Chapter 180

The opening ceremony for "River Banquet" had barely concluded when the production team faced a series of setbacks.

Julian Lombardi and Vanessa Kalmien's scandal broke, turning them into pariahs overnight.

Richard Lowell scrambled to recast the male lead, but the damage was irreversible.

The official account's follower count plummeted daily.

Richard stared at his computer screen, consumed by regret.

If only he hadn't listened to those poisonous whispers and targeted Scarlett Ashcroft.

Lucas Sheridan was immersed in post-production for "Empress," paying no attention to the drama.

Derek Langley watched the fading hashtags with relief.

He immediately ordered the PR department to issue a statement:

"Lowell Entertainment deeply regrets its failure to oversee our artists' conduct. We have terminated contracts with Julian Lombardi and Vanessa Kalmien. Moving forward, we will enforce stricter ethical standards."

The statement masterfully absolved the company of all blame.

Pearl Group CEO's office.

Sophia Laurent scrolled through the news on her phone, lips curling in disdain.

Did Derek really think he could walk away unscathed?

Her meticulous plans weren't for those two pathetic clowns.

Why should such scum enjoy freedom?

She'd vehemently opposed Derek's appointment at Lowell Entertainment years ago.

But Emily Lowell's single word had swayed William Lowell's judgment.

Derek was Emily's maternal uncle—a well-kept secret.

That summer when Sophia was ten, her adoptive parents sent her to care for her bedridden grandmother in an isolated mountain village.

Derek was the local troublemaker—a petty thief who loitered all day.

No one visited Grandmother's thatched cottage.

Until Sophia arrived.

Then Derek started lurking nearby.

At dawn each day, the ten-year-old rose to cook porridge, wash clothes, and forage for wild greens.

She never imagined human depravity could run so deep.

One morning while gathering herbs on the mountain path, rustling footsteps approached from behind.

"All alone, Sophia?"

Derek's greasy voice slithered over her shoulder.

His pockmarked face and lecherous gaze made her skin crawl.

Instinct screamed danger.

She turned and ran.