Maya began removing her clothes from the wardrobe and putting them into the suitcase. A pair of hands wrapped around her waist. "Honey, why don't we just sleep in the same room? I'm afraid someone might enter your room and do something.""Just say you want me to entertain you at night. Samuel, I can't do that; the first shoot is about to start, and I don't want to mess it up because of our activities," Maya said, releasing herself from his embrace. Lately, Samuel had been sticking to her like a cat."You'd better worry about your son; can he handle the pressure of this job when he has no experience in filming? It's not too late for him to change his mind and not want to shoot. Director Wang must have prepared another child," Maya continued."There you go again! Don't underestimate Stelio; even though he's young, he's not that weak to not handle the pressure at work. It's good for him to toughen up mentally. Trust him," Samuel replied."Let's see later. I'm just warning you because man
"Maya, this will also help you and your son. You both need to appear to have a strong bond. You seem too distant with your son; it will affect the shooting process. Besides, you can help him practice his lines. Don't refuse this!" Manager Chen gave Maya the final reason to convince her. "Okay, I'll do it." Manager Chen smiled upon hearing that response. "Great. I'll leave you two. Today, you can rest, and tomorrow we'll start with a prayer session and the first shoot." Maya opened her room door after Manager Chen left. Her bed turned out to be much more spacious than she thought, but would it be comfortable for her son? "We'll share the bed, but if you need more space, I don't mind sleeping on the sofa." "That's okay. Didn't I sleep with Mama before?" "Good. Can you unpack your things yourself?" "Yes, but Mama, I'm hungry. Can I order food, or can we go out?" Stelio asked. "Just order food from the hotel. I'm not familiar with this place, and we might get lost if we go out. Do
"Uncle Mike, how much money do you have? Can you replace my papa, who can easily buy you out? You will never win against my papa," Stelio whispered, responding to Mike's provocation. "Stelio Ren, even though I don't have as much money as CEO Ren, I can win your mom's heart, and you will lose her if you don't—ah!" Stelio kicked Mike's leg hard. Maya, who saw it, immediately reprimanded him. "Stelio, what are you doing? Apologize to Uncle Mike!" "Sorry, Uncle Mike." Stelio only said it to appease Maya; he quickly added to his words. "Sorry, because my mom's taste is too high, a guy like you won't be able to get her." Stelio whispered so only Mike could hear. Maya was unaware of the debate that had taken place. She reached out to help Mike, who had fallen. "Sorry, this kid can be a bit naughty sometimes." "It's okay. I understand kids can be like that. Maya, let's join the others," Mike reached out his hand. They approached the director, who was giving instructions. Maya and Mike p
"What? He's here? Why all of a sudden?" Director Wang exclaimed, surprised by what a staff member had just told him. The man who arrived abruptly entered the shooting location and approached Director Wang, halting the filming activities. "CEO Ren, what are you doing here? Why did you come all of a sudden?" Director Wang asked. "Why? Can't I visit the shooting of the drama I invested in?" said the man, none other than Samuel. He looked cynically at Director Wang. "No, it's not like that. It's just that this visit is so sudden." "Papa!" A little boy ran towards Samuel and hugged him. "I'm glad Papa came!" Samuel hugged his son affectionately, then turned to Director Wang again. "Have you shot Stelio's scenes yet?" "Mr. Ren, we are still shooting other scenes first. Tomorrow, we'll shoot the scenes at the airport," Director Wang explained. "Why not now? Don't you know how tight my son's schedule is? He can't take too much time off. I don't want his education to suffer just becaus
"Stelio, I finally found you!" Manager Chen suddenly arrived, interrupting Maya and Stelio's conversation. "Manager Chen, where were you? Do you know this kid just caused a big problem?!" Maya reprimanded her manager. "I'm sorry. I had to wait in line to buy snacks from outside. What big problem can a little kid like him cause? Did he break equipment? That's small; CEO Ren can cover the losses!" The manager responded casually. "No, it's not that. He might have caused the production of this drama to stop," Maya said. The manager was shocked. He didn't expect such a big issue caused by this innocent child. "What happened?" "Mama, I was wrong about that, but Mama has to believe me that Papa will handle this well, and Mama doesn't need to worry about losing this drama because Papa won't let Mom lose something she wants," Stelio reassured Maya. "This kid is right; nothing can't be solved by Samuel Ren. Come on, it's better to eat this cake. Both of you eat with Stelio; I'll distribut
Maya stepped forward, but still not fast enough before the woman's hand was inches away from slapping Stelio's cheek. Maya almost screamed when someone suddenly arrived. Someone's large hand restrained the woman's hand. The faces of both actresses turned pale immediately when they saw who was protecting the child. "CEO Ren?" Samuel stared at them with anger. "You dare to touch my son? Do you want to die?" The woman quickly pleaded, "Forgive me, CEO Ren. I will kneel at your feet as a form of apology. Please let me go." "What's the use of kneeling in front of me? Do it to my son and wife!" Samuel released the woman's hand. She glanced at her friend for help, but her friend remained silent. Samuel looked at the woman's friend. "You should do the same!" Samuel ordered. "But I didn't do anything. Why should I kneel?" the friend objected. "Do you want to defy?" Samuel's sharp gaze made the woman tremble. "Fine. I'll do it," she said resignedly. Maya approached them. "Samuel, just
