Chapter 405

Tiffany, sitting to the side, watched the show leisurely. As an outsider, she noticed Alexis's interest in Abbie. He was probably deliberately fueling the scandals. What a pity, she thought, shaking her head.

Abbie had suffered greatly in her early years. It was difficult for her to put the past aside and embrace a new relationship. Moreover, her career comeback was still in its early stages. With Abbie’s brilliant career, she didn’t have time for love. Refusal was inevitable; it all depended on how long Alexis could persist.

Tiffany was drinking her coffee when, turning around, she saw Zoe transformed into a lovestruck fool. Zoe even subconsciously blurted out, “Fuck, he looks better in real life than on television!”

Tiffany gasped. Alexis laughed at this. He then turned his head and winked at Zoe, saying, "Thank you."

Alexis's wink was like an electric shock. Zoe's face instantly flushed crimson. She leaned toward Tiffany, whispering excitedly, “Tiffany, I’ve been seduced!”

Alexis was indeed flirtatious and charming. This was evident in his breakout role in his first film. Although he was the second male lead, his character resonated deeply, making him an overnight sensation. Even now, he retained an irresistible charm for his fans—a charm that extended from his onscreen persona to his real self.

Tiffany hesitated to break the spell, but a thought struck her. She asked, “Who do you think is more handsome? Sidney Pauley or Alexis?”

“Alexis, of course!” Zoe replied without hesitation.

Tiffany raised her eyebrows and smiled meaningfully. “You think so?” Usually, such impulsive answers masked a contrary truth.

While the women talked, Alexis approached Abbie. He still smiled, but his expression was cynical. “If we can’t get a good take, we’ll just keep reshooting. Can’t we practice during our break?”

“No, I won’t. Can’t we just use what we’ve already filmed?” Abbie stepped back, distancing herself. Her rejection was clear.

“Do you hate me that much?” The smile faded from Alexis's face; his beautiful eyes held a look of disappointment. The scandal was reaching its peak. Seeing many people watching, Abbie frowned. “This is a collaborative project. Besides work, we have nothing else to discuss.”

“I understand.” Alexis gave a cryptic smile and left the rest area.

Nevaeh couldn’t help but say, “Abbie, even if you don’t like him, there’s no need to reject him so bluntly. You could at least remain friends.”

As Abbie’s manager, Nevaeh had to consider Abbie’s image. After all, given Alexis's current popularity and influence, moving from a B-list to an A-list celebrity wouldn't be difficult. In this industry, more friends were always better than another enemy.

Abbie smiled and said nothing. She understood Nevaeh’s intentions, but with Alexis’s obvious advances, she couldn’t help but avoid him. His presence was nauseating; he was clearly desperate for attention.

After a fifteen-minute break, filming resumed. It was still the kissing scene, but it wrapped quickly because Alexis initiated the kiss with Abbie.

This was an unscripted improvisation. It didn’t match the script at all. However, the director, scrutinizing the scene, found the intimacy perfect. He waved his hand, shouting, “Cut! That’s a keeper!” Abbie was speechless, staring at Alexis in shock. He simply wiped his mouth and offered a dignified excuse: "Please don’t blame me. I was simply testing a new acting technique.” Abbie was speechless. Alexis claimed it was a new acting method. She returned to the rest area with a stern expression, where she saw Tiffany lying in a rocking chair, smiling at her.

“I saw everything. I didn’t expect our Movie Queen to be so blatantly teased.” Tiffany chuckled.

“You’re laughing?” Abbie’s gaze was plaintive.

She didn’t know Alexis had improvised; she was completely unprepared. And he hadn't even requested a stand-in. It was a real kiss.

Abbie tried to speak, but Tiffany raised her eyebrows. “It’s alright. At least the director approved, right? Remember the pain you’ve endured is in the past. Now, with your comeback, you can finally start anew.” Abbie sensed Tiffany was encouraging her to begin a new relationship, making her feel both amused and distraught.

Zoe, however, was clueless. She leaned over, asking curiously, “What are you talking about?”

“Smart girl.” Tiffany patted her head, stifling her laughter. “Ask Sidney about that. He might give you an answer.”

Hearing the name, Zoe immediately shook her head. “No, I don’t want to ask him.”

Tiffany smiled and said nothing. Everyone had their own destiny. Without forcing it, time would provide the answers.

After spending the afternoon on set, Tiffany left with Zoe, noticing it was late. “Alright, Abbie, we’re heading home. We’ll visit next week if we’re free.”

“Free next week? Tiffany, I think you’ve forgotten something,” Abbie said, waving an invitation. It was bright red with gold-embossed lettering and exquisite prints—an invitation to an engagement banquet. Abbie teased, “You’re not forgetting your engagement banquet, are you? Mr. Hampton might spank you.”

“It’s not like I haven’t been spanked before. I’m used to it,” Tiffany muttered, quickly covering her mouth in realization of her slip. Fortunately, nobody heard her.

Abbie smiled. “Go home. I’ll be at your engagement party.”

“Okay.” Tiffany winked before leaving the set.

The film studio complex was gated. Besides staff, only a few tourists were allowed entry each day. Vehicles couldn't drive inside; they had to walk out. Tiffany’s car was parked outside. As she reached the gate, she bumped into a group of people.

Wendy, surrounded by assistants and four bodyguards, led the group. She wore a miniskirt and high heels, her entourage carrying umbrellas, bags, and coffee. A casual observer might mistake her for a major star. Tiffany merely smirked, paying her no mind.

However, upon seeing Tiffany, Wendy's eyes lit up. She ran over, exclaiming, “Tiffany, you’re dead to me!”