Chapter 22

The script took an unexpected turn. Bella, venting her frustrations at Dustin, lashed out at Camille. Camille's eyes filled with tears, and Bella raised her hand to slap her again. Before the blow landed, Dustin grabbed Bella's wrist.

"How dare you, Dustin Fox? This studio is under the protection of Harold Grant of the Verdant Gang!" Bella shrieked.

The Verdant Gang was a notorious organization in Lovellia's southern region, far larger and more powerful than Rivenesco's Serpentine Gang. Harold Grant was a prominent underworld figure, wielding influence in both legal and illegal circles. Bella expected this to intimidate Dustin, but he remained unfazed.

"Come here, Camille," he said.

"Dustin, I" Camille began softly.

"Bella slapped you, and now you'll slap her back!" His words stunned everyone present.

"Does she dare?" Bella sneered, mocking Dustin. "She's just an extra. She hasn't the guts. One slap, and she'll never work in this industry again!"

Camille waved dismissively. "Dustin, I don't need to I'm fine"

"If you don't, I will!" Dustin's face was impassive.

"You wouldn't dare!" Bella scoffed.

A loud smack silenced the studio. Dustin's slap landed brutally on Bella's cheek, stunning everyone. Bella, a superstar with numerous influential investors and even directors bowing before her, had been slapped! Dustin's audacity was undeniable.

Bella froze, taking a moment to regain her composure. The sting of the slap brought her back to reality. Her face contorted with fury.

"You want to die, Dustin?" she roared.

"You slapped Camille, so I slapped you back. Fair is fair," Dustin replied calmly.

Bella's rage intensified. "I'm the lead actress, and she's a maid! How dare you compare us?"

Camille hung her head in shame. In the entertainment industry, extras had little power.

Dustin's face hardened. "Bella Wyatt, don't forget you were once an extra with no voice!"

Bella stiffened. "Even if I was, I climbed the ladder through hard work. This girl can't compare! Who does she think she is?"

Dustin frowned, then a slight smirk played on his lips. Bella's hard work? He knew better. He had helped her, recognizing her struggles as an extra. "Do you really think you became famous on your own, Bella Wyatt? If I hadn't intervened, you'd still be an extra!"

Bella's face twisted in disdain. "Are you kidding? You pulled strings? You're a nobody who relies on the Wyatt family! I'm a star because of my own hard work!"

Dustin's eyes narrowed, a cold chill settling in his heart. The Wyatt sisters were all the same—haughty and arrogant.

"Mark my words, Bella Wyatt Your career ends here," Dustin stated firmly. Turning to Camille, he added, "You'll replace her. You'll become a star."

Camille and Simone stared, speechless. They couldn't believe what they had just heard.