Chapter 1085: Fluster

Caroline's recent news coverage naturally drew reporters' attention on the red carpet. At this international event, she was a captivating presence.

"I want to clarify that there's nothing between Little Bunny and me as you all suspect. I even released a video explaining our misunderstanding. Please don't overanalyze it," Caroline responded.

"I heard you only made that video to defend Little Bunny because you were forced to, due to her influence," a reporter pressed.

"That's not true," Caroline denied, but her eyes flickered, suggesting coercion.

"Miss Caroline, did you give Little Bunny all her resources? Did you recommend her for the lead role in 'Love', showcasing her talent?" another reporter asked.

"Initially, Director Madden didn't choose Little Bunny. But after my recommendation and accompanying her to the audition, she got the part. That doesn't mean I gave her everything; Little Bunny is a talented actress," Caroline calmly explained.

"Miss Caroline always speaks highly of Little Bunny."

"We're good friends; we naturally say good things about each other," Caroline continued, maintaining a façade of normalcy.

"When Little Bunny debuted without any TV dramas, several fashion resources lined up for her. Were those also from you, Miss Caroline?"

"At the time, I thought Little Bunny needed exposure before filming, so I offered some resources. Luckily, they helped her get the 'Love' role. Popularity is crucial for an artist."

"But my sources say you lacked access to those same fashion resources then. How could you have given them away?"

Caroline's embarrassment was evident. She chose not to answer as other reporters began questioning her again. Silence fell. Caroline, unable to refuse further, smiled. "It's been so long, I don't remember clearly. I think the resources sought me out, and I recommended them to Little Bunny."

"Really? Everyone knows the entertainment industry's hierarchy: fashion, film, television, then music. Miss Caroline, you relinquished your top-tier fashion resources. Your relationship with Little Bunny must be even closer than reported."

"We're close," Caroline said. "People misunderstand us."

The reporter ceased questioning. After further inquiries, Caroline left the red carpet. Online comments continued: 'Caroline is too kind to Little Bunny, who is ungrateful.'

Returning to her dressing room, Caroline felt upset and angry. She called her agent: "Whose journalists were those? They almost silenced me! Find out their media outlets so we can address this!"

"I'll check. Don't get angry; it won't look good before the ceremony. Let's adjust your makeup."

The prospect of receiving an award lifted Caroline's spirits; she knew this achievement was significant, contrasting with Little Bunny's apparent misery.

An hour later, celebrities took their seats. Caroline sat in the front row, dazzling. The awards ceremony began.

Caroline was to receive the Best Actress award for a foreign film. Despite knowing she would win, she remained nervous.

The nominees' names appeared onscreen, including Caroline's. She smiled confidently.

"And the winner of Best Actress in a Foreign Film goes to..." The presenter paused dramatically, "Athena Owen!"

Caroline, half-risen, froze in disbelief. The rumors had been so certain.

What went wrong?

Anger surged. Something underhanded must have occurred. Her smile became strained as she maintained composure for her fans. Only after the winner's acceptance did Caroline's expression normalize, but the damage was done. Fans defended her, attributing her reaction to nerves, but others criticized her emotional display.

After the ceremony, Caroline stormed into her dressing room, throwing makeup and shouting about the injustice.

"Shouldn't it be mine? How could that bitch win? They say awards can't be bought! How? They stole my trophy! Why?" Caroline screamed.

Her agent, knowing the situation, lacked answers. She'd called for an explanation, but received none. They were furious; years of dedication, sacrifices, and missed opportunities, all for this outcome.

"I don't care, I want answers! They owe us an explanation, or I won't let this go!" Caroline declared.

The agent hesitated. "I have a recording of someone from their side calling me..."

"Play it now!" Caroline demanded.

"But exposing it will alienate the organizers. Future awards could be jeopardized…"

"I don't care! I can't let this go!" Caroline insisted.

"Fine. It's a foreign award; exposing this will garner domestic support; it's good publicity."