Abbie paused, assuming a kind crew member had given her the cold water bottle. But looking up, she saw a completely unfamiliar yet strikingly beautiful face. The girl had refined features, radiant with natural beauty.

Abbie’s eyes flashed with admiration as she took the ice-cold water. "Thanks," she said lightly.

"You're welcome." Tiffany sat beside Abbie on the steps, as if they were old friends. As the rest of the crew laughed and chatted in the distance, their little corner felt like an island—quiet, isolated, and ignored.

Tiffany raised an eyebrow. "Ever thought about switching jobs?"

"Huh?" The sudden question caught Abbie off guard. She blinked. "And you are?"

"Me?" Tiffany's smile was mischievous; her tone bold and arrogant. "I'm your future boss."

Abbie burst out laughing, pressing the cold bottle to her face. "Thanks for the water," she replied, making it clear that was all she wanted to discuss.

Tiffany wasn't offended. Her smile widened. "How about an audition? Interested?"

Abbie, good-natured but unconvinced, asked, "For whose film?" Her tone was dismissive.

"Oliver Fraser's new film."

Abbie froze. This girl, claiming to be her future boss, seemed delusional. Everyone knew Oliver Fraser had the Midas touch—he could make anyone a star. Three years ago, Abbie might have considered it, but things had changed. No major director would work with someone with her tarnished reputation.

Tiffany yawned lazily. "You're really not interested?"

Abbie asked, "Do you even know who I am?"

It wasn't boastful; she had no right to brag. She said it to save Tiffany the trouble. Abbie Hopkins was a name tainted by scandal. Even scammers wouldn't bother with her. It was a dead end.

Abbie stood to return to the set, when Tiffany's lazy voice drifted over. "I know exactly who you are. Two years ago, you took the fall for your beloved boyfriend and ended up in prison, ruining your career. You're Abbie Hopkins, the former A-list actress, right?" The words, casually tossed, hit like a bomb. Abbie whirled around, her face full of shock and suspicion. "How do you know that? Who are you?"

No one knew Abbie had taken the fall. Their relationship had been secret, and no one had ever exposed it. She'd kept quiet because no one would believe her, and the man who betrayed her certainly wouldn't spread a story that could destroy his career. Abbie wondered how Tiffany knew.

Tiffany smiled. "I told you. I'm your future boss." Internally, she thought, 'As for how I knew? Well, that was from a different lifetime.'

Back then, Abbie had revealed the truth, but no one believed her. She was even sued for defamation by the same man. A tragic ending.

"You've only got one shot. Take it or not," Tiffany said, looking Abbie in the eye. Her voice was casual, but her gaze was sharp. "If I were you, I wouldn't rest until I crushed that piece of garbage into the ground."

Abbie shuddered, lost in thought. 'I've dreamed of revenge. Why should that backstabbing man succeed while I struggle? I've thought about it so many times. But no one would believe me'

Abbie shook her head, recalling the memories.

Tiffany, with a half-smile, added, "Of course, if you'd rather keep quiet, pretend I didn't say anything." Some people couldn't be helped.

Abbie's expression changed.

The loudspeaker announced the next scene. She had to return to the set, but her mind raced. 'I'm hitting bottom. Am I really that afraid of losing more?' she questioned herself.

Then, impulsively, she made a decision she wouldn't regret. She turned to Tiffany. "My contract isn't up yet. Are you covering the penalty fee?"

Tiffany grinned. "Of course."

"Alright." Abbie nodded, as the cameras started rolling.

The female lead, an arrogant actress, raised her hand to slap Abbie. Smack! The slap landed on the lead actress instead. Everyone was stunned.

The director yelled, "Cut! What the hell are you doing? That wasn't in the script!"

Abbie smiled—a small, subtle smile that revitalized her cold face. "I'm not doing this anymore," she said, turning to leave.

Everyone was shocked. The director was dumbfounded. "What? You're quitting? You'll owe three times the penalty fee! You can't afford that!"

Abbie had no money. She'd already paid a huge fee for breaching a previous contract. The director knew this and wasn't taking her seriously. "Get back in costume and apologize, or that penalty's coming your way!"

Abbie remained unfazed. "Don't worry. My boss can handle it."

Everyone laughed. "Don't you know your agency's given up on you? No one's paying for someone as washed-up as you! Is your boss a fool?"

Abbie's tone was indifferent. "Yeah. That's why I just fired him."

Everyone thought Abbie was mad. She was burning bridges. Under their wide-eyed stares, Abbie walked to Tiffany and calmly said, "Boss."

The future boss was now the present boss. And Abbie couldn't be happier.

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