“Ms. Quigley, I’m truly sorry for bothering you.”
Jamie’s attitude was earnest, but at the same time filled with restraining fear.
Clarissa simply glanced at her emotionlessly before getting straight to the point without wasting any time.
“Stop beating around the bush. Just tell me what you want.”
A dark expression loomed over Jamie’s face. “Ms. Quigley, could we talk inside?”
Clarissa shook her head firmly. “Even though you’re a woman, it’s better to just talk here. I’m a cautious person, after all.”
Upon hearing that, the color drained from Jamie’s face. She clenched her fists tightly while staring at Clarissa with an apologetic expression.
Regardless of whether her remorse was sincere or not, at least she was acting like she meant it.
However, it seemed that Clarissa was not buying it at all. It was exactly because Jamie was good at acting that Clarissa had no way to differentiate her authenticity.
As such, Clarissa’s tone was as cold as ever when she said, “Stop wasting my time, please. There are still people waiting for me to start working.”
She meant it as a reminder as well as a warning.
Jamie bit her lips tightly when she realized Clarissa would not show her any sympathy no matter how hard she tried.
Besides, she was also aware that she had crossed the latter’s line a long time ago and would never deserve a second chance.
“Ms. Quigley, I’ll admit that it was my fault last time, but I’ve paid the price. I came to the film studio three years ago and started from the bottom. I’ve truly repented and have worked hard up till now. Ms. Quigley, do you have any idea what I had to go through to get here…”
Clarissa did not intend to let Jamie finished what she wanted to say, as she was hardly interested in it.
In fact, she knew that Jamie was about to elaborate on what difficulties she had gone through.
So what? Serves you right. I’ve been really kind by not shutting you down completely.
With that thought, she lifted her hand and interrupted Jamie abruptly. “That’s enough. I got your point. You’re afraid that I would burn your bridge again, aren’t you?”
“I…”
“If that’s so, then you don’t have to worry. I’m not that cruel.”
Instantly, Jamie beamed at Clarissa with her eyes still moist with tears. “Ms. Quigley, that’s really kind of you. I…”
She wanted to approach Clarissa and thank her but was swiftly evaded by the latter.
“I won’t do anything to you, but at the same time, I would never befriend you again. Jamie, I am not a devil, and neither am I a saint. From now on, we’re merely strangers. Do you understand?”
Hearing that, Jamie backed away with obvious disappointment written all over her face.
“Yes… I understand… This is what I deserve…”
Clarissa ended the conversation with a ruthless tone. “Well, if there’s nothing else, you should leave. Don’t ever look for me again. And if we meet at the site, do not greet me.”
Upon saying that, she swiftly closed the door and walked into the room. Meanwhile, their conversations were overheard by Hilda.
The latter was left in slight bewilderment by what she heard. It was then that she recalled there was once a newbie named Jamie who was rather famous but disappeared without any news for years. Many thought she had gotten married and started a family somewhere.
But now Hilda found out that it was all because the mentioned actress had offended Clarissa.
Holy sh*t. This is the biggest secret in showbiz!
As Clarissa came back earlier than Hilda expected, the latter had a hard time suppressing her nervousness and curiosity. Her dilemma was observed by Clarissa.
“Alright, stop with the act. Jamie and I were friends, and she betrayed me for some profits. I was lucky and didn’t get harmed, but our friendship was over. In the end, I took my revenge, and it came to what you heard just now.”
Hilda nodded cautiously. “Okay.”
Looking at her timid attitude, Clarissa let out a chuckle. “Hilda, you have to be careful with anyone you come across in this industry. The temptation of lust and profit can easily deceive any human heart. So don’t ever trust anyone, including me. Understand?”
Hilda was frozen in shock by her statement.
However, Clarissa did not seem to care what Hilda felt as the former sat down and started changing the subject to work.
Her sudden change in behavior might seem heartless, but it was hardly her fault for becoming such a hard-hearted person. After all, she was once a victim of her friend’s betrayal, who she trusted wholeheartedly.
In other words, Clarissa had learned the lesson of life the hard way.
Looking at how Clarissa was acting, Hilda did not dare to further question the matter.
It was around ten o’clock when Clarissa’s phone rang again, as punctual as ever. Spotting that, Hilda sensibly left the room.
There was a rumor saying that Clarissa was the one who pursued Matthew. However, judging by Matthew’s attitude toward Clarissa and the daily call, Hilda was certain that Matthew was the one who took the initial move in this relationship.
