couldn’t see that just on the other side, Tiffany was sitting at the judging table, watching her performance with a playful expression. She thought, ‘This is amusing.

Oliver’s expression darkened. If Tiffany was indeed here to audition, it might sway him; first impressions could quickly turn negative. As a director and investor, he didn’t want rumors about the lead actor’s questionable reputation circulating before ar after the film’s release.

But Tiffany wasn’t interested in entering the industry. She was here solely as a screenwriter to cast roles. Since there was no audition for her, it was clear that Wendy’s remarks were nothing but deliberate slander.

Oliver spoke in a cold tone cutting her off directly. “Just go ahead and perform; don’t waste more time.” “Alright.” It was the first time Wendy had been ignored like this, especially with an impatient tone. She would have stormed off in anger at any other time, but she couldn’t afford to offend Oliver if she wanted to make it in the entertainment industry. So, she swallowed her irritation.

She then began her performance. In just five minutes, Tiffany quickly understood why Wendy had not achieved success; it was because she lacked any fundamental acting skills.

The performance was painfully awkward, turning a well-crafted, resilient female lead into a fool. Wendy’s exaggerated acting and loud outbursts of anger were sharp and piercing in an unpleasant way. Yet, she carried on with an inexplicable confidence.

Tiffany couldn’t help but laugh. On the other hand, Oliver had a dark expression as he marked a big red cross.

This time, he couldn’t hold back any longer. Oliver began to offer his critique, his words sharp and incisive. “You need to work on your acting skills. In comparison, your performance when badmouthing others was practically flawless.” ‘What?’ she thought; Wendy was speechless and deeply affected, incredulously asking, “Mr. Fraser, what was wrong with my performance?” She was pretty satisfied with her performance.

Oliver was so frustrated that he felt a haze clouding his vision and didn’t want to say anything. Tiffany laughed and lazily said, “Next.” The voice was somewhat crisp and sounded familiar. Wendy paused momentarily, straining to look into the mirror as if trying to figure out who was sitting inside. But no matter how she looked, she could only see her reflection.

A staff member promptly escorted her out. Abbie was the next. Oliver wouldn’t want to give her a chance to audition if it weren’t for Tiffany’s sake. But now that she was already here, he could only sit back and quietly observe.

“Go ahead,” he said, and he could sense the shift in Abbie’s demeanor.

She transformed from her usual style into a figure shrouded in deep sorrow, like a girl who had endured unimaginable hardship. She stared quietly ahead, her clear, beautiful eyes free of tears, emanating a profound sense of desolation that stirred a deep emotional response in anyone watching.

Then she spoke, her voice soft and gentle as she delivered the brief lines. “You owe me so much that you “Me? Yes, I truly deserve this…” can’t repay.

Then she lifted her head, a faint smile gracing her face. It combined innocence with a hint of darkness, suggesting transformation that had risen from despair.

a After the performance ended, Oliver was captivated by her smile and gaze, unable to shake off the moment. He thought, ‘No wonder she’s an award-winning actress with such explosive acting skills.

At that moment, he felt as though he wasn’t looking at Abbie but at the character from the story itself. Her straightforward interpretation delivered a profound emotional impact without costumes, sets, or props, showing she truly understood the role. Oliver sat there, momentarily speechless.

Tiffany was pleased as well. However, she remained calm and composed, quietly waiting for Oliver’s decision, not showing any impatience.

After a long pause, Oliver let out a sigh. He then turned to Tiffany, expressing with a hint of admiration, “I understand now why you were so determined to secure Abbie Hopkins for this role.

“Indeed, she comes from the depths and is bound to rise from them.

“Let’s go with her.” With the role confirmed, the remaining candidates no longer needed to audition. In moments, Abbie and her agent stayed behind to discuss the contract details.

Having concluded her business, Tiffany went downstairs, and her men blocked her path.

ady to leave. However, as she stepped out of the building, Wendy

Chapter 188 Chapter 188 Tiffany wore a knowing smile as she took in the scene. The blockade was quite impressive. Several stern-looking, muscular bodyguards accompanied Wendy, besides two assistants serving her and holding an umbrella for shade. The group effectively surrounded her.

Wendy sneered. “Last time in Traron City, I let you off because you had Richard backing you. But this time, if you dare to ruin my plans, I’ll ensure you learn a lesson.” She came to the audition brimming with confidence, convinced that the role was hers. But to her surprise, she was rejected. Thinking back to Oliver’s impatient demeanor, she was confident that Tiffany had said something behind her back to tarnish her reputation.

