Chapter 124

Lisa's eyes widened. "Janet, you're saying other artists, equally talented, are interested in The Empress?"

In showbiz, popularity reigned. Even fading, Janet remained a top actress with a devoted fanbase. Vicky should be ecstatic to have her; she should be afraid of Janet backing out. Yet, Lisa mused, "Vicky isn't jumping at the chance. It's been half a month with no decision. Could there be other top-tier talent also in talks? Who else would even consider this show?"

Lisa's face fell. "I'll find out right away." Janet's comeback directly affected Lisa's future, so she was on edge, too.

After Lisa left, Janet sat alone in her dressing room, staring at her reflection—a face marred by dark circles. She tried to cover them, but the anger shaking her body wouldn't be hidden.

"It's all Rebecca's fault," she thought. "If it weren't for her mess, I wouldn't be in this state. Rebecca's practically washed up, dragged through the mud online. How can she make a comeback? A paternity test? The long-lost daughter of the Carter family? Ha! I don't buy it. It's got to be a coincidence. Or...could Charlie be shielding Rebecca? Faking a paternity test to clear her name?"

A plan formed. She needed Rebecca and Charlie's DNA.

This plan brought a smile to Janet's face, and finally, sleep claimed her. She hadn't slept well in ages. The idea of Rebecca as the Carter family's daughter had driven her mad, leaving her exhausted but wide awake.

Janet returned to the lounge's bed, kicked off her shoes, and slept soundly.

At the Aotori shooting base, after a sleepless night, Vicky signed the contract with a grimace. "It's a sure thing," she told herself. "Becky's amazing on camera. We just need the right male lead, and this show will be gold." Adrian had emailed a digital contract. Vicky signed and messaged him.

In Hivalis, Adrian scanned the contract, then sent it to his sister, Stacey, who signed, legally binding the agreement. She was now the lead in The Empress.

Vicky confirmed Becky's signature, then exhaled. "Just need the right male lead," she thought.

Lost in thought, Vicky was interrupted by Malcolm, Yves from Lovey Princess, Becky's previous show. He was handsome and a capable actor, and their onscreen chemistry had created a devoted fanbase. If he could nail Raymond in The Empress, it would be a hit. But Raymond was different from Yves. Vicky needed to see him audition.

Half an hour later, Vicky was impressed. Malcolm was perfect.

"Mind if I ask you something?" Vicky asked.

Malcolm nodded. "Shoot, Vicky."

Vicky hesitated. "Why this show?"

"Because of Becky," Malcolm admitted. "Heard she's on board, so I figured, why not?"

Vicky blinked. "You're into Becky?"

Malcolm shook his head. "Nah, I'm chasing fame."

Vicky was speechless.

Malcolm continued, "Becky's gonna be huge, right? If I tag along, even as a sidekick, I can get a job. I'm not picky."

Vicky's mouth twitched. "You're coming off like a freeloader."

Malcolm smiled. "What's wrong with a free meal? If it's there, might as well dig in."

"Fair enough," Vicky chuckled. "You're not bad-looking and can act. Becky signed this morning. You two are our leads."

Malcolm beamed, bowed, and promised not to disappoint.

Vicky pulled out the contract.

Malcolm scanned it, raising an eyebrow at some terms, ready to sign. Then he remembered he was signed with Charlie's company. Signing solo wouldn't give him much leverage, but his company's involvement changed things.