Episode 37

Sophia's suggestion was logical, but Sandra remembered how her previous impatience had led to complications. Sometimes, it was wiser to let events unfold naturally.

Ruby felt uneasy about Elizabeth's welfare as she settled alone into the hotel. Acting quickly, Ruby arranged for Elizabeth to move that very night into an apartment directly across from her own.

At her new doorway, Elizabeth paused, her gaze lingering on the identical unit opposite. With a curious tone, she asked, "Why do you have two apartments here when you live alone?"

The location was prime, in the bustling city center, where a single apartment's price could rival a luxurious suburban estate.

Elizabeth pondered Ruby's financial acumen, intrigued by her effortless extravagance. Ruby shrugged. "I like choosing my neighbors, and who knows what kind of peculiar people I'd otherwise end up with? Securing the entire floor seemed smarter. Luckily, there are only two apartments per level."

It struck Elizabeth that Ruby wasn't just well-off—she likely came from significant wealth. After a moment, Elizabeth simply said, "Thank you." Ruby waved it off. "No need. Once you start earning, you can pay rent," she remarked casually.

Her proposal was straightforward and reassuring. The rent was surprisingly lower than Elizabeth's hotel bill.

Their discussion was interrupted by Ruby's vibrating phone. Answering, her demeanor grew serious with each word. After the call, she opened Twitter. What she saw stunned her.

The trending section blazed with news about Elizabeth and Sandra, headlined by a dramatic "Breaking!" post:

SandraElizabeth

SandraHospitalizedDueToWorkRelatedStress

ElizabethTheMostImpressiveNewActress

Ruby pieced it together. Paparazzi had captured Sandra's exhausted trip to the hospital. While fans expressed concern, others uncovered details about a second audition discreetly arranged by the production crew. Sandra's jam-packed schedule and relentless rehearsals had pushed her to her limits.

The more netizens investigated, the more startling the revelations became. Sandra was competing against an unknown newcomer. While Sandra's performances were adequate—enough to avoid disrupting a scene—she had a loyal fanbase and significant industry backing. Landing a role was usually a given. Until now, Sandra had always secured lead roles since her debut. The possibility of her not being the top choice this time, especially against an emerging actress, sent shockwaves through the industry.

Sandra's supporters were outraged:

"This is absurd! If her rival were an established star, it'd be understandable. But Elizabeth Campbell? Who even is she? How did she end up auditioning alongside Sandra? Something shady is going on here!"

"Sandra is incredibly talented and well-connected. She shouldn't even have to audition for a lead role. And yet, here's this unknown upstart with neither fame nor notable credits. There's definitely some manipulation happening behind the scenes!"