Chapter 13 Out of Money Again?

On the film set, Lila Cross was once again serving as a martial arts stunt double in a defeat scene. Yesterday's scene—where the female second lead was left crippled—had taken her an entire day to shoot. Only when Sylvia Evans finally relented did the director get a word in. Today's scene was even more brutal: the death of the female second lead. Lila charged into battle again and again, taking hits for Sylvia Evans. Meanwhile, Sylvia stood nearby, giving an interview to reporters. "Charles and I have known each other for years. We've been together a long time." "Yes, it was love at first sight." "He said so himself—when we first met, he fell instantly for me…" "The reason we never went public was because one of my close friends was deeply obsessed with my boyfriend. I didn't want to hurt her delusional hopes…" Sylvia's soft voice cut into Lila's heart like a blade, word by word. She claimed they stayed private to protect her so-called delusional hopes. Hmph. Delusional hopes. Six years of love. Six years of sacrifice. And now, from the mouths of Sylvia Evans and Charles Jackson, it had all been reduced to a one-sided fantasy. "Move!" A panicked shout snapped Lila back. The male actor's blade had already pierced the armor on her left shoulder. Blood welled from Lila's shoulder. Pain flared. Crew members rushed over to treat the wound. Thankfully, the armor was thick—the blade had only caused a small tear. Otherwise, the consequences would have been disastrous. "Who switched the prop?" For safety, most props on set were fake. But this blade was real. "I did." Sylvia strode over, having finished her interview. "I thought the prop looked too fake. So I replaced it with a real one." She looked down at Lila with cold disdain. "Got a problem?" Lila clenched her fists at her sides. This was beyond cruel! Ever since she'd caught Sylvia and Charles together, Sylvia had been scheming against her nonstop. She'd endured it again and again, but Sylvia only grew bolder. Today it was her shoulder—what if next time it pierced her heart? She ripped off her costume and threw it down. "I'm done being your stunt double!" Sylvia folded her arms, smug. "I'm paying you triple, remember?" "The contract's signed. Break it, and you'll owe me six times your fee." Lila narrowed her eyes. So that's why Sylvia offered triple. Every move had been calculated—just waiting for this moment? Now Lila faced two paths. One: endure humiliation and keep being Sylvia's stunt double. Two: walk away now—but pay six times her salary in damages. She had just spent nearly all her savings buying online hype for Charles! Her hands clenched at her sides. Sylvia gave her two choices—neither of which she would accept! Suppressing her rage, Lila stepped close to Sylvia and whispered, "Do you really think I'm out of moves?" Sylvia smirked. "Lila Cross, let me make this clear—I can squash you like an insect anytime I want!" "Is that so?" Lila sneered. "I recall this drama's script is supposed to be confidential." "When you gave me the script for analysis, I made a copy." "Tell me, if I take the female second lead's script to the producer and director… how many times your salary would your penalty be?" Sylvia's face turned ashen. "Impossible!" Lila had never made copies before! "How impossible?" Lila stared back, her gaze steady and cold. Not a flicker of deceit in her eyes. Sylvia stepped back, her face pale. "Even if you have a copy, do you really think someone like you could reach the producer or director?" Lila smiled faintly. "Why don't we find out?" "I'm willing to pay six times my salary to back out. Are you willing to take that risk?" Sylvia was losing it. Lila was supposed to be her caged bird, her trapped prey—crushing her should be effortless! So why was she now being held hostage by this wretch? Staring into Lila's eyes, Sylvia clenched her jaw. She couldn't risk it. Lila was just a nobody stunt double. But she was different. Her career was just beginning. A script leak would stain her reputation forever. Worse—if Lila revealed why Sylvia had leaked the script… Sylvia paled. She grabbed Lila's arm, hissing, "You despicable traitor!" "I trusted you with that script!" "You ungrateful viper!" Lila yanked free, her smile not reaching her eyes. "Anyone can say that to me—but not you." With that, she turned and walked away. Sylvia's assistant rushed to support her. "Miss Evans, are you really letting her go?" Watching Lila's retreating back, Sylvia narrowed her eyes. "Let her enjoy it for now." Lila's leverage wouldn't last. In a few days, once her scenes were shot, the whole crew would know the script. Then let's see what Lila has left to threaten her with! * Leaving the film studio, Lila got a call. A middle-aged man's drunken voice slurred: "Daddy's girl, I miss you!" Lila paused. "Need money again?" "Yeah." The man chuckled. "I'm home. Bring it over." No goodbye. He hung up. Lila closed her eyes, exhaling deeply. The caller was her biological father, Jane Townsend. Jane was a drunk living in the slums, drowning in debt. He rarely came back to Aurevia, but every time he did, he demanded money from Lila. At eighteen, she'd tried to help him change. But his stubbornness matched hers. In the end, she gave up. "Enough, enough!" Jane grinned, counting cash in the damp, filthy room. "You're the only one who treats me right!" "That damn Sophia, I raised her for eighteen years, and now she's making money but won't give me a cent!" "Try drinking less." Lila wrinkled her nose at the stench. "I've got a husband now. I might not be able to send money as fast. You should learn to take care of yourself." With that, she turned to leave. "Wait!" Jane called. "You're married?" Lila nodded. "Your old man doesn't have much." He rummaged under the sofa, pulling out an old jade pendant. "This was your real mother's. Keep it safe." "Okay." "This pendant—and the birthmark on your lower back—protect them. Don't let others see." "I understand." She walked away. Jane stood, watching her back, and laughed bitterly. "Just like her mother… you're becoming her living image…" * "Lucian, ask your brother what he wants for dinner." Leaving the slums, Lila walked while calling. Passing an alley, sudden footsteps pounded behind her. "Mommy, I want to eat—" Before Noah could finish, a sharp pain exploded in her head. She blacked out. "Mommy! Mommy—!" The phone dropped in the alley. Inside, the child's voice echoed urgently, "Mommy, Mommy, can you hear me?"