Chapter 16 Provocation
Graciela received the new script that very night.
Early the next morning, Helena drove her to the set.
In the car, Helena reminded her earnestly, “Treat everyone the same as always. Some may try and curry favor with you–just deal with them normally. Remember, being a celebrity means you’re in the spotlight 24/7. Staying unshaken no matter what happens if you wanna last.”
She nodded and said sweetly, “Helena, you’re so good to me.”
Helena stroked her head. “Because you’re sensible and
adorable.”
When saying this, Helena thought, “Grace’s the whole package-
she’s perfect in terms of appearance, personality, and talent. No
wonder Ms. Morrison supports her unconditionally and Mr.
Morrison falls for her.”
With this, she probed, “Hey, speaking of Mr. Morrison–how are
things going between you two? What’s your opinion of him?”
“Honestly? I have no idea how to reply to him.” Graciela pulled a
wry smile.
She had hesitated last night about reaching out to Ambrose, but it felt awkward no matter how she dealt with it.
They had chased the robber together, and he had taken her side yesterday. She thought he was a decent guy and would be great friend material. But… to be his girlfriend? That would be so
weird. After all, they had just met.
Besides, she was so young. It was the perfect time for her to run wild and do anything she wanted instead of being tied down by a relationship.
Everyone kept telling her she was twenty–four, but she still thought she was only nineteen.
She was supposed to enjoy her life, not be burdened by a boyfriend.
But she didn’t know how to turn Ambrose down. How could
she be so cruel, saying no to a person who had just helped her?
Feeling torn, she could only bury her head in the sand like an
ostrich.
Seeing the look on Graciela’s face, Helena had a general picture
of whether Graciela felt the same about Ambrose. She said, “I
see. Just focus on filming. Call me if anything. I’m heading back
to the office now“”
Graciela waved at her before returning to the set.
Nora rushed over to her at once, whispering, “Leanna’s agency
posted a lawyer’s letter yesterday and silenced all criticism
against her. Those badmouthing her all scrubbed their
comments and even apologized on her Twitter page. I bet they were either bribed or threatened. You can see nothing but
praises of her on her Twitter page now. It’s so annoying!”
“Already? That’s quick.” Graciela was very surprised. “Is Leanna here today?”
“Not yet, but she will be because she’s scheduled for scenes
today. Be careful. I don’t think she’ll be in a good mood.”
“Chill. I’ll play it by ear. I’m not afraid of her,” Graciela said with
a smile.
They walked into the makeup room together.
Back then, no one had bothered to talk to her. But now, things
were completely different. Everyone inside, including both
crew members and actresses, greeted her with a warm smile.
“Hey, Grace. Have you had breakfast?”
“Ms. Ferguson, sit over here.”
“Grace, my assistant grabbed me this juice. It will do good to your throat.”
“Grace, you look perfect today. Could you share some tips with
me about how to match your clothes?”
“It’s time for Grace’s makeup, Rita.”
Their enthusiasm was almost overwhelming.
It was too much for Nora, and she snuck out at once.
But Graciela remained unfazed. She was used to being praised and surrounded by her brothers since childhood.
Therefore, she acted calmly and not condescendingly when dealing with their flattery, just like she always did.
As the makeup room was filled with chatter and laughs, Leanna’s assistant pushed open the door, and Leanna walked in, looking a bit haggard.
Her expression changed slightly as her gaze fell upon Graciela.
The atmosphere instantly became awkward, and everyone fell
silent.
A
Leanna’s assistant snorted and scanned their faces with
contempt.
Meanwhile, Leanna walked over to her personal makeup area.
“What are you waiting for? Didn’t you see Ms. McLean? Come
here and do her makeup!” Leanna’s assistant suddenly lashed
out at Rita Cunningham, the makeup artist.
“But…” Rita panicked as she had just finished doing Graciela’s
base makeup. She bit her lip, stuttering, “Ms. Ferguson…”
She couldn’t afford to mess with either Leanna or Graciela.
“What?” Leanna’s assistant smiled coldly. “It seems someone
doesn’t need their job.”
“Go ahead,” Graciela said to Rita, not wanting to drag innocent
people into the mess. “I can wait.”
Rita smiled at her gratefully and apologetically before packing
up and going over to Leanna.
No one else wanted to be next on the chopping block, so they all
left hastily with excuses.
Soon, only Leanna, her assistant, Rita, and Graciela were in the
room.
Rita was sweating bullets and didn’t even dare to breathe out
loud.
On the contrary, Graciela was calm and composed. She leaned
against a chair casually and played a game on her phone at a
moderate volume.
Leanna stopped her assistant, who was about to scold Graciela,
and whispered something. Then her assistant went out after
glaring at Graciela.
“Ms. Ferguson, do you mind lowering the volume a bit?” Leanna
pretended she didn’t feel well. “I didn’t sleep well last night.”
“OK.” Graciela glanced at her before turning off the sound and
continuing to be immersed in the game.
“Ms. Ferguson, can I have a word?”
Leanna’s voice suddenly rang out, startling Graciela so much
that her hand slipped, and her character in the game was
instantly chopped by her opponent.
She frowned, thinking, “How come Leanna just won’t go away?”
Not wanting to be bothered anymore, she sat upright. “What is
it?”
“Someone hurled insults at me online yesterday, calling me a
vicious woman. I was so sad that I cried for a long time.
Fortunately, Lamar believed me. He kept me company for a
Chapter 16 Provocation
long time, comforting me, and he even found out who those
haters were and made them apologize to me.” Though Leanna’s
voice was soft, a glint of complacency flickered in her eyes.
Graciela remained expressionless, but Leanna’s words in fact cut
her deep.
She thought, “So, Lamar couldn’t stand seeing her so sad and
helped her out. It seems he’s quite capable after all, dealing with
everything so quickly.
“Too bad he’s too stupid to see her true colors.
“Ambrose is so much better than him.
“I should call Ambrose after finishing filming today. He totally
deserves my approval.”
“Are you done?” She was truly fed up with hearing how stupid
Lamar was.
Leanna thought she was mad and was pleased deep down, but
she feigned shyness and continued, “He even kissed me last
night, saying he only feels happy when he kisses me. I’m sorry if
I sound like bragging. I can’t help but share it with me because
I’m so excited.”
Graciela rolled her eyes inwardly, thinking, “What’s wrong with
Chapter 16 Provocation
her? Does she plan to share their sex life with me next?
“And what’s wrong with me? Whatever happens between them
has nothing to do with me, but somehow, I feel more and more
upset. It’s almost suffocating.”
Meeting Leanna’s triumphant, provocative gaze, she thought of
Lamar’s crazy words that night.
“Your new sugar daddy let you dress like this in public?”
“This is your new trick–pretending not to know me? You
wanna play hard to get?”
She curved her lips. “You know what, Ms. McLean? I happen to
have some things I wanna share with you, too.”
