"Sir, given your reputation as a resilient director, what led to the decision of allowing a producer to interfere with your audition and undermine your creative direction?""Crossing paths with Mr. Kingston? That's playing with fire. He's the big cheese at Royman Productions, the heavyweight of high-budget films. Just a mention of his name is a reality check for the haughty and overly particular actors."Alice entered the audition room, catching snippets of Director Smith's conversation with his assistant. Andrew's industry charisma intrigued her, but his imposing presence stirred a sense of apprehension.A few moments earlier, after leaving the press conference, she got a call from Andrew."Head home immediately. We need to talk," Andrew said with authority.Alice anticipated this fallout, having witnessed her shoulder the blame for Monica. He must be furious, and she can't face him right now."I am afraid I can't make it. I have something important on schedule." Alice denied it polit
The next morning, Alice opened her eyes to find she had slept in. "Oh no, I overslept," she exclaimed, quickly securing her long hair in a messy bun before leaving the room."This enormous mansion is really not my comfort zone. Ah, I miss the coziness of my own home," she muttered, continuing her hunt for something."Are you looking for something?"A sudden voice from behind made Alice jump in fear. "You startled me," she exclaimed, patting her heart as she turned around.Seeing Andrew in workout gear for the first time left her dumbfounded. His built-up chest and biceps were showcased in a snug vest, and his typically neat hair now tousled, giving him an unexpectedly alluring, out-of-the-world look."Finished admiring the view?" Andrew's finger snapped in front of her face, pulling her out of reverie, and he strolled into the kitchen, with her following suit."I wasn't ogling on you, no way," Alice quipped from behind.Andrew turned, gave her a look, and playfully rolled his eyes."Th
The next day took an unexpected turn for everyone. Pristine Moments' previously plummeting stock made a surprising recovery, bringing a sense of relief to Mason.Having splurged on a million-dollar shopping spree, Monica was overjoyed to have finally escaped the grasp of the loan shark.In Andrew's mansion, Alice remained fixated on their previous conversation, waking up fatigued and somewhat anxious. She had secluded herself in her room since the previous evening, apprehensive about venturing downstairs. On the contrary, Andrew was relaxed after confessing his feelings.Sipping black coffee, he tuned in to the morning news. As Alice descended, she grabbed the remote, switching the channel. "Take a look at this..."Andrew frowned at first, but the breaking news boosted his spirits."Breaking news, brought to you exclusively by NT, News Today.""All claims made by actress Alice Cooper in the press conference were proven to be false."A clip depicting Alice's confession plays as the repo
Mason sternly reminded Monica that he had emphasized multiple times not to enter his mansion unannounced, reiterating that Alice was still regarded as his girlfriend by both his staff and acquaintances. The mere mention of Alice sent Monica into a frenzy. She had been seething with resentment since the news of Alice being cast as the lead heroine at Royman Productions reached her ears. "To hell with your Alice. Do you even know what she's up to behind your back?" Monica snapped. "Now what?" Mason questioned, discontent evident in his tone. After enduring a series of tough days, he decided to take a day off for some much-needed solitude. However, his tranquility is about to be disrupted. "She's making a comeback on screen with Royman Productions." This news surprises Mason, but it sparks excitement. In the past, he urged Alice to exit the industry with the hope of gaining attention as her boyfriend. Now, her return with a major production promises to bring him the spotlight. "So
"Gosh, this cunning twat, Alice, is getting on my nerves. She slyly planned this. Now that I am trapped, what should I do?"Monica sat in her car, deeply contemplating while watching the news on her phone. Frustration mounted as she silently cursed Alice. Having already caused a scene with Mason over Alice, she hesitated to create another spectacle."If I continue to annoy Mason, he will surely end our relationship. However, he needs to needs to know this news. Only he can deal with Alice.Monica messaged Mason the link to the exclusive news with the title, 'True Colors of Your Loving Alice.'While the news had already been aired, she clung to the hope that it would irreversibly drive a wedge between Alice and Mason.Monica proceeded to revise another text to a private detective, asking, 'How much longer will it take?''Anticipate the outcome shortly.'Her satisfaction echoed in the response. 'I need tangible evidence, don't overlook that.''Absolutely. We're professionals.'The exchan
