Chapter 169: Act It Out

Javier's car stopped in front of a large supermarket. He went to the restroom and then, following an anonymous text message, made a call.

"If it weren't for the urgent circumstances, we wouldn't have offered you this opportunity," the voice said. "As long as you follow our instructions, you won't arouse suspicion. By tonight, your fifty-million-dollar debt will be completely erased. No one will ever find out about your gambling debt. We always keep our word."

Javier's Adam's apple bobbed. A resolute look appeared in his eyes. With his fifty-million-dollar debt gone, no one could accuse him of deceiving Scarlett to pay off his gambling debts. He could claim he was trying to win her back. Even if criticized, it was better than being suspected of fraud. He could portray himself as a naive young man who made foolish mistakes for love. He had no intention of hurting anyone. This way, he wouldn't face the judgmental gazes of his mother and friends. He vowed never to gamble again.

Freya, upon receiving the message, felt immense disappointment. This strengthened her resolve to have Scarlett publicly disclose the matter.

When Javier and Freya returned, Danielle, the producer, and director were still talking to her. She was assuring them that Team A-list wouldn't cause any trouble.

As the premiere countdown began, online buzz intensified. Influential people contacted them. The entire entertainment industry seemed on edge.

After the producer triple-checked everything, he relaxed. He was about to leave with the director when Danielle said, "Oh, right, we need to replace an actor."

The director and producer turned, their expressions saying, "I knew it." They even looked excited. "Go ahead, we can handle it," they said.

Danielle's lips twitched. She wondered if Isabella's persona was too overbearing, hindering progress. Fortunately, there was no immediate issue, giving her a chance to tone things down. Observing the intense gaze of the director and producer, she wondered if they were on the brink of despair, challenging her with a silent, "Let's see what surprises you have."

17:09 Mon, Oct 7 GG

The director and producer instantly lost their enthusiasm.

(03 60% Finished)

The stage play's theme was "Home." Isabella and Christopher would portray a grand love story from a national perspective—a child leaving to become a soldier, sacrificing himself. The message: a nation's existence makes home possible.

The story included a military dog. The son brought home a puppy for his mother, but only the injured military dog returned from duty.

Two animal actors were needed. Finding a puppy was easy, but the adult dog proved more difficult. Initially, they used a well-trained dog, but Danielle was dissatisfied. She felt its expressions and postures were wrong, failing to captivate the audience. She also considered the play's patriotic theme and hoped to maximize its impact, even attracting official attention. While not her primary goal, it would be a bonus. She hoped the performance would genuinely touch hearts. A retired military dog would spark discussion, but that was impossible; those dogs were highly valued.

Then, Danielle encountered Roland. While a military dog was out of the question, a police dog was acceptable. She persuaded Roland, emphasizing the importance of stage presence. Whether due to publicity or respect for Alexander, Roland found a recently retired police dog.

The police dog's role was simple: follow instructions. The key was its demeanor. It didn't need rehearsals; with its trainer present, it could adapt.

Isabella and Christopher had rehearsed flawlessly but hadn't informed the director and producer. Danielle mentioned she'd found a retired police dog with a distinguished service record. Aware of the promotional opportunity, the director and producer simply nodded and left.

7:09 Mon,

(5 3 60% Finished)

After applying makeup, Isabella and Christopher went to the lounge, where the police dog and its trainer were waiting. They were charmed by the affectionate dog.

They saw Scarlett looking for Danielle and stayed to listen to their conversation. Danielle agreed with Scarlett's plan but cautioned, "This will stir controversy—the gambling debts, emotional debts, and reporting Javier to the police. If someone directly accuses another, regardless of the truth, there will be conspiracy theories and moral coercion."

Rosalie suddenly said, "Why not act it out?"

Everyone looked at her. Rosalie, feeling uneasy, scratched her ear. "That's what we usually do, right? Your group's performance involves a daughter seeking help from her mother. Can't this trouble be replaced with this matter?"

Danielle's eyes lit up. "Right! We used performances because of lack of evidence. We provoked the audience to gather evidence. This situation is similar. Reenacting it on stage would be more convincing than a statement. Scarlett joining our studio will indirectly reduce the exaggeration of Isabella's persona." She hesitated, "But to change plans at the last minute"

Rebecca, having finished her makeup, said, "Scarlett certainly has the ability." They knew each other's abilities well. Scarlett preferred acting it out rather than speaking directly. She looked at Freya. They knew the whole truth. Scarlett was a gifted actress, and Freya an award-winning one. A script change wouldn't faze them. Freya agreed. "Let's discuss how to modify it. The performance can be a cautionary lesson." Scarlett lowered her head in embarrassment, and everyone laughed.

As the livestream began, comments flooded in, with various speculations. Scarlett and Freya's performance, revealing the scam, ignited the internet.

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