Chapter 124
“And it has nothing to do with Sebastian, right p>
“If Sebastian is behind this filming opportunity, I don’t want it p>
Lila handed her a folder.
“No.
This one has nothing to do with him p>
“You’ll be completing challenges with the guests on the show.
Some will be celebrities, and some will be ordinary people p>
Lila paused.
“If you do well, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for p>
“And if you don’t p>
“I can’t promise anything p>
Lexi opened the folder.
The title printed across the first page immediately caught her attention.
Happy Moments.
It was currently one of the highest-rated variety shows in the country.
The concept was simple: celebrities and ordinary guests completed challenges together, creating spontaneous interactions and relatable moments for the audience.
Lila leaned back.
“I looked over your résumé p>
“You’ve done a period drama and an idol romance series.
But you played the second female lead in both p>
“You’ve gained some attention, but never enough to truly break through.
And the negative stories surrounding you haven’t helped p>
She tapped the folder.
“A variety show could help you regain some visibility p>
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
“And unlike scripted dramas, variety shows reveal a person’s character very quickly p>
Lexi’s expression grew serious.
Lila noticed.
“If you don’t want to do it, I won’t force you p>
She pulled several scripts from a nearby stack.
“There are also a few drama roles here. They’re safe, straightforward parts p>
She shrugged.
“But don’t expect much attention from them p>
“I’ll do it p>
Lexi looked up.
Her amber eyes shone with determination.
Lila wasn’t surprised.
She knew exactly why Lexi had hesitated.
Lauren and Shenna were both participating.
It was obvious Lauren was deliberately pushing Shenna into the spotlight.
If Lexi joined them, the two women would undoubtedly work together to turn her into the target of the entire cast.
But Lexi had never been someone who ran from a fight.
And Lisa would be there too.
Knowing she wouldn’t be completely alone gave Lexi a small measure of reassurance.
Even if all she accomplished was becoming background scenery on the show, it was still better than standing still and waiting for her career to disappear.
Lila studied her determined expression.
“It’s rare to see you make a decision this quickly p>
She sighed softly.
“But you’re going to have to endure some things p>
The road to fame had never been smooth.
It was filled with thorns, cliffs, traps, and people waiting for someone to fall.
Only those who survived could eventually reach the flowers and applause waiting at the other end.
Lexi had the determination and courage.
That was a good thing.
But the entertainment industry could be ruthless.
Lila could only hope Lexi would make it through unscathed.
After finalizing her contract with the production team, filming began that afternoon.
Lexi walked into the dressing room and immediately spotted Lauren and Shenna.
The two women were standing together, arms linked, looking unusually close.
The moment Shenna saw Lexi, she instinctively tried to pull her hand away.
Lauren tightened her grip.
“Lexi p>
Lauren took a step forward.
“I didn’t expect to see you here too p>
Her lips curled into a mocking smile.
“Honestly, you’re like a ghost that refuses to disappear p>
At the last awards ceremony, Lexi had stolen the spotlight with her improvised red-carpet look.
Lauren hadn’t forgotten.
She hadn’t forgotten the humiliation either.
And now Lexi had appeared in front of her again.
Lauren had no intention of letting her walk away unscathed.
“Bad karma has a way of following you p>
Lexi composed herself.
A sly glint flashed through her eyes.
“Though, Lauren, if you have so much time to nurture a newcomer p>
Her gaze shifted deliberately toward Shenna.
“…maybe you should spend some of that energy helping your own sister p>
She smiled sweetly.
“After all, why let the good stuff go to outsiders p>
Lauren’s face darkened.
She knew exactly what Lexi was doing.
Hit where it hurt.
If Lauren wanted to use Shenna against her, Lexi could just as easily turn Shenna into the weapon she needed to strike back.
Keeping a woman who looked almost exactly like Lexi at her side and pretending to adore her?
Lauren certainly didn’t seem bothered by how unsettling that must be.
Lauren clenched her teeth.
Then she smiled coldly.
“I believe in promoting talent regardless of family ties p>
Her gaze traveled over Lexi.
“Unlike some people p>
She paused deliberately.
“Looks don’t guarantee the same fate p>
“One of us is a rising star p>
“And the other is barely hanging on p>
Lauren knew she had once considered pushing her own sister, but her sister simply wasn’t worth the trouble.
She had spent so much time tangled up with a wealthy investor, breaking up and getting back together, yet had gained nothing from the relationship except wasted time.
Shenna was different.
Shenna was obedient.
Give her a little bait, and she’d take it immediately.
Before the tension between them could escalate, Yvonne arrived carrying several gift bags.
“Lauren, some fans sent these for you p>
Her timing broke the standoff.
Lauren snorted and followed Yvonne away to open the gifts.
The moment Lauren was gone, Shenna hurried after her.
But Lexi stepped into her path.
“Shenna p>
Her voice was calm.
“I need to talk to you p>
Shenna stared at her uncertainly.
After a moment, she reluctantly nodded.
They went to a small café not far from the studio.
There were only a few customers inside, making it the perfect place for a private conversation.
Lexi didn’t bother with small talk.
“That day, when you saw me p>
She looked directly into Shenna’s eyes.
“Why did you run away p>
A flash of surprise crossed Shenna’s face.
But it disappeared almost immediately.
She lowered her eyes and took a sip of coffee, hiding the brief reaction.
Then she gave an awkward laugh.
“When did you see me p>
“I don’t remember seeing you p>
Her voice was light.
Almost convincing.
Almost.
But Lexi had already begun to wonder just how much of Shenna’s timid persona was real.