Lucas watched Melody walk out of the room with a thoughtful look in his eyes.Edmund's efficiency was remarkable. The studio was soon ready, and he contacted some extras for Melody to pick from as well.Melody selected the most suitable extras according to the 'script' she prepared. Everything was ready after they rehearsed....On the agreed audition day, Wendy took extra care to dress herself up. This audition was a hard-earned opportunity, and she was determined to secure the role!The first impression was very important, so she had to be at her best to impress the casting director with her beauty and acting skills.After getting ready, Wendy looked at herself in the mirror with great satisfaction, then walked down the stairs in her high heels."Wendy, you look stunning today!" Helen complimented her brightly.Wendy was overjoyed with the compliment. "I have an audition today, so I need to look my best.""Oh, I see! I'm sure the audition will go well. You're very beautiful
"No way!" Wendy closed the script disdainfully. "Cathy is only a side character, and a homewrecker at that. She's not likable at all! How could I play such a role? I'll be criticized if this airs!"The assistant pointed to a nearby room and said, "Miss Wendy, I know that the character isn't the most likable, but she has a significant amount of screen time! Don't you know that villainy is a test of acting skills? If you perform this character well, you might even win an award! Look, there's a lot of other actresses lined up in that room waiting for the director. They're competing fiercely for a role. Others would gladly step in if you decided not to pursue this role."Wendy was still somewhat hesitant as she did not want to play the villain.At that moment, Melody stepped out of the room. She rushed up to the assistant and grabbed her arm. "I'll play the character Cathy if she doesn't want to. She has so much screen time, and I believe in the potential of Cathy's character. This coul
The scene began as the male lead and 'Cathy'—played by Wendy—went window-shopping. The female lead rushed out and slapped Wendy."Joshua Riley! Didn't you say you were in a meeting? Who is this woman?!" screamed the female lead.Wendy was upset by the slap. 'Why did she have to hit me so badly? We're just acting, aren't we?'She covered her cheek and acted out her role angrily. "Who are you? Why did you hit me?""Who am I, you ask?" The female lead pointed at the male lead. "I am Joshua's wife. We're legally married! Have you no shame in hooking up with a married man? You homewrecker!"Wendy glanced at the male lead, who showed no fear at all, and confidently said, "So what if you're his wife? He told me that he doesn't love you at all. The one who's not loved is the mistress!"Melody watched the 'drama' unfold from the observation room.While Wendy's performance in other movie roles was mediocre, she surprisingly portrayed the role of the homewrecker convincingly. In fact, the
The 'director' did not say anything, nor did he end the audition.To get this role, Wendy had no choice but to grit her teeth and continue acting. "How dare you call me a b*tch? You're the b*tch here. What Joshua and I have is real love!"As she spoke, Wendy fought back against the female lead, and the two ended up in a scuffle."Alright. Cut!" yelled the 'director'.Seeing Wendy about to hit the female lead, Melody signaled the 'director' to call for a cut.Wendy immediately stood still, adjusted her clothes and hairstyle, and eagerly ran to the 'director'."Well? How was my performance? There shouldn't be a problem with me taking on this role, right?"The 'director', having completed his mission and had no intention of paying further attention to Wendy, turned to leave.Wendy quickly grabbed his arm.She had endured being slapped several times for this audition and suffered so much humiliation. She could not just let him walk away like that."Director, what's the meaning of
Melody revealed the truth to her. "The drama doesn't exist at all, and there were no cameras recording during the supposed audition. Wendy, you like acting, don't you? Well, you should be happy that I hired so many people to act with you."Wendy finally realized that she had been deceived, and her eyes filled with anger. "How dare you lie to me?! Just what are you trying to achieve by pulling such a stunt on me?"She reached out to slap Melody, seeking to vent her frustration. However, Melody quickly stepped back, avoiding the slap. "You can't touch me right now. I have ways of ruining your reputation if you dare to lay a finger on me."Wendy did not believe her, but considering how smoothly Melody managed to snatch away her advertisement deal, she felt a bit uncertain. Thus, she did not dare to act rashly for the time being and instead asked, "What are you talking about, Melody?""You know what I mean." Melody pointed at the several cameras nearby. "The audition wasn't recorded by
Seeing Wendy trying to refute but coming up empty, Melody felt happier than ever. She finally got revenge on all the grievances she suffered under Wendy's rule."What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? Don't tell me you only realize now that you have nothing left to threaten me with anymore, Wendy.""What do you want, Melody?" Although Wendy realized that she could not threaten her anymore, she refused to give in.Melody lowered her head and smiled. "I don't want anything. It's just that you used photos to slander me, so I want you to taste what it feels like to be slandered. What was that phrase again? 'Give a taste of their own medicine'?"The video Melody possessed would subject Wendy to online harassment, but she did not intend to ruin her completely. She simply wanted to deter her from causing trouble again in the future.After all, pushing someone to a dead end, where they had lost all hope, could lead them to act recklessly without considering the consequences. Wendy would be ev