Alice studied Andrew intently, a spark of recognition lighting up in her eyes. "What brings you here, Mr. Kingston?" she asked hurriedly, her tone tinged with nervousness."I came to verify Miss Brown's aunt's well-being but observed something peculiar between you and Mason Rex. Is everything in order?" Andrew discarded the disguise and adopted a solemn demeanor.Alice paused, taking a few deep breaths. "I can't confidently say yes."She shared a half-truth, wrestling with the dilemma of whether to bring Andrew into her problems."Tell me" It was an authoritative demand, Andrew's face adorned with the customary frown. Alice lowered her eyelashes in response."He unexpectedly appeared to spring the next date for our marriage registration on me, set for the upcoming week." She felt awkward revealing this to Andrew."I see...""Under the condition that I endorse his fashion company as a brand ambassador," Alice continued with a sense of dismay."Hmm, then....." Alice raised her eyes to
Dolled up in her finest attire, Monica readied herself to meet Mason for a personal revelation. Just as she stepped out, a message from an unfamiliar private number disrupted her plans.'Do you even know the bloke with Alice Cooper?'Nah, she's got no clue about the fella, but who gives a hoot? Alice proved the two-timer is the only thing that counts.'Nope, I don't,' Monica responded.'That's why you better steer clear of him; otherwise, you'll end up in a legal mess, and no one can bail you out. He's the infamous businessman Andrew Kingston.'The next message knocked Monica off balance.'Hold up, Andrew Kingston—the infamous figure? Are you sure about that? How did you find out?' Monica typed, her hands trembling."How could I not know him?" The mysterious caller soliloquized and revised her response to Monica. "Yes, I certainly am."Monica raised her hands in gratitude, relieved that she hadn't impulsively shared pictures with the media. She couldn't risk provoking the formidable bu
"Cough, cough." Skylar coughed vigorously and questioned, "What, a dynamic duo?"Alice took the plunge into marriage, and to her disbelief, she discovered herself hitched to none other than the business magnate Andrew Kingston. "Calm down, Skylar...." Alice attempted to soothe her, but Skylar unleashed a barrage of questions. "What's the deal with the secrecy? When was the wedding? Why was I kept in the dark? How did Mr. Kingston become the groom? How long have you two been acquainted? Any hush-hush dating going on? Who else is in on this? Why the silence until now?" "Enough Skylar......." Alice slammed her hand on the table, being pissed by Skylar's series of questions that had her startled. "I tied the knot with Mr. Kingston the day Mason bailed on me.". "What?" Skylar's eyes widened. "He had his reasons for needing a bride, and I chose him as the perfect groom to execute my revenge plan against Mason and Monica," Alice declared straightforwardly, causing Skylar to cough once
Listening to lawyer Jones's argument, Alice and Vicky held their heads. They were at a dead end when a sudden voice made them jump in surprise."Pardon the interruption, but I have evidence that exposes Mason Rex not only as a bad father but as a genuinely awful person," Andrew declared with a sense of outrage upon entering the courtroom.Alice and Vicky exchanged surprised glances before turning their attention to Andrew, whose expression was stern and his eyes blazed a fierce red. Even Mason and Jones were visibly shaken, captivated by the intensity emanating from his fiery gaze.The judge glared at him and massaged his temples. "What's going on here? Mr. Kingston, maintain order in the court or face removal. Defense counsel, enlighten us on this new development." His irritation heightened with the persistent interruptions.Vicky was completely in the dark about what Andrew was talking about, rendering him dumbfounded. He looked at Andrew and the judge with a zipped mouth, like a de
"I may not have singled out your name, but to the plaintiff's lawyer, your statement carried significant weight."Vicky's remark triggered laughter in the courtroom, leaving Jones feeling offended."Excuse me, we don't need to play a cheap trick when truth is our ally. Mr. Rex is Emma's biological father, and a parent needs no justification to reclaim their daughter.""Your honor, I earnestly implore the court to weigh Mr. Rex's blood relation to the child and render a decision in his favor. Allow an anguished father to reunite with his daughter."Jones, at this moment, had no recourse but to go to court, relying on Mason's biological fatherhood as the sole influential factor in tilting the case in their favor.Vicky sighed and shook his head, accustomed to Jones's theatrical displays and feigned emotions aimed at swaying the court."What if there's a legitimate reason?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow."What?""What if I propose that even a father like Mason may have a rationale fo
In the courtroom, Paul Rex brought to light a new revelation, a piece of knowledge shared among Alice, Andrew, and Vicky. Yet, their challenge lay in the absence of concrete proof to back up the information they possessed."Point duly noted, Your Honor. Mr. Mason Rex professed a profound love for his ex-wife and conveyed regret for the child. However, this revelation unveils a contradiction—indicating he was never genuinely inclined towards marriage or assuming responsibility for the child but was compelled to do so."Vicky's words stirred a reaction from Mason, who hastily stood up to defend himself. In response, Jones gestured for him to exercise caution and avoid actions that could prove unfavorable in the proceedings."What unfolded next, Mr. Rex?" Vicky shifted his focus back to Paul, encouraging him to pick up where he left off."I deeply regret coercing this troublemaker and hoping he would reform for the well-being of his wife and child. Sadly, my choice subjected the poor wom
