Chapter 73

Chapter 73:
“Serena, who did your special effects makeup? These bruises look unbelievably real!” Barbara leaned closer, eyes wide.
“Careful,” Charles said, stepping in quickly and pulling Barbara aside. “Those aren’t fake.”
“What?” Barbara froze. She looked down at her hand. The makeup had smeared slightly, revealing the raw truth underneath. This text is hosted at
“Oh no…” Barbara covered her mouth, her voice shaking. “I didn’t mean to—Serena, I’m so sorry, I didn’t know—”
Millie let out a quiet laugh and gave a small shake of her head. Barbara didn’t know any better.
Barbara looked like she might cry. Millie leaned against her with a faint grin. “Could you lend me a hand? I’m really at my limit.”
“Of course!” Barbara immediately looped her arm under Millie’s.
But they didn’t get far. Just a few steps in, Vivian appeared, blocking the path with a perfectly timed smile. “Your performance was stunning,” she said. “Truly. Congratulations, Serena.”
Millie looked at her but said nothing.
Vivian went on, still smiling. “Remember what I told you earlier? About that person? I wasn’t lying. If you want the full story, come to me later.”
Around them, applause still echoed faintly through the hall. Millie let out a light laugh. “No need.”
She turned to Charles briefly. He didn’t understand what she meant. Then, without another word, she left with Barbara and Charles beside her.
Vivian stayed behind, watching their backs disappear. She had come to provoke, to shake her. If anything, Serena had gone out and stolen the entire show.
Right after the performance had started, she had stormed into the control room and used Brandon’s name to pressure the staff—ordering them to lower Serena’s broadcast quality.
To Vivian, Serena was completely oblivious. This was her moment, yet Serena had the nerve to draw all the light to herself.
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Vivian’s eyes narrowed, calculating. She pulled out her phone and dialed, her mind already spinning with her next move.
In the private lounge, Charles and Barbara helped Millie into a chair. Her body was clearly worn out.
“Barbara, get Serena some water, please,” Charles said, waving her off gently.
When the door closed behind her, it was just the two of them. Though the lounge was private, recording equipment was installed, and Charles was Serena’s boss. There would be nothing to feed the rumor mill.
Charles kept his voice casual as he asked, “What was Vivian going on about just now? I didn’t quite follow.”
Millie gave a quick glance at the nearby recording device, then quietly pulled out her phone. Using her coat to block the view, she typed something and tilted the screen toward Charles.
He looked down at the words: “Vivian thinks I’m your secret lover. She came over to drop a warning—said there’s someone else in your heart that prevents you from making me and our relationship official.”
Charles blinked at the words, confused. He wouldn’t have minded keeping Millie for himself. She would never accept that though, and he knew it. If she ever thought that was what he was after, she’d disappear from his life without a second thought.
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