Freya was not new to the industry.
She had been in it for several good years.
But that was not the case for Alia.
Alia had only joined her after graduating from university five years ago. And that was why —more than anyone else —she was utterly confused when Freya asked that question.
"Adelyn Scott?" Alia repeated, then tried to dismiss the thought with a forced chuckle. "Haha ... how could that be possible? She is Adelyn Grace, not Adelyn Scott ... right, Ms. Grace?"
She turned to Adelyn, waiting —almost desperately —for confirmation.
But even after several seconds, when Adelyn didn’t respond, Alia’s expression changed. She looked like she couldn’t be destroyed more.
Almost on the verge of tears, she blurted out, "Of all people ... why do you have to be the infamous Adelyn Scott?"
Adelyn remained silent. Her expression was calm —so calm that it seed the words hadn’t affected her at all.
Freya studied her calmness ... her composure closely.
Sothing about that silence hooked her, and she waited ... waited for Adelyn to say sothing.
Anything that would explain everything.
But Adelyn didn’t rush.
She didn’t interrupt Alia.
"Adelyn Scott —the cursed child actress of the industry," Alia continued, her voice tight. "The one who just stepped into the industry and landed the role in the famous Golden Productions project involving all top-tier players, only for it to be exposed as nothing but an arrogant stunt by a money-loaded heiress."
She paused, then turned sharply to Freya.
"Freya, you know, I never actually researched this case, but it’s been so infamous that even today, after all these years, people still talk about it. It’s still considered the darkest stain in the industry’s history. There is no way we could survive if we move forward with her."
She shook her head more resolutely, pushing the chair as she stood.
"No. We can’t sign her. If we do, we will even lose our last chance to make it."
Turning to Freya, she said urgently, "Let’s leave. This is my fault —I wasn’t careful enough. Next ti, I will investigate better. Scold all you want, but we need to go before any paparazzi catch sight of us."
Freya didn’t move.
She remained seated, her gaze fixed on Adelyn —studying her far too intently.
Still waiting.
"Freya —"
"I am no longer Adelyn Scott," Adelyn finally said, her voice firm. "I am Adelyn Grace now"
Alia frowned sharply.
"And do you think that helps?" She leaned forward, her voice low and tight, just to make sure they didn’t attract attention from anyone around. "Do you think just changing your na from Scott to Grace will erase what you did back then? In the industry, the last thing people forget is the scandals."
"Alia!" Freya cut in.
But Alia turned to her, her brows furrowed.
"What? Did I say sothing wrong?" she demanded. "Even if I did, she brought this on herself."
She turned back to Adelyn, her gaze hard.
"Using underhanded tactics is already frowned upon. But you didn’t just do that —you offended every major player by throwing away the role like it ant nothing. And now you think you can make a coback?"
She let out a sharp snort, rubbing her nose in agitation.
"No. Even if you suddenly revealed yourself as the crown princess of the entire country, Vabraria, it wouldn’t matter. Thank goodness we found out before signing you. Otherwise ... we would be completely ruined."
She grabbed Freya’s arm.
"Why are we still here? Let’s go. We need to leave —now."
But just then —
"So you are not going to sign ?" Adelyn spoke again, calm but pointed. "You were the ones who called back to this country, saying you would help make a na in the industry. Are you backing out now?"
Alia, who had barely managed to steady herself, snapped.
"You still have the nerve to say that?"
Adelyn lifted her gaze and t her eyes, unapologetic.
"Why wouldn’t I have it?"
"You —"
"You made co all this way only to refuse ," Adelyn continued coolly. "Do you think I am easy to bully?"
"You —!" Alia felt her patience snap. "Born in wealth as an heiress, you think we are easy to bully? Go and see your brother. His ancestors will help you make a career."
Adelyn paused.
Sothing dark stirred briefly in her eyes —but before Freya could grasp it, it vanished.
"I am not any rich heiress," Adelyn said evenly.
Just as Alia was about to snap back, Adelyn added, "I am an orphan. Adopted ...and then abandoned again in this world."
"You —" Alia froze halfway when she realized Adelyn’s words..
She opened her mouth to speak —but no words ca.
To speak of sothing like that so calmly ...
One could imagine how much pain it took to reach that point.
"But ... weren’t you a Scott?" Alia asked hesitantly.
Adelyn smiled —a smile that never reached her eyes.
"Well ... officially, I am still Adelyn Scott on Vabraria’s records. But that will change soon."
Freya watched her carefully now.
She could tell —whatever lay beneath the surface was far more complicated than it appeared.
Alia nodded awkwardly.
"Well ... this may sound insensitive, but we can’t lie to you just to make you feel better. So I will be honest."
She took a breath.
"We can’t sign you. But I can arrange your return flight and cover all your expenses here. Will that be enough?"
She believed that was already generous.
And it would convince Adelyn ... easily.
But what Adelyn said next only spiked her blood pressure.
"I ca here to make a career in the entertainnt industry," she said calmly. "You can’t actually compensate my dreams with money. After all —"
Her gaze flicked to Alia.
"You are not rich heiress as well; you have limits when it cos to money."
"You —!" Alia pointed at her, furious.
However, before she could explode, Freya grabbed her wrist and shook her head.
Then Freya spoke.
"Fine," she said quietly. "We will sign you."
Alia’s eyes widened. Before she could argue with her, Freya cut in and continued.
"But I have conditions," her gaze locked on Adelyn. "Conditions you must agree to."
User Comments
0 comments from readers