Usually quick-witted, Zoe was now stuttering.
โYes, itโs me,โ Abbie replied with a smile. โThank you for liking me.โ
โNo, no, no, you deserve it! You acted so well; I watch every one of your films!โ Zoe said, her eyes sparkling with hope and excitement. โCan I take a photo with you?โ
โOf course,โ Abbie said.
โThenโฆ could I also get an autograph?โ Zoe asked.
โSure,โ Abbie replied readily.
Zoe squealed, her face flushed with excitement, and she looked every bit the devoted fan. After successfully getting her photo and autograph, Tiffany said, โLetโs all get in the car and grab something to eat.โ
Their destination was the most upscale fondue restaurant in Lovell City. Even after entering the private room and placing their orders, Zoe remained in a daze, still processing the excitement of her encounter. She could never have imagined that she would have dinner with her favorite actress. She was so excited she was about to jump up and kiss Tiffany when the private room door suddenly swung open.
A glamorous woman, dressed to the nines and wearing oversized sunglasses that obscured her face, entered uninvited. Adorned in luxury designer clothes and jewelry that exuded wealth, she seemed more troublemaker than guest.
Nevaeh inquired, โMay I ask who you are?โ
โWho do you think I am?โ The woman removed her sunglasses, revealing a face full of charm and allure.
It turned out to be Milly Beck, a top-tier star in her prime, and the rumored girlfriend of the man who had betrayed Abbie. Nevaeh, having just been with Abbie, was unaware of this backstory. Sensing the visitorโs ill intentions, she asked, โWhat brings you here, Miss Beck?โ
โI just came to check on Abbie,โ she said casually. โI donโt have any other intentions. Weโre all old friends here, so if Abbie ever needs anything, please get in touch with us.โ With an arrogant smile, Milly added, โBoth Freddie and I are more than happy to help!โ
Hearing this, Nevaehโs face lit up with joy. Milly was a rising star, and Freddie had even won a Best Actor award the previous year. Both were highly sought after in the industry, so their willingness to assist would greatly benefit Abbieโs comeback.
Just as Nevaeh was about to agree, she noticed Abbieโs expression was colder than usual. Abbieโs gaze was fixed on Milly as she uttered, โGet lost.โ
โLooks like Abbie still has that bad temper,โ Milly chuckled, her laughter ringing out. โDo you think you can make a comeback with your notorious reputation? Donโt kid yourself; once youโre seen as damaged goods, thatโs how it is.โ With a taunting smile, Milly turned to leave, clearly reveling in the confrontation.
She made a dramatic exit, exuding arrogance. However, as she took her first step, a calm voice called out from behind.
โYouโre Milly Beck, right?โ Tiffany asked, her posture relaxed. But the words that followed sent a chill down everyoneโs spine. โYou were also on Maple Grove Avenue that night two years ago, werenโt you?โ
The two years referred to coincided with the incident where Freddie accidentally injured someone, and Abbie had taken the blame. Only Abbie and Freddie knew the full details.
Hearing this, Millyโs expression shifted dramatically. She had suggested the plan to Freddie, but never expected Abbie to agree. She thought, How did this delicate-looking girl know about it? Milly quickly denied, โI donโt understand. I have no idea what youโre talking about!โ
โItโs okay if you donโt understand. Just know that the knife hanging over your head can drop at any moment!โ Tiffany said.
Millyโs expression turned to shock. She looked at Tiffanyโs innocently smiling, angelic face, but saw an unsettling hint of something more sinister in her eyes.
Milly ran off in fear, leaving the private room in a panic. Her chaotic, defeated flight contrasted sharply with her earlier bravado.
Tiffany clicked her tongue in dissatisfaction. โIs there any sense of courtesy? She could at least close the door on her way out.โ [The promotional sentence for FindNovel.net has been removed.]
The assistant quietly stood up and closed the door, restoring the pleasant atmosphere. Nevaeh, while unaware of the full context, had been in the industry for many years and had some inkling of what was happening. However, she chose not to comment.
Abbie was the most shocked. She stared incredulously at Tiffany, unable to fathom how she knew about the incident. It was reminiscent of when Abbie confidently asserted her innocence during her transition to a new agency. Amidst the blame and scorn, only Tiffany had stood by her, defending her, even when Milly, a former supporter, had turned on her. Abbie lowered her gaze to her food, the rising steam mirroring the mist gathering in her eyes.
Near the end of their meal, Tiffany stood up, saying she needed to go to the restroom, and Abbie immediately followed. They walked side by side. Abbie asked, โHow did you know about the incident on Maple Grove Avenue two years ago? And how did you know Milly was there, too?โ
โI not only know that, but I also know the idea came from Milly, didnโt it?โ Tiffany replied with a relaxed smile.
Abbie was even more shocked. โWhere did you find that out?โ she asked, bewildered. She had only learned the truth after prison, when Milly had taunted her. Even knowing the truth, she felt powerless against Milly and Freddie.
Tiffany said casually, โYou were the one who told me.โ
โI told you? Thatโs impossible; I didnโt even know you back then!โ Abbie said.
Abbie was about to ask more when Tiffany stopped and said earnestly, โYou did tell me.โ It was during a previous encounter.
Abbie had faced an uphill battle for a comeback, enduring hardship and scrutiny. In desperation, she had revealed the events to the public, but no one believed her. They accused her of being dramatic and attention-seeking. In the end, Abbie faded into obscurity.
She still didnโt believe Tiffany, so Tiffany patted her shoulder. โWhat happened in the past doesnโt matter. The important thing is that youโre mine now, and I wonโt let my people suffer.โ
The phrase โyouโre mine nowโ felt odd to Abbie. She looked at Tiffany suspiciously, only to see her wink playfully. Her cleverness and captivating features were hard to ignore.
Abbie felt a tightness in her nose, overwhelmed by the urge to cry. During her darkest year, she had longed for help, but only received scorn. Now, she felt incredibly fortunate to have met Tiffany.