After today's performance, Lucas seemed to see a different side of Melody. She used Wendy's desire to act to teach her a lesson in a process. Not to mention, she got leverage out of the whole thing as well. Melody was certainly more cunning than he gave her credit for."Me? Become an actress?" Melody found Lucas' question somewhat perplexing. She walked over, plugged the USB drive into the computer, and began copying the necessary surveillance videos. "Why would I? I'm not like Wendy, who dreams of becoming a famous actress and living the life of a big star. I don't want my every move to be excessively scrutinized by people."Lucas chuckled softly. "Is that so? But I think you're more talented at acting than your sister. You'll have a bright future if you become an actress."Melody realized that Lucas was teasing her. She thought about the scene she had just played with Wendy and felt somewhat flustered."If you're just going to sit here and mock me about this, I suggest you leave,
Melody had been in more frequent contact with Edmund and enlisted his help in many tasks. She was well aware of Edmund's capabilities, and she knew he could easily step in to teach Wendy a lesson. However, she was determined to handle the matter herself. She had to learn how to fight back against her bullies, or she would never grow."I can handle it myself, and Edmund has helped me a lot. He's your secretary, not my errand boy. I can't keep burdening him with more work all the time," said Melody with a faint smile.For some reason, her smile made Lucas' heart ache. It was as if she was a fragile doll who could shatter at a slight touch."Let's go." Lucas stepped forward and took her hand. "I'll take you out for a meal."Melody barely registered what was happening, even as he dragged her out. "Uh, Lucas, wait..."He ignored her protest and strode outside with her in tow.Melody did not resist. Her face turned bright red when she looked down in a daze on their intertwined fingers.
Sherman could not help but feel fearful when he recalled the incident.Rita gently smoothed his furrowed brow. "I knew you'd come to rescue me, just like all the times you did. I love you, Sherman."Previously, Rita confessed her love to him when she was groggy. At this moment, however, she was clearly awake, even sporting a faint smile on her face as she confessed.Sherman immediately blushed. "I love you, too."Rita did not stay long in the hospital; she quickly returned to the Parr family's mansion. Just as Sherman's grandparents had said, Rita did not have any major injuries, so there was no need for her to stay in the hospital that long. In fact, she might even recover faster emotionally under the care at home.Not once did Sherman bring up Rita's job, but she surprisingly resigned from New Capital Times on her own accord. It would be difficult for her to investigate cases with her current condition; not to mention Sherman had handed over the evidence to the police. The polic
"Sherman, I like you. I love you," Rita finally confessed.Sherman, deeply pained, pulled Rita into his arms. "This is all my fault. I should've looked for you quicker. I've never blamed you. All I want is to see you smile. It's enough for me as long as you're willing to let me stay by your side."You don't have to confess to me. I know it's hard for you to do that because of your family. I've seen the way they've treated you, and…"The bodyguards who had barged in with Sherman felt a bit awkward to see their company president in tears. However, the priority was to get Rita to the hospital for a check-up. Being tied up for hours could cause circulation issues, and it could be dangerous if her limbs did not regain feelings soon.In the end, they got the bravest among them to convince Sherman to let them take Rita to the hospital. Instead of letting them do it, Sherman wiped away his tears and, with ease, lifted Rita as if she was as light as a feather.Fortunately, after the hospit
With that, Karen left without looking back. She was carrying Vince's baby in her womb, so how could she pin all her hopes on Sadie? Since Sadie was obviously unruly, she would have to rely on her son.'Sadie can spend the rest of her life with Esmond since she likes him so much. God knows it had been exhausting enough to raise her. Plus, it's only fair for Esmond to take care of her since I've done my part taking care of her until now,' thought Karen.Meanwhile, the only consolation for Sherman was that Esmond did not try to put up a fight. It seemed that he still cared about his daughter Sadie.Sherman led his men to a dilapidated house. Esmond had been cautious enough to choose a rundown house situated at the end of a village.When Sherman barged in, he found Rita lying on the floor while Esmond's men ignored her. Esmond's men had followed his orders, and since he did not instruct them to do anything to Rita, they left her well alone.Before the men could react, they were surrou
