Chapter 37

Daphne was amazed by Wilson's audacity in asking her to stay out of Yvonne's way. It was obvious that Yvonne was the one competing with her. Whenever Daphne thought Wilson couldn't hurt her more, he managed to say something even more hurtful. Well then, two could play at this game.

"I'm sorry, but I won't back down. I'm going to fight for this," Daphne said with a cold laugh as she stood up and moved next to Jack. She pulled out her phone and found several clips of Yvonne's performances. "Mr. Harrington, look. I'm not trying to slander her, but her acting is genuinely terrible. I look at my dog with more love than she looks at the lead actor!"

Daphne continued, "Here, her crying scene? It's all dry sobbing without a single tear. Honestly, if you didn't know better, you'd think she was laughing."

Throughout this, Sebastian silently watched Daphne with admiration. When Wilson had pressured her earlier, he had wanted to step in and help. However, he quickly realized Daphne didn't need his assistance. It was apparent that she could handle her career perfectly well on her own. Wilson was a fool not to cherish such a remarkable woman.

Daphne pressed on, "Mr. Harrington, you're making an art film, not a commercial blockbuster. Are you sure you want to tarnish your art with an actress of such poor caliber?"

Jack glanced uncertainly between the phone screen and Wilson. "Mr. Farrell, I…" He was clearly torn. Wilson had offered to finance his film, but he desperately wanted a talented leading actress. Finally, he chose to honor his artistic vision. "Mr. Farrell, I'm sorry…"

Daphne breathed a sigh of relief while Ava's eyes instantly welled up with tears. On the surface, this was just about a role, but in reality, it was Daphne standing up to Wilson. As both her manager and friend, Ava knew exactly what kind of pressure Daphne was under.

Yvonne was furious and lunged for Daphne's phone. Strangely, Wilson remained motionless, which was completely out of character, given how protective he usually was of Yvonne.

Yvonne protested desperately, "Mr. Harrington, don't listen to Daphne's lies! She's just trying to smear my reputation! My acting is perfectly fine!"

Daphne watched Yvonne's antics like she was observing a circus clown, but her delight lasted less than ten seconds. Wilson spoke up, and contrary to Daphne's expectations, he wasn't angry at all. Instead, a cryptic smile played on his lips.

Wilson said smoothly, "Mr. Harrington, there's something you should know. Daphne hasn't finalized the termination of her contract with Starstruck Entertainment. If you sign her without going through them, both you and she will face hefty lawsuits."

Jack turned to Daphne in surprise. "What? Ms. Yeager, is this true?"

Daphne hadn't expected Wilson to corner her like this. She explained, "Yes, I'm in the middle of a contract dispute with Starstruck Entertainment, but please don't worry. I've hired the best legal team, and the hearing is in a few days. My management contract won't be an issue for you."

Wilson scoffed. "Won't it? Is your legal team prepared to go up against Farrell Group's legal team?"

"You're going to help Hugo fight me?" Daphne was incredulous. She couldn't believe Wilson would go this far to help Yvonne secure the role. Everyone knew the Farrell Group's legal team was notoriously aggressive, with a 95% win rate in court.

Daphne clenched her fists, fighting the urge to punch him. "Wilson, are you even human? This is a competition between two actresses for a role, and you're willing to use Farrell Group's legal team to crush me?"