Chapter 146: A Half-Hearted Apology

Laura and Hensey were taken aback by Abigail's cold voice. "You don't have to apologize to me," she said. "Just admit it: were you dissatisfied with L. Moon's designs? Did you think the Roman makeup looked like a geisha's? Did you think I sneaked in personal items?"

Laura retorted, "Was I wrong? If L. Moon can't design clothes, why consult professors? This is the result? Real Roman makeup isn't that bad!"

Visibly upset, Laura stood up. She couldn't respect Abigail, whom she considered nothing more than an assistant. Without Sean and Anthony, would Abigail even have a place in this production?

Lewis coldly interjected, "You don't know history, so stop talking nonsense."

"I don't know history? Historical dramas portray Roman characters beautifully…" Laura countered.

"You know this is from the Roman era. This is how the makeup was done. Are you even interested in acting?" Lewis asked, clearly displeased. He firmly supported Abigail.

Laura looked at Lewis. "Director Lewis, this is a favor. Don't complain on Instagram when my company withdraws its investment."

Abigail was surprised. Her confidence stemmed from her company's investment.

"I'll discuss this with your company," Lewis said, his expression hardening. He turned and left, followed by Abigail.

"I didn't know her company was investing," Abigail remarked.

"I didn't want her originally, but the company insisted. I only accepted because of that. Even without her, we would have found another investor," Lewis explained. "Though, it would have been slightly more difficult. Historical dramas, especially war-focused ones with many costume changes, are challenging."

Back in her room, Abigail saved the recording. Lewis eventually replaced the person responsible for releasing behind-the-scenes footage.

Laura later posted an Instagram apology, tagging L. Moon Studio, Alana, and Troubled Times Official Account: "I didn't expect a misunderstanding to hurt anyone. This morning's incident was a misunderstanding, and it's cleared up. I've privately apologized to Miss Quinn. Please, Dumplings, don't be angry anymore."

She didn't mention her past mistreatment of assistants and extras; the company had chosen to ignore those past incidents. The affair was resolved hastily and confusingly.

That evening, Abigail called Luna. "I saw Instagram. Are you satisfied? I thought Sean might kick her off," Luna said, dissatisfied.

"Since he personally intervened, that's quite something," Abigail replied calmly. She didn't believe Laura would let things go easily. Laura's temper wasn't something she'd developed overnight; everyone had indulged her, making her uncontrollable. This time, she'd stirred a hornet's nest.

Luna sighed. "I never wanted this job. I knew celebrities were hard to handle, and it seems I was right: It all comes back to Sean."

Abigail steered the conversation. "What did the brands say?"

Luna sounded disinterested. "They won't bring up the breach of contract, but I feel like they won't renew when the contracts expire because they want me to let you go. Laughable."

Abigail calmly responded, "That's an advantage of hiding our identities. We can choose better brands. We should also start our own brand. We still depend on others for money this way."

"Running a store is headache-inducing enough, not to mention our studio. Expanding would be too draining, and we might end up in the red," Luna said, citing their lack of experience and aversion to risk.

"We'll see. Get some rest. You've worked hard," Abigail said warmly.

After hanging up, Abigail received a WhatsApp message from Sean: "Are you satisfied with how things turned out with Laura?"

"Yeah, it's not bad," Abigail replied, knowing she'd handle the aftermath.

Sean's next message had a gentle, reproachful tone: "You didn't even have a chance to brew the floral tea I brought last time before heading to the set."

Abigail quickly replied: "I had to get to the set. It's been a while since I've been home. Work is tiring. I'll rest now." Sean knew she'd been tired; he'd been staying at her rented house, helping with the cleaning, and realized even a small place felt lonely without company.

The production continued. At lunchtime, a handsome supporting actor, Jonathan Wind, sat beside Abigail. "Could you help me with a chicken leg? I've been on a diet."

Abigail glanced at him. "Don't you have an assistant?" She knew he was a talented but financially struggling actor whose fans often worried about him.

Jonathan smiled. "My assistant is on the heavier side. He doesn't need to eat better. You're too skinny. You should eat more."