With old grievances and new grudges combined, Wendy raised her hand and commanded, “Go hold her down!” “Understood!” The bodyguards responded immediately, getting ready to take action.

Even though Wendy was a public figure, no one was around. Moreover, the Trujillo family was influential enough to cover up any incidents that might arise, so they felt no hesitation in resorting to violence.

Tiffany chuckled, lazily glancing at them. “Is that all? It’s not even enough to practice on.” The arrogance in her words was palpable. Without needing any command from Wendy, several bodyguards grabbed Tiffany by the shoulders immediately. Once they had her firmly restrained, it wouldn’t matter how Wendy chose to deal with her- Tiffany would be unable to fight back and could only endure the bullying.

However, just as the lead bodyguard reached out, he was suddenly met with a more potent force restraining him. He looked up in shock at Tiffany, stammering, “You…” Before him stood Tiffany, smiling gently. Her breathtaking beauty was vivid and captivating, yet her intense energy was fearsome, evoking an unsettling presence.

He tried to break free from the grip, but Tiffany applied more pressure, and the sound of cracking bones echoed along with a wave of intense pain.

“Ah!” With three fingers hanging limply, the bodyguard let out a cry of pain and stumbled back, falling to the ground.

The other bodyguards rushed in, but one was kicked away while another was punched into the ground. Amidst the cries of agony, the five burly bodyguards lay scattered on the ground, writhing in pain.

Tiffany stood confidently in place, her presence commanding and regal. With a casual flick to brush off nonexistent dust from her sleeve, she said, “Who’s next? Is it you?” “No…” Wendy stumbled back, overwhelmed by fear. She thought, ‘This woman is truly terrifying!’ The strikes came with lightning speed. Although everything unfolded before her eyes, Wendy couldn’t see how Tiffany made her moves. All she heard were the cries of agony as her once-proud bodyguards fell one after another-wholly defenseless and unable to withstand a single blow.

Wendy stumbled back, her assistants trembling beside her in fear, worried they might get caught in the crossfire. After a leave…” moment of struggle, she forced herself to say, “I-I won’t cause you any trouble. You can She thought, ‘Leave?’ Tiffany smiled enigmatically and replied, “Oh, that wouldn’t do at all.

“How about this? I won’t make things difficult for you. If you apologize to me, I’ll forgive your foolishness today. Fair enough, right?” Upon hearing this, Wendy nearly bit her teeth in frustration. Even though she had initially sought trouble with Tiffan turned out that Tiffany emerged unscathed while her bodyguards were left battered and bruised. There was no reason for her to be the one to apologize, Wendy’s expression darkened as she snapped, “Absolutely not!” Tiffany sighed and said, “Alright, I won’t push you.” She seemed ready to let it go and didn’t want to drag things out. Wendy was taken aback, not expecting Tiffany to be so accommodating.

As she breathed relief, Tiffany casually continued, “If you won’t, then I will, after all…” As she spoke, Tiffany smiled, her bright eyes glimmering with a hint of mischief. “After all, forcing an apology is something I enjoy the most.” Wendy was speechless; she thought, ‘Is she a devil?’ Tiffany stride toward her, exuding a fierce determination that indicated she was serious about forcing an apology.

A chill ran down Wendy’s spine as she quickly made her decision. “It was my mistake; I shouldn’t have caused you After briefly pausing, she gritted her teeth and added, “I’m sorry…” For now, she chose to swallow her pride.

Tiffany seemed satisfied and casually dismissed her, saying, “Alright, you can leave now.” trouble.” Tiffany’s tone felt dismissive as if treating Wendy as insignificant, which only fueled Wendy’s anger. However, she could do nothing.

With so many of her people unable to match Tiffany’s strength, Wendy had no choice but to leave in defeat. Meanwhile, the remaining bodyguards struggled to get up from the ground and headed to another vehicle, collectively heading to the hospital. Their situation was quite pitiful.

Tiffany glanced at the time and, deciding not to head to school or home just yet, resolved to stop at Luna Villa. As she was about to get into her car, a vehicle passed. Through the slightly open window, she caught a fleeting glimpse of a profile in the back seat, an image that left her momentarily intrigued.

It was a beautiful young girl radiating a gentle yet ethereal aura, as if untouched by the world’s impurities.

Tiffany froze for a moment, her heart suddenly racing. She thought, ‘Melody Princeton?’ The girl in the car was undoubtedly Melody. In her previous encounter, Kenneth truly cherished Melody, aside from Sandra, who was his other significant love.

At that time, Melody transferred to Lovell School, captivating countless admirers, including Kenneth. The two shared a deep affection for each other and had an excellent relationship. However, for reasons unknown, Melody ended up coinmitting murder.

