Love Me Or Leave Me

CHAPTER 124

Lisa’s eyes widened in shock at the news. “Janet, you’re saying some other artists. who are just as talented as you are interested in The Empress?”

In the world of showbiz, popularity ruled. Even if Janet’s star was fading, she was still the best actress with a fanbase. For someone

like her to join a small production, Vicky should be thrilled and ready to sign on the dotted line. She would be afraid that Janet might back out.

Lisa thought, ‘But Vicky isn’t jumping at the chance. It’s one thing to think it over, but it’s been half a month with no decision

‘Could it be that there are other top–tier talents on a par with Janet also in talks with The Empress? Who else could it be? Who else besides Janet would even consider this show?‘

Lisa’s face fell, and she quickly said, “I’ll find out right away.”

Janet’s comeback would directly affect Lisa’s future success, so she was on edge,

too.

After Lisa left, Janet was alone in the dressing room. She looked around the small makeup area and finally sat in front of the mirror. Her reflection showed a face that was far from pleased, with dark circles under her eyes.

Janet grabbed a makeup pad and tried to cover the dark circles in the mirror, but no matter how long she tried, they wouldn’t hide. She was shaking with anger.

She thought, ‘It’s all Rebecca’s fault. If it weren’t for her mess, I wouldn’t be in this state. Rebecca’s almost washed up. She’s been dragged through the mud online. Everyone’s calling her names, telling her to get lost. How can she make a comeback? A paternity test? The long–lost daughter of the Carter family?

‘Ha, I don’t buy it. Rebecca is the Carter family’s lost daughter? She might just have the luck of the draw, looking a bit like the Carters. It’s got to be a coincidence. Or could it be… Charlie’s trying to shield Rebecca? Seeing her take all this heat online, he’d go as far as faking a paternity test, claiming Rebecca as his sister to clear her

name?’

With these thoughts, Janet hatched a plan. She needed to get a hold of Rebecca and Charlie’s DNA and get it tested to prove they were not really siblings.

This plan brought a smile to Janet’s face, and finally, she felt sleepy.

She hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in ages. The idea of Rebecca as the Carter family’s daughter had been driving her mad. Her body was exhausted, but her mind was wide awake, refusing to rest, resulting in those dark circles under her

eyes.

Janet returned to the lounge’s bed, kicked off her shoes, climbed in, lay down, and pulled the covers over herself. This time, she drifted off to sleep quickly.

*****

At the Aotori shooting base, after wrestling with her thoughts all night, Vicky finally signed her name on the contract with a grimace.

She told herself, “It’s a sure thing. I won’t lose money. I’ve seen what Becky can do on camera. We just need to find the right guy to play off her, and this show will be gold. I’ll be rolling in the dough.”

Adrian had emailed her a digital contract. Vicky signed it and shot him a message.

In Hivalis, Adrian got the message, gave a quick scan to make sure it was right, and then sent the contract link to his sister Stacey to sign, too.

Stacey gave the contract a final once–over. It seemed good to her, so she signed on the line. It brought the contract into legal force instantly. Now she was the lead in The Empress.

Vicky got the heads–up that the contract was signed. She checked it out, confirmed it was Becky who signed after her, and then exhaled. She thought, ‘Just need the right male lead now. He’s gotta be perfect and top–notch. Gotta make this show

pop.‘

Lost in thought, Vicky was interrupted when an artist came knocking, one she knew well–Malcolm, who played the lead character Yves in Lovey Princess, the show he did with Becky.

Malcolm was easy on the eyes and not bad at acting. The show with him and Becky had been a hit. They had a bunch of fans already shipping them online. If Malcolm could nail the male lead in The Empress and team up with Becky, it’d be a slam dunk.

But here was the thing, acting chops were key. Just like Charlotte and Elizabeth

45

game from

were day and night, Raymond in The Empress was a whole other ball Yves in Lovey Princess. Malcolm killed it as Yves, but Raymond? Vicky had to see how he’d handle the audition.

Half an hour later, Vicky was blown away. Malcolm nailed it and acted smoothly. With his skills, landing the role of Raymond was a no–brainer.

“Mind if I ask you something?” Vicky couldn’t resist it.

Malcolm nodded and said, “Shoot, Vicky.”

Vicky hesitated and then asked, “Why’d you come to our show?” She was dying to know.

“Because of Becky.” Malcolm was upfront. “Heard she’s on board, so I figured why not give it a whirl?”

Vicky blinked and asked, “You’re into Becky?”

Malcolm shook his head and replied, “Nah, I’m just chasing fame.”

Vicky was speechless.

Malcolm got serious and said, “What do you think, Vicky? Becky’s gonna be huge, right? If I tag along, even if I’m just a sidekick, I can get a job. I’m not picky.”

Vicky’s mouth twitched. She cracked a smile. “You’re coming off like a freeloader here.”

Malcolm smiled and responded, “What’s wrong with a free meal? If it’s there, might as well dig in.”

“Fair enough.” Vicky nodded and said with a smile, “You’re not bad–looking and can hold your own on stage. If we’re good, let’s sign this contract. Becky signed this morning. You two are our leads.”

Malcolm beamed, bowed in gratitude, and said, “Thanks, director, I won’t let you down.”

Vicky chuckled, pulled out the contract, and handed it over to Malcolm.

Malcolm scanned it. A few terms made him raise an eyebrow, but he was about to sign.

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Just then, Malcolm remembered he wasn’t on his own anymore. Signed with Charlie’s company, he had backup now. If he signed this contract solo, he wouldn’t have much leverage, but if his company signed, that changed the game.