Chapter 160

Julian Lombardi's knuckles turned white as he gripped his phone.

The lead role in "River Banquet" should have been Christopher Lowell's prize. Yet now it rested in his hands.

But his triumph was short-lived.

The announcement of "Empress" casting Scarlett Ashcroft as the female lead felt like a slap across his face.

Scarlett?

That nobody who wasn't even D-list?

He hurled his phone onto the sofa.

Meanwhile, in the CEO's office at Lowell Entertainment...

Derek Langley stared at his computer screen, his expression stormy.

"Investigate. Find out who's backing Scarlett Ashcroft."

Tiffany Merouin stormed in on stiletto heels, slamming a stack of documents onto his desk.

"That bitch Melanie Vance! She actually managed to hitch Scarlett to a rising star!"

Her nails dug into her palms.

Years ago, she'd schemed tirelessly to crush Melanie. Now the woman was making a comeback?

A chill ran down Tiffany's spine.

No one understood Melanie's capabilities better than her. If not for years of systematic suppression...

"No!" She shot to her feet. "I won't let her rise again!"

Top floor of Pearl Group.

Scarlett Ashcroft practiced facial expressions before a mirror, sweat trickling down her cheeks.

With "Empress" filming imminent, she couldn't waste this opportunity.

In the adjacent conference room, Sophia Laurent reviewed talent profiles Melanie had submitted.

"These are promising candidates." Melanie pointed at the photos. "Unknown now, but I've been observing them..."

Sophia closed the folder.

"Sign them all."

Melanie blinked.

"Madam Laurent, don't you want to—"

Sophia met her gaze. "From today, Pearl Entertainment is under your complete authority."

Melanie's eyes reddened.

She drew a steadying breath. "I won't fail you."

Sophia nodded.

She'd already noticed most talents came from Lowell Entertainment.

She wondered what expressions the Lowells would wear when these "discards" shone under Pearl's banner.

Her phone rang.

The receptionist spoke cautiously. "Madam Laurent, a woman claiming to be your mother—"

Sophia's gaze turned glacial.

"Send her up."