hapter 93
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Sylvia gently lifted Ruby into the car. With a firm yet gentle tone, she said, “Ruby, listen, don’t come here again unless I say so.”
Ruby rubbed her round little tummy, her eyes full of confusion. “Mommy, why? Isn’t this Zack’s home? And Byron’s always been so nice to me.”
“Just do what I said,” Sylvia said, her voice trailing off as if there was more she wanted to say. She turned to Angel with a meaningful nod. “Be careful when you get home–Byron might not take this well.”
“It’s fine,” Angel said casually. After all, Ruby was Sylvia’s kid–Byron had no business acting like he got to decide where Ruby stayed.
Sylvia drove away. Angel had just returned to the Blair mansion when Byron loomed before her, his face dark with fury. He demanded, “Where the hell did you take Ruby?”
“I gave her to Sylvia.” Angel felt a twinge of unease.
And sure enough, Byron snapped, “Angel, you’ve got some nerve. Lying to my face–wasn’t taking Ruby out for fruit just your excuse?” Byron was furious. He’d been in a great mood all day, looking forward to bonding with Ruby–only for Angel to ruin everything.
“Stay put in the yard. Don’t you dare go anywhere without my permission.” Byron’s face was stone–cold with fury as he barked at Angel.
Angel stiffened her neck, refusing to admit any wrongdoing, but didn’t dare defy Byron. With no other choice, she stood in the yard as punishment.
Ever since Sylvia found out Angel had taken the heat for her, she’d been feeling bad about it–though deep down, it warmed her up to Angel.
She’d already made up her mind to cast Angel as the female lead in her new film, and had been arranging daily acting lessons for Angel.
Since Angel’s personality differed from that of the female lead, Sylvia had been cooped up at home for days, tirelessly revising the screenplay. As soon as the script was finalized, filming could officially begin.
“Hey, Angel, it’s been ages. How about we go shopping this evening?“Angel had just returned home from her acting training when her phone rang–it was
Joanna.
Angel had already seen through Joanna’s true colors. She thought about turning her down, but in the end, she agreed–curious to see what Joanna was trying to pull this time.
The two agreed to meet in a bustling downtown shopping district. Night had fallen, and the city was alive with dazzling lights and neon signs glowing all around.
Joanna rushed over the moment she saw Angel step out of the car. “Angel, what’ve you been up to these past few days? I’ve asked you out like a million times, and you straight–up ghosted me.”
Angel smiled and said, “Just been a bit busy lately, that’s all.”
Joanna shook her head. “Angel, you’re way too naive. Don’t tell me you’re still hanging around Sylvia’s production? You don’t seriously think they’ll hand the lead role to you, do you? That’s wild. Only you would buy into something like that.”
Angel didn’t offer much of an explanation, simply nodded and said, “As long as it gets me into the industry, it’s worth it.”
Joanna sighed. “Anyway, don’t take Sylvia’s words so seriously. I heard Byron made you stand in the yard because of her the other day. Are your legs still sore? Want me to hook you up with a good herbalist?”
“Joanna, that’s enough.” Angel frowned slightly. It dawned on her–Joanna had only asked her out to make veiled remarks about Sylvia.
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Chapter 93
“Angel, don’t fall for Sylvia’s act,” Joanna suddenly snapped, her voice rising with frustration. “What on earth did she tell you to make you trust her so blindly?
“Joanna, if you keep badmouthing Sylvia, I’ll leave right now.” Angel’s face turned icy.
Joanna immediately fell silent.
Suddenly, cheers erupted from all directions as every screen in the city–giant screens in the square, LED billboards on buildings, and even TVs in shop windows–all cut to the same broadcast at once.
“Master Cameron’s newest blockbuster, ‘A Warming Town,‘ is set to begin production.” As glittering golden letters flashed across the screen, the strikingly handsome face of Zander swept into view, taking over the entire display. Below appeared the caption: Director/Lead Actor.
The screen cut again, revealing an ethereal beauty at the center–radiant with confidence. It was unmistakably Angel. “Lead Actress: Angel Blair.” The text sparkled across the screen.
Joanna’s eyes widened in disbelief. She pointed at the screen, stammering, “N–No… no way this is happening…”
Angel gave Joanna a gentle smile, walked over, and lightly patted her on the shoulder. “Joanna, I’ve been meaning to tell you–Sylvia has been incredibly kind to me. She’s the one who gave me this chance.”
Joanna stood frozen in shock. ‘No way,‘ she thought. ‘How could Sylvia have that much pull? Besides, what does Angel even have that I don’t?‘
“Joanna, let’s go buy some daily necessities,” Angel said with a smile. “Production is kicking off soon, so I won’t have much free time to go shopping with you after this.”
Joanna felt utterly devastated–the last thing she wanted was to keep shopping with Angel. She quickly made up an excuse and left.
Joanna jumped into her car and slammed her foot on the gas, a single burning thought consuming her mind. ‘I’m going to confront Sylvia and demand to know–what gives her the right to say I can’t be the lead?‘
Blinded by rage, Joanna stormed toward Sylvia’s house. But as she reached the doorstep, she forced herself to calm down. A practiced smile crept onto her face before she pressed the doorbell.
Ruby toddled to open the door. The moment she saw Joanna, she instinctively tried to shut it–Sylvia had warned her never to let Joanna in.
“Ruby, is Sylvia home?” Joanna asked, and without waiting for an answer, she pushed the door open and walked right in. She was dead set on convincing Sylvia to give her Angel’s role. Whatever Sylvia wanted in return, Joanna was ready to negotiate.
Ruby nearly stumbled from the push. Pouting at Joanna, she called upstairs, “Mommy, Joanna is here to see you. I didn’t want to let her in, but she barged in anyway.”
Sylvia had been holed up in her room, completely absorbed in revising the script for days on end, barely getting any proper rest.
Hearing the commotion downstairs, Sylvia rose from her chair, about to scold Joanna when suddenly her vision blurred and she collapsed to the floor with a heavy thud.
Ruby jumped at the noise. “Mommy, what’s wrong?” She bolted up the stairs in a panic.
Joanna hesitated, eyes flickering for a beat, then quickly buried whatever thought had just crossed her mind and followed after Ruby.
