Chapter 521
"How dare they say that? Aren't they responsible for spreading rumors?" Tiffany thought furiously. She scrolled through numerous videos, each with a more exaggerated title than the last, though the content remained the same.
Clicking on a video, she saw footage of yesterday's incident. However, the editing and malicious title framed her push of Grelle as definitive evidence of wrongdoing. The comments were overwhelmingly offensive.
[As expected, those in this industry need connections. Otherwise, they're suppressed.] [No matter what, bullying someone in public is unacceptable.]
Beyond a few passersby's comments, Grelle's fans were far more vicious:
[She's jealous of Grelle.] [Miss Kelley keeps surprising me. She stole her fiancé's uncle, then stabbed her fiancé at their engagement party! She's arrogant, despotic, and abusive. Such a woman is terrifying. When will she die?]
These commenters wrote as if eyewitnesses.
Tiffany yawned, continuing to scroll. Then, she found an interesting comment:
[That phone camera is practically in her face! The photographer's behavior is inappropriate.] [Wait am I the only one who thinks this? Look at Tiffany's face—she's stunning from every angle! She's far better than Grelle.]
Narcissistic by nature, Tiffany liked the comment, thinking, "This person has excellent taste."
After viewing several similar videos, Tiffany put away her phone, brushed her teeth, and washed her face. Downstairs, Luna Villa's servants served breakfast. "Miss Kelley, please enjoy," they offered.
"Okay," Tiffany replied.
Mid-meal, noticing James's absence, she asked, "Where are June and James?"
"Mr. Quinn left early. He said he had business and would be gone for two days," a servant answered.
"Oh, I see," Tiffany nodded unconcernedly. James had secrets beyond his identity as the Miracle Healer; his disappearances were commonplace.
The servant continued, "June is checking the herb inventory in the backyard. She'll be here soon."
15:18 Sat, Nov 23
Chapter 521
Shortly after, June entered from the backyard. Tiffany wiped her mouth, stood, and said, "Let's go."
Without further explanation, June drove Tiffany to the film studio complex where Grelle was filming a shampoo commercial. Tiffany strolled in leisurely, June close behind. As they approached the set, the crowd and cameras increased.
Tiffany settled into a rest area, observing Grelle thirty feet away. Grelle, in a pink dress under the harsh sun, hair full of bubbles, constantly struck poses for the camera.
June scoffed. "They've really built her up."
"That's not entirely objective. Ascendant Entertainment's investment in Grelle stems not only from that young man's favor but also from her striking looks," Tiffany countered. Beauty was essential in the industry, she added.
June frowned, correcting her. "Tiffany, call her Grelle Sandy. Not just Grelle." This indicated a formal, less familiar address.
Tiffany readily agreed. "Okay, okay."
During their conversation, Grelle sensed something and turned, spotting Tiffany lounging under a parasol in a lake-green dress. Tiffany exuded an aura of effortless elegance and arrogance. Even from a distance, her every expression captivated.
Grelle felt a flash of jealousy. Many staff members, including the photographer, openly gazed at Tiffany, their awe and admiration evident. This attention, conspicuously absent when Grelle was on set, fueled her frustration.
Grelle gritted her teeth, attempting to refocus on the commercial. However, the comparison only highlighted her own inadequacy, making her feel like a self-important clown. The shoot was already struggling due to the photographer's complaints about her lack of expressiveness. Her mental state further hampered the process, leading to numerous interruptions.
The exasperated photographer threatened to quit. "Can you do it or not? Look at these photos! How am I supposed to continue? Is it that hard to coordinate your facial expressions and eyes?"
Grelle, eyes reddening, apologized. "I'm sorry. I'll adjust. I won't disappoint you." A recent debutante, Grelle had gained popularity through variety shows and Ascendant Entertainment's promotion. This shampoo commercial, though seemingly minor, was a significant opportunity secured with great effort. She had to finish.
The photographer relented. "Alright, alright. Let's rest for a few minutes."
"Thank you," Grelle replied, hurrying to Tiffany's rest area. "Tiffany, what brings you here? Why didn't you tell me so I could pick you up?" Grelle's innocent smile and demeanor were a calculated performance of her "national girl" persona.
Tiffany smirked. "So, are you glad I'm here?"
"Of course…" Grelle paused, then added brightly, "Of course, I'm glad you're here." Her smile, however, held a forced, twisted quality.