Defiant. Unyielding. Quiana’s aura was sharp enough to make everyone around her freeze, held captive by her fierce energy-
Ellott was the first to regain her composure, sneering, “Qulana, do you ever realize where you are? Who do you think you are?”
Lena snapped back to reality, her eyes brimming with a complex array of feelings. “Quiana, you’re not obliged to concern yourself with my affairs.” She harbored no desire to entangle Quiana in her own tribulations, given their lack of a deep bond.
Quiana acted as if she didn’t hear, only letting out a laugh as her gaze locked onto Winona. “Aren’t you tired of these petty games?”
In just one sentence, she reminded everyone about what had happened with Evalyn not long ago.
Eliott scoffed, her voice laced with mockery. “Quiana, this production is a sixty–million–dollar investment, all thanks to Keith Hawley, who’s backing. Winona. He is a Hawley. Maybe you should think twice.”
“Enough!” Winona stopped her, speaking softly, “Keith doesn’t like people using his name for anything.”
While Winona might have seemed to stop Eliott, her casual Keith” only confirmed their rumored closeness. And everyone remembered that Keith had indeed visited the set.
Quiana chuckled, “Winona, do you think the only reason you’re still part of the crew Keith’s investment?”
Quiana’s laughter sent a shiver down Winona’s spine. Winona’s eyelid flickered with a nervous twitch, yet she swiftly regained her composure, biting her lip and conceding. “If you’re interceding on her behalf, then let’s let it go.”
Ellott frowned, persistent. “But Winona, that costume was real silk–one glass of water, and it’s ruined. How can we just ‘let it go
Winona nodded, looking thoughtful. “She can pay for it, then”
The costume was worth fifty thousand dollars. How could Lena have that much money?
Eliott turned to Quiana, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Since you’re so eager to stand up for Lena, why don’t you cover the cost?”
Quiana tilted her head, giving Eliott a once–over. “You’re a dedicated little lapdog, aren’t you?”
“You…” Ellott’s face turned bright red.
Plenty of people sucked up to Winona on set, but Eliott had been the most vocal about it. If cozying up to Winona meant getting Eliott’s foot in the door at Star Entertainment, a little groveling was worth it
Elott sneered back, “Too bad, Quiana–you don’t even have a lapdog!”
“Quiana,” Winona said, her voice soft but loaded with judgment. “I said I’d let it go, yet you insist on making this an issue. If you keep causing a scene, the director might remove you from the set. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Mr. Carter,” Eliott suddenly had an idea and shouted, “How can someone like Quiana stay on the crew? She keeps harassing Winona–are you willing to risk Mr. Hawley’s anger?” She referred to Keith..
Just like when Quiana and Winona had clashed, Keith and Julius had shown up, leaving chaos in their wake.
Now, it was happening all over again. The director, John, who had been trying to stay out of it, had no choice but to step forward.
John looked at Quiana, clearly conflicted. “Why are you even getting involved?”
Quiana raised an eyebrow. “Is it wrong to stand up for what’s right?”
John paused, then said, “Quiana, you’re in the crew because I made a deal with Evelyn. Just bear with your small part and finish shooting. Then you’re
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Chapter 81
done. Maybe apologize to Winona?”
Seeing John hesitate and treat Quiana so politely, Winona’s expression hardened, “John, today, it’s either me or Quiana. Only one of us stays”
John was no big name, and this drama wasn’t high–budget. It was an online series.
Keith invested all sixty million dollars; the big bucks were spent to cast Evelyn as the lead actress to boost Winona’s career. Everyone understood the Arrangement
And then Quiana had come into the picture. John had one actress backed by Keith and the other by Julius. He was caught between a rock and a hard place. But Winona’s ultimatum forced his hand.
Only about 20% of the show was complete. If Winona lelt, Keith would pull his investment. If Quiana left, they’d just have to recast her small role and pay Evelyn a small penalty for breaching the contract.
John clenched his teeth. “Quiana, don’t blame me for being harsh.” He had made up his mind.