When Kenneth learned the news, he went to great lengths to suppress the incident, trying every possible way to clear Melody’s name. However, at that time, Melody suggested finding someone with a similar build to take the blame for her. This way, she would no longer have to live in fear.

Kenneth, being the typical lovestruck fool, was utterly smitten with Melody. So, he saw no issue with her plan and readily agreed to it.

Tiffany smiled, her eyebrows lifting mockingly.

Then Kenneth found her and promised that if Tiffany helped take the blame for Melody, he would marry her according to their engagement on the day she was released from prison. She agreed, and that was when the tragedy began.

According to this timeline, it wouldn’t be long before Melody appeared as a transfer student. It was uncertain whether she would commit murder again this time, but if she did, Kenneth would likely try to take the blame for her once more. Tiffar smirked at the thought; she had been foolish to agree to such an absurd condition.

Looking back, it was clear that Melody had come up with that idea with malicious intent. She was likely connected to Sandra, as the Kelley family had fallen apart after her imprisonment in her previous encounter. Furthermore, only Sandra and Melody had laughed triumphantly while the Kelley family faced one disaster after another.

Tiffany’s gaze grew increasingly cold. She thought that none of these people would escape.

Chapter 189 Chapter 189 The car disappeared from Tiffany’s sight as it merged into the traffic flow. Twenty minutes later, it stopped in front of the hospital. In the back seat, Melody paid the fare and thanked the driver before quickly entering the hospital, cradling a thermos filled with meat broth.

In the VIP ward at the same time, Kenneth had been preoccupied with thoughts of the girl who had saved him during his near-death experience after being chased. Even though her face had been obscured, those apparent eyes had left an unforgettable impression, etched in his mind and impossible to erase. He was desperate to find her.

However, after sending people to search throughout Lovell City, it was as if the girl had vanished without a trace, leaving no Kenneth sighed as he sat up in his bed. After the Miracle Healer had come to administer treatment a few days ago, the pain he experienced at that time was indeed excruciating. However, since then, the wounds on his body have significantly lessened in pain, and his recovery speed has noticeably improved.

Even though he felt a bit of disdain for the eccentric and confrontational Miracle Healer, he had to admit that their astonishing skills and abilities were awe-inspiring and impossible to ignore.

Having been lying down for too long and feeling restless, Kenneth decided to get up and stroll around the hospital. He rode the elevator down smoothly to the first floor. However, as he rounded the corner after stepping out of the elevator, he collided with a girl rushing past.

The girl’s thermos accidentally fell to the ground, spilling soup everywhere and creating quite a mess. Kenneth immediately apologized, saying, “I’m so sorry! Are you hurt?” The girl looked sadly at the spilled soup on the ground, feeling frustrated as she patted her head. Hearing his words, she raised her head and replied apologetically, “It was my fault for being reckless; it’s not yours. By the way, are you okay?” The moment the girl lifted her head, her clear, sparkling eyes struck Kenneth like a jolt. The charming face before him seemed identical to the girl who had saved him that night. The more he looked, the more the image in his memory overlapped with the girl standing before him.

Kenneth felt a surge of excitement as he grasped the girl’s hand. His voice was urgent and tense as he asked, “You saved me, right? It was you that night, wasn’t it?” “What are you talking about?” The girl said, clearly flustered. She perceived him as turning mad and instinctively pulled away, her voice trembling as she added, “Please let go!” Kenneth, still recovering from his injuries, felt the impact of their collision jolt him painfully. The girl quickly slipped from his grasp, vanishing around the corner before he could even begin to chase after her. Leaning against the wall, he panted heavily, his breath in short gasps. The motion had reopened some of his worst wounds, blood seeping through the bandages and quickly staining his shirt.

After realizing he had left the ward, the nurse and two bodyguards from the Harper family immediately rushed downstairs to look for him. It didn’t take them long to locate him.

Seeing him covered in cold sweat with his wound reopened, they quickly rushed over to support him. “Mr. Harper, are you alright?” “I’m fine…” Kenneth disregarded his injuries, pointing at the mess and the discarded thermos on the ground as he told his subordinates, “Find her, find her!” After saying this, he fainted.

Though his words were disjointed, the two subordinates understood clearly. After all, during Kenneth’s hospitalization, he had repeatedly mentioned wanting to find someone. They had deployed numerous resources and searched everywhere in Lovell City, yet they still hadn’t found the person he was looking for.