"Are you sure that approach will work? If we ignore it, won't he stay unmoved?" Director Wang said hesitantly about the proposed idea. "That won't happen if our drama becomes popular. Unless he's foolish enough to drop a popular drama. We can leverage fans who record to create a buzz. We should also ask CEO Ren to make the post a trending topic on social media," Director Wang suggested. "Your idea seems good too. We can use this as promotion for the drama before its airing." "Yes, but it's better to postpone the shooting for these two days. I'm sure he'll come in two days!" "Alright, but if this doesn't work, you have to go persuade Mike yourself," the director told the scriptwriter. "I'll take responsibility for that. I'm confident my plan will succeed in bringing Mike back." *** "Mama, are you done yet?" Maya was surprised by Stelio's sudden arrival. She quickly turned off her phone. "Why did you come in suddenly?" Maya looked panicked, though she tried to hide it. "I calle
Samuel snatched Maya's phone and turned it off. "My dear wife, you can ask me. Even though you have a manager, you're still under my responsibility, right? What do you want to discuss?" "Nothing." Maya immediately laid down on the bed and pulled her blanket. Stelio quickly followed by her side. "Papa, sleep next to me," he innocently requested. Samuel sprawled next to Stelio. However, Samuel didn't sleep immediately. He occasionally looked at Stelio to make sure his son was asleep. A mischievous smile appeared on Samuel's lips as he observed the steady breaths. Samuel shifted his son's position slowly so he could sleep next to Maya. Samuel planted a kiss on the woman's lips. Maya opened her eyes. "Samuel, it's late. You better sleep. I still have other schedules, so don't disturb me." "Maya, you have to come up with a better excuse to lie. Isn't the shooting postponed temporarily? That Mike is truly a source of problems. I'll suggest another actor who's more suitable." "No, don
"Do you know where Maya Lin is?" Samuel asked upon receiving a call from Manager Chen about Maya's sudden departure."No, Young Master, I think something has happened. Especially since that number is not registered. It's my fault; I should have blocked it.""Do you remember the number?" Samuel persisted, staying calm."Yes, the number..." Manager Chen mentioned the number. Samuel's face began to harden."Assistant Jung, have someone trace the location of this number. I'm sure that person is behind all this. Ask them to do it quickly," Samuel instructed his assistant.Assistant Jung began contacting someone. "Young Master, we have found its location!""Let's go there right away!" Samuel said.Assistant Jung informed the driver of the address they were heading to. "Drive fast. We need to get there quickly," Samuel ordered coldly.***Maya stared at the small bottle. She was sure it contained poison."Mama, don't drink! I beg you!" Stelio tried to rebel, but he was too small to break free
"Maya, if something important happens, I will request permission for someone to replace you," Manager Chen said, sensing Maya's anxiety.Maya shook her head. "It's okay, it's not something important."Maya was confident that without her interference, Samuel would find Stelio. As usual, she handed her phone to Manager Chen, letting him keep it during her shoot.Maya tried to remain cheerful during the shoot and socialize with other reality show members, but her mood was off. Many thoughts raced through her mind. "Has Samuel found him? How is the child? What made him leave suddenly?""We'll take a short break, be ready for the next session."Maya immediately went to her manager. She was informed, "Maya, there's a call from an unknown number. He's been calling repeatedly.""Let me check it!"With the phone in her hand, Maya received a call from the intended person."Maya, I'm leaving for a moment!" Manager Chen said, leaving Maya.Maya nodded, bracing herself to answer it. "Hello.""Oh,
Stelio's mouth dropped open wide as he read the name on the tombstone. Marion Lin Ren. "This person has a middle name that's Mama's surname and also Ren. Could there be a connection to the Ren family?"Things were becoming clearer for Stelio, especially after Maya's statement earlier. However, a part of him found it hard to believe. Numerous questions filled Stelio's mind.The small man looked at a photo of a baby repeatedly touched by Maya. Unconsciously, he felt a twinge of envy. Stelio turned around, his mind filled with complexity and headed home.Someone suddenly tapped his shoulder. Stelio's body jerked in surprise. He turned hesitantly, fearing it might be Mama."Little Master Stelio, it's time to go home," Stelio felt relieved as the chauffeur approached.***"Papa, do you have another child?" Stelio couldn't bear not to know. Samuel, focused on typing something shifted his gaze to Stelio. "No. Don't you know you're my only son?""Is Papa sure there's no other child with the l
