The Superstar suddenly started pursuing me, even pulling strings to get me a role on his new project.
But then there was an explosion on set, and I was badly burned.
Then, I overheard The Superstar mutter, "Good thing she shielded me from that disaster. Otherwise, that scar would be on my face."
I realized he had done it on purpose.
But I'm blessed with good luck. I went abroad, made a series of successful investments, and became a powerful CEO.
When I returned home, The Superstar had fallen on hard times. He begged me, "Give me some resources! Patroness."
Heh. After I spent so long crushing his career, he's finally come crawling to me.
1
I never would have imagined that I'd run into The Superstar, Quentin Stratton, on my second day back in the country.
I spent a day at home sleeping off the jet lag. The moment I stepped outside, I spotted a black car in the distance.
I recognized it instantly. 'Isn't that The Superstar Quentin Stratton's prized car?'
I paid it no mind, however, and continued straight on.
Quentin Stratton had clearly seen me too. He scrambled out of the car and blocked my path.
I looked up at him. He was hunched over slightly, all humility and deference, completely devoid of the commanding presence he used to have.
"Well, well, if it isn't Quentin Stratton."
I said with a wide smile, my tone dripping with obvious sarcasm.
Quentin Stratton forced an awkward laugh. "Elara."
My brow furrowed instantly. "Use my full name."
"Oh, right," Quentin Stratton said, lightly tapping his own mouth. "Elara Sterling, you... how have things been for you these past few years abroad?"
'He's just beating around the bush. What's with the act?'
I had no desire to chat with him, so I cut straight to the chase. "If you have something to say, spit it out."
The air went still for a moment.
When he spoke again, his voice was thick with embarrassment. "I... I was hoping to ask for your help. I haven't landed an endorsement deal or a role in a very long time."
There wasn't a shred of confidence in his voice.
"Oh." I yawned and gave him a dismissive look, feigning ignorance. "And what does you not having any projects have to do with me? It's not like I work in the entertainment industry."
"But if you just say the word, I'm sure I could get a role! For you, it's just one phone call!"
He was getting desperate.
'He wasn't wrong, though.'
I watched him with intrigued amusement. "You'll have to give me a reason. Why should I give you anything? What's in it for me?"
Hearing this, Quentin Stratton's forced composure began to crumble. "For old times' sake..."
"Old times' sake?" I asked, feigning total ignorance. "Did we have an 'old time'?"
Quentin Stratton faltered, his eyes darting away guiltily. "Because we used to date..."
'The absolute nerve of him to bring that up.'
My gaze turned to ice as the memory of what happened back then flooded my mind against my will.