After all, the location where Kenneth had the incident was quite remote, and it had happened late at night without any surveillance cameras. Finding anyone who had passed by then was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Now, seeing Kenneth so agitated, the two subordinates looked down at the discarded thermos and were puzzled. It seemed that the person Kenneth was looking for had just been here. After sending Kenneth back to his ward and calling for a doctor, they reviewed the surveillance footage and started asking questions around the hospital based on the footage.

By the time Kenneth woke up two hours later, a detailed report had already been placed in his hands. “Mr. Harper, this is the young lady you asked us to find.” Kenneth quickly took the report, and his anxious heart began to calm down, softening even his previously gloomy expression. The first line revealed the name–Melody Princeton.

Next to it was a photo provided by his subordinate. In the picture, Melody wore a neat ponytail, looking fresh and clean, with a gentle smile that made her appear bright and enchanting.

Kenneth eagerly continued to read. [Melody Princeton, female, age nineteen.] [She resides in Lovell City, where she lives with her parents and an older brother. However, due to her brother’s gambling addiction and lack of ambition, the family struggles financially, forcing Melody Princeton to take on part-time jobs.] Even this time, she came to the hospital to care for her sick mother, who couldn’t afford a nurse, so she took time each day to help. A girl at such a young age having to endure all this made Kenneth’s grip tighten.

As he continued reading, the file indicated that Melody was in the process of transferring schools. Due to her excellent grades, she qualified for an exceptional admission into Lovell School. As a high-achieving transfer student, she was awarded a substantial scholarship, which would free her from the need to work part-time.” Kenneth felt a surge of excitement. It meant he would have more opportunities to get closer to her. Moreover, given his reckless behavior today, Melody was indeed frightened. He needed to find time to explain everything to her adequately.

He couldn’t help but feel impatient at the thought, so he asked, “When is she officially transferring to the school?” His subordinate replied, “Next Monday.” Sensing only two days left, Kenneth immediately said, “Get my discharge ready for the day after tomorrow! I need to get back to school!” “Mr. Harper, your injuries haven’t healed yet. The doctor said you can’t move around too much right now; otherwise, your wounds could reopen at any moment.” His subordinate immediately tried to dissuade him, but it was impossible to reason with someone in such a state of urgency. Kenneth, lost in the joy of finally finding the person from his dreams, paid no attention to the warning.

At this moment, one of the subordinates couldn’t help but speak up. “Mr. Harper, are you sure that Miss Princeton is the person you’ve been looking for? During our investigation, we found that she never left her original school on the night of your incident.” He continued, “So, Mr. Harper, are you certain you haven’t mistaken the person you’ve been so obsessed with?” After expressing his concerns, Kenneth gave him a cold glare and a warning, saying, “I know my mother doesn’t want me to find the person who saved me, but remember, this matter must be kept under wraps. My parents cannot find out, or the consequences will be on you!”

Chapter 190 Chapter 190 He had never threatened his people or used such a harsh tone before. But this time, not only was he angry, but his stance was also straightforward: those who followed him would prosper, while those who opposed him would perish.

The subordinate trying to persuade him could only nod in agreement, responding, “Yes, Mr. Harper.” The weekend was a bit tumultuous. When the official announcement for Oliver’s newly directed drama “Dreams of Rising” was released, it drew significant attention worldwide after learning that an unknown screenwriter had written the story and various opinions had been circulated. Many curious individuals couldn’t help but seek out the original story to read it for themselves.

Opinions on the story varied widely, with some praising it while others critiquing it. However, despite its brevity, the narrative was undeniably captivating. It had emotional highs and lows, resonating with many.

This was especially true considering the legendary Oliver, known for his remarkable talent, was the director behind the project. The industry had a saying: [If Oliver Fraser is involved, you can expect nothing less than excellence!] As a result, the casting for his new drama garnered significant attention and anticipation. When the official poster was released, most viewers were instantly excited.

[The leading actress is Abbie Hopkins?] How could it possibly be Abbie Hopkins?] Most people had forgotten this name entirely, but many others couldn’t escape the lingering scandals and unmentionable past. It didn’t require competitors to buy marketing accounts to smear her; simply holding onto Abbie’s past would unleash a torrent of negative public opinion.

In no time, the comments section of Oliver’s account exploded, with thousands demanding a change in the leading actress. Some even declared that they wouldn’t watch any production featuring Abbie.

Oliver was quite troubled by this situation. However, since he had already cast the actress for the role, replacing her was out of the question. He had anticipated such a reaction.

After much contemplation, Oliver updated his status: [I used to think the same way. But later, I found it truly delightful. There’s no need to rush or be anxious-wait and see.] This statement showed that he wouldn’t be swayed by outside opinions and had no intention of changing the cast, even if it meant taking a gamble this time.

