Chapter 49
Jill faced the music, taking all the blame onto herself. It was a move that caught everyone off guard. The ones who had been throwing shade at
Quiana cather were now white as ghosts, each holding a lawyer’s letter like it was a lifeline.
Alina was blown away and managed to give Quiana a thumbs–up, a
, a silent sign of approval,
Quiana dropped her sunglasses on the table and nodded at Quinn. “You’re up she said, before adding, “Ive got other things to handie”
She then sauntered off, her heels clicking on the floor, hands in her pockets, leaving behind a crew that was too stunned to speak.
Evelyn had to be taken to the hospital, and with everything going on, there was no way they could keep shooting, John was at his wit’s end, his face a picture of stress as he tried to figure out what to do nest
Winona was seething as she charged into her private lounge. “Wiso does she think she is?” she yelled, her anger palpable as she sent a table crashing to the ground
She cursed. “Quiana, that nobody, thinks she ca
can just step in and overshadow me? What makes her think she’s got a chance!”
Her well–laid plans had been shattered. Quiana had brought in Quinn without so much as a word in her own defense, leaving Winona to bear the brunt of the embarrassment in front of everyone.
Yulia’s face tightened as she quickly intervened, steering Winona to the side. “We’re still on set,” she hissed, her voice a mix of warning and urgency. “Keep it down”
Winona’s face was a mask of rage. This isn’t over, not while Quiana’s in this business, on the same set as me,” she growled. “I won’t let her get away with this. I want her out, and I want her reputation in tatters.
Quinn’s involvement was unexpected, especially since he usually stayed clear of this circle’s drama. With everything hanging in the balance, Quiana’s skeletons could come tumbling out at any moment.
Yulia, despate her own feelings towards Quiana, had to keep a clear head as the manager.
Yulia comforted her. “I’ll handle things with Jill quietly,” she said firmly. “We’ll deal with the rest later. Right now, you need to get yourself together, go to the hospital, apologize to Evelyn, and then focus on nailing your scenes.
At the hospital, Evelyn’s agent, Serena Stuw, was laying it on the line. “You keep talking about Quilana like she’s your savior, but you’ve got your crowns because of your talent and the company’s push
“Everyone’s trying to rise, and here you are, a big–name actress, slumming it in a web series. You brought Quiana in without a word to me, signed up for this low–profile gig and said it was to settle a debt. The company played along, but look where it’s landed you..
“No.” Evelyn started to defend herself.
Serena wasn’t having it “Don’t give me that. Even if she’s not the one who did this, you’re in this mess because of her. Winona? She’s a Larson, with Keith behind her. That’s heavyweight backing.
She took a gulp of water, realizing her words might have been a bit harsh. She softened her tone, trying to make her point more gently. “The industry’s a shark tank, and even a triple–crown queen like you can get knocked off your pedestal. You’re the poster girl for Prosperous Entertainment”
Evelyn was comered by her agent, but she stood her ground. “Quiana didn’t do anything wrong”
Serena brushed it off. I’m arranging skin graft surgery for you. Once you’re patched up and this show’s done, you’re cutting Quiana loose”
The doctor had given Evelyn the bad news. second–degree burns, not deep but enough to leave a mark. As someone who had to look flawless on the red carpet and at galas, that was a big deal. It was clear—her image needed some Exing
After a knock, the assistant’s voice piped up from outside the door. “Quiana’s here to see Evelyn, Serena.“
Serena’s brows knitted together. “Quiana? What now! Hasn’t she stirred up enough trouble for Evelyn!”
Evelyn, winding, made an effort to sit up. “Let her in,” s
she said firmly.
Quiana strode in, a picture of elegance at nearly six feet tall, with a figure that turned heads and a Lace so striking it needed no makeup. She was the
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