Thus, she no longer believed in the rumor that Clarissa had used all sorts of tactics to marry into money.
Anyone who still mocks Clarissa should have a look with their own eyes. Who says that whoever marries a rich family will definitely be a vain woman? Obviously, they’re just jealous, and their criticisms are sour grapes.
The more Hilda thought about it, the angrier she got. Scrolling through her phone with her head lowered, she did not realize that someone was walking her way. Turning around a corner, she bumped into a man.
Stunned by the impact, Hilda lifted her head, only to see a man with a cap on. The man did not speak a word and simply walked past her.
“What’s with the attitude? Doesn’t he know how to apologize?”
Hilda picked up her phone that had fallen on the floor while grumbling a few complaints. When she turned around, the man had already vanished from her sight.
After the man walked past Hilda, he came to the last room on the corridor and knocked on the door.
Clarissa, who was on a video call with Matthew, was startled by this abrupt knock.
Who is it at this hour? I guess it must be Hilda.
However, the moment she opened her door, she realized that it was not Hilda, but a handsome young man.
It didn’t take long for Clarissa to recognize him to be the third male actor in the film. She did not know him very well, but she knew that he was recruited because of his relationship with the sponsor. His acting was mediocre, but he did have quite a lot of scandals around him. He seemed to be quite famous among teenagers as well but not really a big hit.
Before Clarissa could react, the man curled his lips into a smile. “Ms. Quigley, I have something to discuss with you. May I come in?”
“Huh?”
While Clarissa was still stunned, he had already let himself inside her room.
The moment she came back to her sense, she noticed the door had been shut behind him.
At that instance, her gut instinct told her that something was wrong. She immediately stepped to open the door while telling the man off.
“Get out, Lucas. I didn’t agree to let you in. Get out right now!”
She tried to open the door but was blocked by Lucas. At the same time, he was grinning with a sly expression.
“Ms. Quigley, please keep your voice down. I’m just trying to seek some advice from you. Don’t be so heartless, hmm?”
His tone sounded utterly sensual as he gradually stepped closer toward Clarissa.
“Lucas, how dare you? Get out now, or I’ll call the cops.”
“Come on, Ms. Quigley, there’s no need to be like this. My intention is pure. Please don’t reject me. You’re so beautiful. I bet you must have a beautiful heart too, right?”
As he spoke, he took off his coat, revealing the white t-shirt and a pair of tight jeans underneath. Clarissa could see his sturdy figure. Presumably, most women would not be able to resist such a sight.
However, Clarissa was completely disgusted by Lucas’ sensual gaze.
She stepped back in a panic while forcing out a calm front. She tried to recollect herself while figuring out a way to escape from this situation.
“Lucas, I’m warning you. Leave. I don’t care how others treat you, but I’m a married woman. Besides, you know who my husband is. If you still want to survive in this industry, get out now. Or else you’re only bringing infamy and ruin upon yourself.”
Lucas was stunned momentarily before his expression turned awkward. Evidently, this was different from what he anticipated.
Based on their interactions during the day, he felt that Clarissa had been extremely friendly toward him. He assumed that even if Clarissa did not accept his goodwill, she would not reject harshly.
To be precise, he had never encountered any woman that would reject him, especially those with power and status.
In order to gain the fame he wanted, he did not mind offering himself and playing into the unspoken rules in showbiz. And compared to those powerful old ladies he encountered, Clarissa was considered a jackpot with such a perfect look and body.
In the end, despite the fact that he had only joined the for a few days, he could not wait any longer to offer himself up to Clarissa.
However, Clarissa’s reaction at the moment clearly shocked and disappointed him.
But a moment later, Lucas’s lips curled into another smile. “Ms. Quigley, to be honest, no one knows I’m here tonight. I am extra careful as I’m aware of your status. So as long as you don’t tell anyone, no one will know about us.”
“Lucas… one more word from you, and you will lose all you have tomorrow morning.”
Clarissa’s resentful gaze made Lucas’s heart skipped a beat.
Picking up his coat, he turned and was about to walk out of the room.
Just when his hand touched the doorknob, however, he suddenly changed his mind. Swiftly locking the door, he turned to Clarissa with his typical confident smile again. It’s too late now. Since I’m already here, I will be in trouble even if I leave now. If that’s so, I can’t give up now.