The waves of controversy and public opinion gradually subsided with his statement, but some of Abbie’s longtime fans were overjoyed, hoping sincerely for their idol’s return to the public eye. Coincidentally, Zoe was one of them. So when Tiffany walked into class on Monday, she was greeted by an excited Zoe rushing over.

“Tiffany, Tiffany, did you hear? An idol I’ve loved for so many years is making a comeback!” Zoe exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. “I can’t believe a boss with such good taste managed to pull my idol away from that awful company!” Tiffany glanced at Zoe’s phone and saw the casting announcement for “Dreams of Rising.” Abbie’s striking poster stood out prominently amidst the excitement.

“You like her?” Tiffany chuckled, ruffling Zoe’s hair playfully. “I’ll take you to meet her one day, the real deal, up close and personal.” “Tiffany, are you joking with me?” Zoe usually had unwavering trust in her and spoke with a hint of skepticism for the first time.

Tiffany paused for two seconds before rephrasing, “Abbie Hopkins is filming this drama at the Lovell City studio. If you want to check it out, you can.” “Really?” Zoe exclaimed, her excitement palpable. “I want to go, want to gol” “I’ll take you there this weekend,” Tiffany replied.

“Tiffany, I love you so much! We’ll sneak in quietly and take a quick look. I promise I’ll be on my best behavior!” Zoe exclaimed.

Tiffany couldn’t help but laugh, “Alright.” She just hoped Zoe would still be this calm when the time came.

Gradually, more students filled the classroom. To everyone’s surprise, Kenneth, whose injuries hadn’t fully healed, arrived at school.

Someone jokingly remarked, “Mr. Harper is determined despite his injuries.” Kenneth ignored them, his gaze fixed intently outside as if waiting for someone to arrive.

Tiffany felt a surge of realization. Remembering the figure she had glimpsed by the roadside last Friday and Kenneth’s distracted demeanor, she wondered if Melody had transferred to the school.

As expected, a few minutes later, the teacher led a girl dressed in the same uniform. She introduced her to the class with a pretty appearance and gentle demeanor. “Everyone, please welcome our new student, Melody Princeton. Melody has excellent grades, so if you have any questions in the future, feel free to ask her for help.” Applause erupted in welcome. Tiffany remained still, her smile lingering, a blend of amusement and intrigue.

At that moment, Melody scanned the crowd from the stage, her gaze landing on Tiffany. Few in the entire class or even the whole school had such striking and beautiful features as Tiffany’s, which always caught attention at first glance.

Melody’s eyes flickered for a moment. She subtly shifted her gaze, nodded politely, and offered a gentle, sweet smile.

When the seating arrangements were made, someone kindly offered her a seat nearby. Just as Melody was about to accept the classmate’s goodwill and move over, a sudden voice interrupted, “Why not sit here with me?” The person speaking was Kenneth, who was usually composed and gentlemanly. The entire class fell into an eerie silence as soon as his words fell.

No one expected Kenneth to take the initiative to speak up like this. Given that he had come to school despite his injuries, everyone couldn’t help but wonder if he had come specifically for Melody.

In an instant, everyone’s expressions shifted subtly. Their gazes flitted back and forth between Kenneth and Tiffany. Many of them looked at Tiffany with sympathy, considering she was still Kenneth’s fiancée.

The outcome was that, as his fiancée, she had never been able to compete with anyone. It all started with Sandra, who had a complicated and ambiguous relationship with Kenneth. Just when Sandra finally stepped back, now married to someone else, another rival, Melody, emerged. One could only ask-how tragic was that? It was indeed a disaster.

Under everyone’s watchful and subtle gazes, Melody turned and walked straight to Tiffany’s side. With a hint of innocence in her smile and a touch of shyness and unease, she asked, “Hi, may I sit in this seat next to you?” “You’re welcome to,” Tiffany replied calmly, her expression relaxed and casual.

With that, Melody took her seat. The desks weren’t tightly packed together, as the classroom was spacious, and each desk was arranged in fixed rows with a considerable gap in between, which made little difference to the overall atmosphere.

As class began, Kenneth was on edge the entire time. His concern was solely for Melody, worrying that as a newcomer without friends, she might struggle to fit in and could be bullied or challenged by Tiffany. However, he overestimated the situation; the class went smoothly, and nothing unusual occurred.

When the class bell rang, Kenneth hurried over to Melody’s side you… do you remember me?

“I didn’t mean to scare you that day at the hospital. I was just reall make you uncomfortable.”