As the dawn broke, Maria finished her morning routine and picked up her bag to head out.Just as she opened her door, a figure darted into her sight. Startled, she stepped back, only for her hand to be grabbed the next moment."Mimi..."Luna pulled her out of the room, peeking inside before cautiously closing the door."Why didn't you reply to my messages yesterday?"Maria, acting as if they were co-conspirators, led Luna to the elevators."I was with Charles all day, so how could I reply? I didn't even dare to check my messages."Luna cast a meaningful glance at Maria. She couldn't believe Maria still might be oblivious to the fact that Charles knew the truth about her and Mia.With this thought, Luna shook her head, her expression filled with a mock despair."You really made a mess yesterday. Thankfully, Director Grant doesn't dare to offend Charles. Otherwise, if Mimi lost her role, you'd be in a real jam."Maria just chuckled lightly.At the elevator, Luna pressed the button and

Maria’s laughter echoed in the room, a mix of amusement and disbelief. "Why should I compensate you? Haven't you already been paid by Director Grant?"Maria had become a precious asset in Director Grant's eyes, and he wouldn't stand by while she was mistreated.He bristled at Samuel Wright's audacity, his face hardening. "Samuel Wright! Stop making a fuss. I know we delayed a day, but I compensated you. You've done nothing and received a good sum. You should feel lucky!"Samuel's anger stemmed from the fact that despite being hired for a handsome sum, he had not been valued. Hearing Director Grant air his grievance in front of the entire crew, suggesting he had somehow benefited unfairly, only stoked his rage."Who needs your money? What I value is my time! Do you know how much I can make by playing a game? The money you gave me isn't even worth my time!""If it's not worth your time, why are you here?" Director Grant, known for his temper, wasn't one to be disrespected.He stepped f

The billiard room where Charles decided to play was neither near nor far from the film set. It required a few minutes by car, or over ten minutes on foot.Maria was familiar with the location, and her anxiety to see Charles made her sprint down the narrow path without hesitation.Her slender figure moved swiftly, much faster than girls her age. The urgency in her heart propelled her forward, and remarkably, she covered the distance in just under ten minutes.As soon as she spotted the billiard room, she rushed inside."Charles..."She called out as she ran, but her breathless panting stopped her from calling out his name again. She finally found the room Charles had given her the address for. Placing her hands on the door, she pushed it open forcefully, " Charles..."The room swung open before her eyes, revealing an empty space, save for the pool table and a single person Charlie was leaning against the pool table. Hearing her voice, he gently lifted his eyelids, a warmth in his ey

Luna sat on the couch, watching Mia across the room. Mia was alternating between anger and smugness over something on Twitter, and Luna frowned in irritation."Mimi," she said, considering the situation, "you should step back from the shoot. Let Maria take over and finish the film."When Mia looked up at Luna, Luna had already concealed the irritation in her eyes. Luna was the considerate, protective older sister Mia knew.Mia didn't read into it, but frustration bubbled up within her. "Why, Luna? The marks on my body are fading. A bit of concealer can cover them, and they're nearly invisible without it."She had stayed home for days to hide the love bites on her neck. This morning, seeing the marks almost gone, Luna told her that Maria would take over the shooting, kicking her out of the film. Anybody would be upset by this.Watching Mia’s outburst, Luna shook her head but replied calmly, "Mimi, it's mainly because of Maria. She's shown off her pool skills on set, even challenging

Luna and Charles didn't try to stop her. Luna even chuckled, "Poor Mimi, she's beaten."She didn't want to keep them waiting, so Maria made a beeline for the restroom. But about ten meters out, she saw a man at the entrance -- a man she knew.A rush of anger surged within her as she recognized him under the dim streetlight."Alexander, you're guarding the restroom now?"She didn't run away but went toward him. On her wrist was a monitor bracelet from Charles . Even if Charles was not watching now, she could use this as evidence when she told him about Mia’s matter later.To his surprise, Alexander had not expected "Mia" to approach him. He gave a slight smirk, his eyes full of lewd amusement."Miss me, Mia?""In your dreams! Bastard!"Maria cursed, yet she stopped when she was about ten feet away from Alexander.Even if she intended to gather evidence, she had to ensure her safety first."Oh, the pianist has a potty mouth..."She didn't move, so Alexander did, closing the distance be