Chapter 166

Scarlett Ashcroft had spent years navigating the cutthroat entertainment industry.

At eighteen, she signed with Lowell Entertainment. Now, seven years had passed.

Roles were scarce—mostly insignificant supporting parts.

But her expressive eyes always left an impression on audiences.

Then she publicly exposed her cheating boyfriend. After briefly trending, she vanished from the spotlight.

Even minor roles dried up.

Variety shows and endorsements became distant dreams.

Gradually, the world forgot her.

Now, her sudden mention stirred old memories.

"I remember her. That scandal was huge back then."

"The posts disappeared overnight. The video got deleted too."

"Looking back, maybe she was the problem."

"That kind of woman deserves to be dumped."

...

Negative comments flooded in.

The official account of "Empress" faced backlash, with demands to recast.

Lucas Sheridan frowned at his assistant's report.

His gaze drifted to the corner of the set.

Scarlett sat quietly, eating her boxed lunch.

"Don't alert her yet," Lucas said grimly. "Give me her agent's number."

Melanie Vance was negotiating a web series for a new client.

The call nearly made her drop her phone.

"Absolute nonsense!"

"Don't worry, Director Sheridan. I'll handle this," she said rapidly. "Scarlett isn't that kind of person."

Lucas gave a quiet hum.

Finding the perfect lead had been tough.

But the growing scandal threatened the film's success.

Melanie cut the meeting short.

Back at the office, her assistant stopped her. "Sophia Laurent wants to see you."

She hurried to the CEO's office.

"Ms. Laurent?"

Sophia looked up. "Who cheated on Scarlett back then?"

Melanie froze.

She'd prepared defenses for Scarlett's scandals. This question caught her off guard.

"Julian Lombardi," she answered truthfully. "The current heartthrob."