"Why can't I open it? Did Samuel take the child home?" Maya said. This morning, she mustered the courage to meet Stelio after the heated argument."Excuse me, Madam. Is there anything I can help you with?" A neatly uniformed hotel employee approached Maya."Do you know the guest staying in this room?""The guest in this room checked out last night. Is there anything else?" the woman asked politely."No." Maya felt a bit relieved. Stelio must be getting better care in S city now.***A few days later, Maya had resolved her drama. She decided to return to S city. "Manager Chen, is there any schedule after this?""No. Even the schedules for this month, including both advertisements and dramas, have all been canceled," Manager Chen replied."What? Why suddenly? Isn't my popularity rising now? Has the company not assigned any projects to me?""No. I also don't know what happened. Maya, did you perhaps offend CEO Ren?"Maya didn't answer. Manager Chen quickly interpreted her silence. "Didn't
Stelio faced numerous negative comments, and even haters began resorting to cruel actions like throwing rotten eggs at him when he met fans. Maya couldn't stop it in time. She could see Stelio's displeasure, but a professional smile remained on his lips as fans expressed concern. "Don't worry, I'm fine. I just need to clean up."However, it wasn't as simple as that because Stelio's skin turned red. It seemed the eggs were laced with something causing skin irritation. Luckily, Stelio had completed his part. Maya couldn't bear to see this anymore."Stelio, you better quit after this!" Maya said sternly when they were in the room."No, Mama, I--""I can't take it anymore. You're always getting into trouble, and now your image is tarnished in the public eye. Plus, you have a lot of anti-fans; this will only reflect badly on me!""Mama, don't worry about it. Papa can handle all the internet news and annoying people--"Maya frustratedly cut Stelio off. "Enough! I don't want to hear it. How
Maya initially ran the shoot smoothly, but in a few days, everything changed. When the child suddenly arrived."Director, what's this? Why did the plot in the script change so drastically? Moreover, you've added a child character?" Maya protested about what was happening. She intentionally spoke privately with the Director."Maya, this isn't a drastic change. The writer just added it. Some scenes support it. Besides, we can capitalize on your popularity for this drama when it airs."Maya still suspected something. "Director, did my husband meet you and provide a significant investment with the condition that the story is altered to include a child?""Nothing like that happened. I chose to include it myself. Maya Lin, you don't need to worry about this. Just focus on acting. It should be easy for you to interact since he's your son, right? Don't complain too much; just do what's been determined."Maya left feeling disappointed. She was very sure that Samuel was behind all of this."Mam
Samuel gave flowers to Maya and Stelio. "Congratulations on completing this drama shoot!""Thank you, Papa." Stelio smiled happily.The crew and actors involved began celebrating with group photos."As a celebration, I'll treat all of you to a restaurant," Samuel announced, a statement that both actors and crew eagerly anticipated. "Come on, let's head to the restaurant I've booked right away."Everyone started getting ready. Samuel stopped Stelio, who was about to follow Maya and Manager Chen. "Stelio, you'll be in my car. There's something I want to talk to you about."Stelio looked at Samuel with confusion but still got into the car. During the journey, Samuel immediately posed a question."Are you close to Mike? What kind of relationship do you two have?" Samuel asked."Papa, didn't you want me to separate them? I don't have any relationship with him other than this," Stelio calmly replied."Are you sure that's all? Mike hasn't done anything wrong to you, right?"Stelio hesitated
"Stop looking for excuses. I know you're just talking nonsense to leave this place," Samuel said, not intending to let go of Maya."Samuel, can't you use your eyes properly? It's so obvious, but you didn't see it. Come on, we need to go to the eye doctor!" Maya said irritably.Stelio observed his parents arguing. He then shifted his gaze towards the door, his brow furrowed as if contemplating something.***Days passed, and Stelio's body slowly began to recover. He insisted on resuming shooting. Samuel was still concerned about his condition. "Are you sure you're feeling better?""Yes.""Alright. If that's what you want. Stelio, starting tomorrow, you'll have a guard to watch over you," Samuel informed his son.Stelio disagreed with Samuel's decision. "Why do I need a guard? Wouldn't it be safer if I'm with Mama? Dad, those guards could be one of the bad people like what happened at the party.""This time, I've chosen more carefully. Being with Maya is not too safe; look at yourself n
"Did Boss instruct you to do this? If anything happens to him, you'll know what we can do. Be aware, never touch the child recklessly," the person on the phone warned.The call ended, leaving Mike feeling anxious. Now, he had to ensure the child was okay to save himself. Mike immediately contacted someone he trusted to handle the situation.***"What the kid ate, I also had the same menu. If something's wrong, I would have experienced it too," Maya insisted."No, that's not necessarily true. Maya, you've always been careless about these things. Someone must have tampered with Stelio's food to harm him. Who's the lunatic daring enough to hurt a child?" Samuel felt frustrated."What about his condition now?""Lucky that the doctors could handle it, but Stelio hasn't woken up yet.""Samuel, you better reconsider your decision. Now you know the outside world is too harsh for a child. It's better for him to focus on school and play rather than pursuing a career as an artist like this!""I