Chapter 102
“Where did you go today?” Yves looked up at Lindsay, his tone edged with accusation.
Lindsay frowned, her voice wary. “Why?”
“There’s a guest downstairs. Come on down.” With that, Yves maneuvered his wheelchair away, leaving Lindsay trailing behind, her mind swirling with questions. Downstairs, the living room was alive with chatter.
Bertha was busy being the perfect hostess, gushing about how lovely their guest looked and making every effort to get close.
Lindsay entered to find Bertha and Alexia chatting like old friends, laughing together as if they’d known each other for years. The sight made Lindsay’s heart skip a beat. What was Alexia doing at Quigley Manor?
By her memory, Alexia shouldn’t have even met Bertha yet. Had something she did today pushed Alexia into Kris’s path-and set everything in motion sooner than last time?
“Ms. Nelson!” Alexia waved enthusiastically when she saw Lindsay, rising from the couch to greet her.
Lindsay managed a polite nod and a warm smile. “Hi there. What brings you to Quigley Manor all of a sudden?”
In that moment, she realized why Yves had bristled earlier he must know what she’d done at the university today. There was no simple right or wrong here, only different perspectives. Charles had saved Yves’ life; it made sense for Yves to want to help Alexia. But after everything Alexia had put her through in their last life, Lindsay had no intention of letting her off so easily.
“I came tonight just to thank you, Ms. Nelson,” Alexia said, beaming. “I’m a film student, but I don’t know the first thing about acting and yet you picked me for the lead in a major production. That’s a huge deal.”
On the surface, Alexia’s words sounded innocent enough, but the more Lindsay listened, the more she heard the subtext. What kind of girl with no acting background, who hadn’t even set foot in the industry, landed the lead role in a blockbuster movie? No sane investor would gamble on that. It was practically throwing money into a black hole.
“You’re welcome. You really do have a talent for this,” Lindsay replied, her words laced with double meaning. She’d underestimated Alexia. In her last life, Alexia had risen to the top with nothing but her wits and sheer audacity.
Alexia grinned, nodding earnestly. “Thank you! I won’t let you down, Ms. Nelson. I’ll give it my all.”
Bertha chimed in, curiosity lacing her tone. “Wait, Alexia, aren’t you studying film directing? What made you switch to acting? It’s a tough business, you know, and the rules aren’t always fair.” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “Let me tell you, even my Lewis-being a Quigley and all-couldn’t avoid being pestered in that world. For someone without any connections, it’s even harder.”
Bertha’s voice was just loud enough for everyone in the room to catch her meaning.
Yves’ expression grew colder, his eyes flickering toward Lindsay with barely concealed annoyance.
Lindsay met his gaze without flinching, cocking her head and arching a brow in challenge. “The entire Quigley Group stands behind Ms. Laurier. Whether she stays in show business after this film or walks away, it’s her decision.”
The entertainment world held a strange allure-why else would so many young women fight tooth and nail for a chance at fame? The money was good, and the spotlight even better.
Bertha shook her head, unconvinced. “Even Lewis didn’t get special treatment just because of his family. What chance does Alexia have, coming in with nothing?”
Lindsay turned the conversation smoothly. “Bertha, you seem awfully concerned about Ms. Laurier. Have the two of you known each other long?”