Chapter 164

“I’m banned,” Tina breathed, her voice tight.

Janet frowned. “Impossible! It’s just plagiarism. Half the industry does it and thrives.”

Tina grimaced. “I know. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have helped you with it.”

“But I’m blacklisted! They won’t touch my work after the plagiarism,” Tina said, her anxiety rising.

“Did you offend someone?” Janet snapped.

“No! My work was fine until ‘Her Majesty’! They say the plagiarism was severe, that I’m a blacklisted screenwriter—all because of ‘Her Majesty’!” Tina exclaimed, her voice edged with frustration.

Janet shrugged. “Maybe someone used it as an excuse. They couldn’t find a real fault.”

Tina stared, momentarily stunned, then snapped back. “Don’t even. I know what I did, and I haven’t offended anyone.” She pleaded, “You know people. Get me off this blacklist!”

Janet’s eyes widened. “Who do you think I am? They won’t listen to me!”

Tina’s silence spoke volumes. She knew Janet, an award-winning actress, was just a celebrity to the executives. But desperate, clinging to their shared secret, she pressed on. “I don’t care. You asked me to plagiarize. Help me, or I’ll release the recording. We go down together!”

“You!” Janet’s face darkened, her voice dangerously low.

Lisa poured Janet a coffee. Janet sipped it, then looked at Tina. “I have an idea.”

Tina’s eyes lit up. “What?”

“Pay the author of ‘The Empress.’ Get her to admit she sold you the copyright.”

Tina frowned. “What?”

“Then it’s not plagiarism. It’s a legitimate adaptation,” Janet said coldly.

“But the copyright’s already sold,” Tina protested.

“Then get her to sell it again!” Janet snapped.

Chapter 161

After a pause, Tina said, “The ‘Empress’ author signed an exclusive buyout with Vicky for ten years. The film and television rights are hers. The author can’t resell them.”

Janet sighed. “That’s why you pay her. Money talks. She’ll agree.”

“Agree to sell the copyright? Then the real problem is the author’s greed – selling to multiple buyers. We’re victims!” Tina nodded, relieved. “I’ll try.”

In South City, Stacey and the crew enjoyed a relaxed day off. The next morning, a small child darted towards Stacey, wrapping his arms around her legs. “Jeremy?” she gasped, scooping him up. “You’re here!”

Hayden followed, his presence commanding attention. The head of Southern TV beamed, joining them. The ‘Happy Little Mango’ director and coordinator rushed to greet them, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement.

Jeremy held up his tablet: [Becky, I miss you so much!]

Stacey kissed him. “I miss you too!” She stood, holding his hand, smiling at Hayden. “You’re here.”

“Yeah.”

Hayden scanned the crowd. “Where are Lily and Kev?”

Jeremy’s eyes lit up. He looked expectantly at Stacey.

Stacey chuckled. “They’re home. They didn’t come.”

Jeremy’s tablet: [Why?]

Stacey knelt. “Jeremy, do you like your brother and sister?”

Jeremy nodded enthusiastically. [I like them!]

Stacey’s heart melted. “Okay,” she smiled.

Meanwhile, Charlie, standing nearby, eyed Hayden with suspicion, a protective instinct kicking in. He sensed a potential rival for his sister’s affections.