Even though the servant was deeply frustrated, she maintained a cheerful demeanor and served Sandra well. Meanwhile, accustomed to a life of constant service, Sandra began to entertain the idea that becoming Mrs. Booth represented a life of luxury and ease. She believed this marriage would solve all her worries.

However, when Jordan returned home that night, reeking of cheap perfume, Sandra's fantasies shattered. "How could I have ever thought a man like Jordan is worthy of me?" she wondered.

Clenching her fists, Sandra struggled to maintain her composure. But Jordan, swaggering drunkenly, stumbled toward her, muttering, "Not a great deal, huh? Spent a fortune to marry you, and I've hardly gotten my money's worth"

Sandra's anger boiled, but she forced a sweet tone. "Come now, don't start. I'm pregnant, remember?"

Jordan grumbled but reluctantly backed off. "Fine, fine. But you make sure to have that baby and don't get in my way. Give me a son, and I'll reward you properly." His slurred words were nonsensical, but they confirmed one thing for Sandra: she was merely a baby machine for the Booth family. Without this child, her position in the household was precarious, at best.

This realization was a turning point for Sandra. No matter how wealthy the Booth family was, none of it would truly belong to her unless she played her cards right. She felt like a dog scrabbling for scraps, utterly lacking dignity. Therefore, she resolved to find a way to acquire the Booth family's money for herself. A determined smile touched her lips.

Another week passed. During this time, Tiffany received several calls from Oliver. He reported that filming rights had been approved, and casting auditions were next. If all went well, shooting would begin next month. He wanted to expedite the process.

Tiffany, uninvolved in the details, simply nodded. "Mr. Fraser, I trust your judgment. Just let me review the final cast before you make it official."

"Of course." Since this was also part of the contract, Oliver readily agreed and then hurried off to his work.

There was more good news. Tiffany's father, Charlie, had been working with Richard on a film set renovation project in an old alleyway. The project had progressed smoothly.

Charlie had personally overseen it, working long hours. Now, nearing completion, he seemed considerably more relaxed, even teasing Tiffany that evening.

"Sweetheart, the film set officially opens tomorrow. Want to come see your old man's masterpiece?" Although phrased as a question, his eager anticipation was unmistakable.

Tiffany played along. "Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world!"

Charlie laughed heartily, his pride evident.

The next morning, Tiffany accompanied her father to the newly renovated film set.

Upon arrival, the historical charm of the location was striking. The old alleyway was well-preserved, and Charlie's meticulous attention to detail enhanced its authenticity.

Tiffany showered her father with praise. "Dad, this is genius! The creativity is incredible! You've outdone yourself! Once it opens, I bet this place will be packed with tourists and film crews."

Charlie's grin widened. And Tiffany was right.

Chapter 183

On the opening day, early in the morning, a small film crew arrived to shoot a few scenes. It wasn't a large-budget project—just a low-budget web series—but it was a start.

As Tiffany and Charlie walked past the filming area, an assistant ran over, breathlessly asking Charlie to assist with some last-minute decisions.

"Go ahead, Dad. I'll explore a bit and catch up with you later," Tiffany said. Charlie nodded and hurried off.

With the film set relatively uncrowded on its first day, Tiffany felt comfortable wandering alone.

While strolling, she overheard a nearby scene being shot. Two actresses were engaged in an intense confrontation. The lead actress slapped her co-star hard. She continued her lines, but her delivery was poor.

The director called "cut," and they reset the scene. Another slap. Another cut. After three takes, the supporting actress's face was visibly swollen and red.

Tiffany frowned. While not in the industry herself, she knew that most such scenes were faked. Directors aiming for less realism typically used clever camera angles to avoid injuring actors. But this seemed deliberate.

Tiffany glanced at the lead actress and noticed a smug, triumphant smirk directed at her suffering co-star.

After more takes, the director called a break. Assistants immediately swarmed the lead actress, applying makeup and offering drinks, while the other actress sat alone, receiving no ice pack for her swollen face.

As Tiffany passed, she overheard two crew members talking quietly.

"Abbie Hopkins… what a fall from grace. She was once one of the biggest stars, and now she's playing second fiddle to an unknown rookie."

"Yeah, it's sad. Just goes to show how unforgiving this industry is. Once people forget you, you're nothing."

Tiffany stopped. 'Abbie Hopkins?' she thought. The name was familiar.

Five years earlier, Abbie had debuted in a blockbuster film, winning dual Best Actress awards in her first year. At only 20, she was the youngest star ever to achieve this honor. Her career had soared. Every project was a massive success, and her future seemed limitless.

But two years prior, she'd been arrested for assault. Afterward, all her contracts were canceled, endorsements pulled, and she faced massive penalties. Her reputation was ruined.

Eventually, her agency gave up on Abbie. She disappeared from the public eye, and when she resurfaced, it was too late. The industry had moved on, leaving her behind. Now, she was reduced to low-budget web series, playing minor, unappealing roles. Worse, she was being openly bullied during filming.

But Tiffany knew the truth. Abbie's assault had been a cover-up—she'd taken the fall for her then-boyfriend, a minor actor. He'd convinced her that her fame would allow her to recover, promising to support her if things went wrong. Abbie agreed.

Over the past two years, her once-minor boyfriend had become a star, constantly generating rumors and associating with other A-list actresses. Meanwhile, Abbie was left alone and forgotten.

Tiffany chuckled bitterly. In her past life, she'd been as naive as Abbie. She bought a bottle of cold water and approached Abbie. "Here. Use this for the swelling."