Karen cried and silently knelt by Sadie's side without trying to defend herself. Sadie, on the other hand, feebly tried to explain herself. Alas. Vince refused to listen.There had been many occasions before when he had chosen to believe Karen and Sadie, but at this moment, he realized he had been terribly wrong to do that.Rita used to be so kind, understanding, and well-behaved. However, ever since Karen and Sadie moved in, Vince felt like his daughter had become manipulative, always trying to compete for attention, and stirring up jealousy in front of him.Unfortunately, it took Rita's disappearance to make Vince realize that Rita was not trying to compete for attention. All Rita wanted from him was to treat her the same as Sadie.Vince used to think that Rita should give in to Sadie more since Sadie was younger, too."Why don't you go live with your biological father since you prefer him so much? I never want to see you show your face around here anymore! As for your mother, s
Sadie was so anxious that she wanted to jump out. "Mom, don't tell me you fell for it! Why did you call Esmond? Now they all know where Rita is. You've ruined everything, again! What were you thinking?"Karen could not care less. She cried and slapped Sadie. "You nearly scared me to death! What would I do if something happened to you? I didn't raise you just to watch you die. I told you not to meet up with Esmond, so why did you secretly meet up with him? How can you ask him to get rid of Rita?"Are you out of your mind? All I want is for us to live out the rest of our lives peacefully, so why didn't you listen to me?!"Sadie was furious. Karen had stopped trying to get rid of Rita ever since she got pregnant, so how could Sadie not be angry? Rita was like a thorn in her side, and Sadie would never be happy unless Rita was dead."Don't you know I like Sherman? How could you ask me to do nothing when Rita has stolen him from me?! I was the one who liked him first. It's either Rita g
Karen wanted so badly to slap Esmond through the phone.'What good are his pompous words now? We wouldn't be in this mess now if he hadn't hit me back then! What's more, he's saying he's doing this for Sadie. But has he ever thought of what would happen to me and Sadie if he got rid of Rita? Rita's the heiress of the Russell family. Not to mention, she's married to Sherman, so that makes her owner of Parr Group too! What makes Esmond think he can get rid of Rita so easily?'Karen's breath was ragged as she said, "If you don't believe me, just listen to your daughter's screams. I can't save her now; you will literally decide her fate! Plus, I'm pregnant with Vince's baby, so even if I lose Sadie, I still have a kid—which is more than what I can say about you!"Sherman could not help but be impressed by Karen a little. Even in this dire situation, she did not forget to express her heartfelt feelings to Vince, letting him know that she was always on his side. It was certainly not an ea
"Sherman raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry, I'm sure it's just a minor injury, maybe just a finger. There shouldn't be any major issues. A sprained joint takes only a hundred days to heal, and it might take her even less time to heal if you take very good care of her while she's recuperating."Karen's heart ached upon hearing that. She lunged toward Sherman, wanting to hit him, but the bodyguards stopped her before she could get close.Vince, still worried, held Karen tightly beside him. "Calm down. I'm sure Sadie will come out unharmed if Rita's kidnapping has nothing to do with her. But if it does, then you should know very well that…"Vince's voice dropped an octave. He could not believe his daughter's disappearance had anything to do with his stepdaughter. However, he was not utterly naive.He continued, "How could a girl like her take Rita away? Even the car window was smashed. Others must've been involved. Does her biological father have anything to do with it?"Sherman nodded
"Yes, it's true I met up with my biological father, but it was just a one-time thing. I don't want to go back to him at all! Otherwise, I would've done it ages ago. Dad, I'm really grateful to you for taking me in and looking after me all these years. That's why I feel like you're my real father, even more real than those who share the same blood."How could you unjustly accuse me and Mom like that? Sherman is the one spouting nonsense here. He's trying to push all the blame onto us. Dad, you have to wake up and see the truth!"Karen nodded along, but her heart was racing. 'When did Sadie meet Esmond? How did Sherman know when I don't even know? Seems like Sadie does have something to do with Rita's kidnapping. I have to settle things and get Sherman out of here.'Karen never had the thought of rekindling her relationship with Esmond. The only thing she wanted then was to peacefully give birth to her son. Everything in the Russell family would eventually go to her son, and she would
Sherman detested people pointing their fingers at him when they spoke. He stood up slowly, towering over Vince instantly."You claim to be Rita's father, yet if I were you, I'd choose to shut up and stand aside. I can't believe you're scolding me for threatening Sadie when she's not even your real daughter!"Look at her guilty expression; it's clear she's involved. If you don't believe me, use your brain a little. No wonder Russell Group is declining under your leadership. It's only a matter of time before the company goes completely bankrupt!"Sherman showed no mercy, causing Vince to retreat with every word. Vince clutched his chest, struggling for breath.Karen, despite her weakness, stepped forward to support him. "How could you speak to your father-in-law like this? What has Sadie done to offend you? She has nothing but admiration for you. Plus, she's just a child. How could you treat her like this?"She went on and on, but Sherman stood his ground. Meanwhile, the burly bodyg