Vicky vented his simmering rage over Mason's intricate web of lies about his relationship, a revelation that outpaced even the awareness of his legal representative."Your Honor, the accused asserts a lack of recollection regarding the breakup with Miss Cooper. Nonetheless, the truth emerges: he terminated the relationship upon her refusal to endorse his company as a brand ambassador. This is what he is not in a position to accept. Subsequent revelations exposed his infidelity during the course of their relationship.""Miss Cooper, left with no recourse, exposed his misconduct, resulting in the loss of his company. In retaliation, he targeted Miss Monica after their marriage, subjecting her to a tumultuous and distressing life."Vicky's statement was left incomplete as Jones abruptly rose and began applauding. Departing from his usual objections, he introduced a surprising and unconventional method of interruption that caught everyone off guard."Lawyer Jones, can you please put words
"Your honor, before we commence today's proceedings, Miss Cooper would like to make a request to the court," Vicky stated after bowing to the judge.Mason and his lawyer exchanged glances, and Jones threw them a look that said they were pulling the same stunt, but he made it clear it's not going to fly in court—different day, same old song.The judge gave a nod of approval, granting permission for the request.Alice sauntered up, taking her spot in front of the judge after shooting a quick nod. Feeling the weight of onlookers' stares, she nervously licked her lips, sensing the heat in the room.The seasoned stage and on-camera pro, unafraid in the limelight, is now grappling with stage fright for the first time. However, driven by her love for her daughter, she pushes through.Alice let out a deep breath, mustered her courage, and started speaking. "Your honor, during the previous session, Attorney Jones claimed I'm unfit as a mother for Emma, and even...""Your honor, objection. What
Alice and Andrew stepped out of the elevator onto the 52nd floor of the Royman Hotel that evening, ready to meet Mason. Thanks to Vicky's setup, the ball was in Mason's court."Sunny, any hunch on why Mason opted for our hotel meet-up instead of his office digs?" Alice queried as they strolled in."The thief thinks everybody steals. I reckon Mason Rex's a bit wary, fearing we might have some tricks up our sleeves for this meeting. So, he's strategically set it in our territory to clear his name if anything fishy happens," Andrew mused with a touch of suspicion.He read Mason's cunning mind like an open book."Hmm, you are right.""Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Kingston."Mason awaited them in Andrew's exclusive waiting lounge; spotting their entry, he rose, extending his hand for a shake. Andrew, a bit iffy, eventually gave it the nod."So spill it, Alice, what's the rush for this impromptu meeting? Worried that the verdict tomorrow will swing my way and your little angel, oops, I mean my darli
"Your honor, it's crucial to acknowledge that Miss Cooper opted to prioritize her public image over the well-being of the infant.""That's wrong......" Alice attempted to protest, but Jones kept firing questions with a booming voice. "Why'd you stroll out with the baby solo without giving a heads-up to your folks or security?""I went with Emma to the restroom, but she bolted unexpectedly while I was washing my hands. Despite my quick commands, being small and flickering, the little baby wouldn't listen, so I had to dash after her urgently, without alerting anyone to the sudden twist of events." Alice spilled the beans without holding back."Your honor, it's worth emphasizing that the defendant isn't just self-centered but also an inattentive mother, incapable of looking after a one-year-old child," Jones remarked, a broader smirk evident on his face.Once again, he slyly targeted Alice, preventing her from defending herself. "Miss Cooper, in the interview, did you really discuss a o
Alice and Andrew were stunned to see the director of Sunshine Orphanage appear as Mason's witness."Your honor, I'd like to point out that this woman is Mrs. Green, the director of Sunshine Orphanage—the entity the defendant manipulated to falsely assert her adoption of baby Emma. Yet, Director Green's statement provides a stark contrast," Mr. Jones explained.The judge peered over his glasses at the individuals before him and declared,
"I'm the poor man whose daughter you've absconded with, masquerading your adoption as a virtuous act. You're the very definition of an opportunist," Mason hissed, an insidious smirk creeping across his face."Your words hold no weight. She's my child, and you're nothing but a loathsome fraud and betrayer. I'll ensure the truth prevails in court."Alice couldn't contain herself when he claimed Emma as his own, but when she tried to object, Mason's unscrupulous grin remained unshaken.