18
###18
By the time filming for my first Hollywood project had wrapped, the gossip swirling around me no longer fazed me.
That weekend, I was invited to dinner at Director Jake’s house again. After the meal, he pulled me aside.
“The actress originally cast in a key supporting role for my new film had an emergency and had to drop out,” he explained. “I thought of you immediately. It’s a challenging role-plenty of screer time, a slightly villainous edge, but with a complete arc. Are you up for it, Celia?”
I blinked, stunned. “Me? Really?”
From playing a background character with barely ten lines in my debut to being offered a critical supporting role-it felt surreal.
Director Jake smiled. “Your only weakness is self-doubt. Even if you don’t believe in yourself yet believe in my judgment.”
He gave my arm a firm, reassuring pat. That was all the push I needed.
I threw myself into preparation-researching the role, understanding the character’s psychology and pushing myself to the edge of discomfort. When the film’s stills and trailer were released my piercing eyes and powerful presence went viral. Media outlets at home and abroad began to
Juzz.
‘An electrifying new face.”
‘A breakout performance with raw intensity.”
Even Oscar, my former co-star, sent me an email.
‘This role is perfect for you.”
Those five simple words warmed my heart.
That evening, Mira asked me to accompany her to the market. Since filming hadn’t started yet, I agreed and drove her.
‘Celia, don’t you love spicy Southern food? I’ve been practicing a few dishes-I’ll make them for you tomorrow!”
grinned. “That sounds amazing, Aunt Mira. I love you!”
Bantering with her, my heart lightened. Surrounded by her warmth, I was finally learning how to express joy freely. Mira chuckled, pleased.
‘Such a good girl. Tell me what else you want to eat!”
We were laughing by the produce stand when a hoarse male voice broke the moment.
‘Ava… I finally found you.”
I turned.
Julian.
+
Gone was the proud, handsome figure I remembered. He looked hollow-like a bamboo stick wrapped in exhaustion. Unshaven, pale, and thinner than I’d ever seen him.
I instinctively stepped back. “You’re mistaken, sir. Please move. You’re blocking the way.”
But he reached out and grabbed my wrist.
“Ava, I know you hate us. I don’t expect forgiveness. But Dad had a heart attack… Mom’s been sick too. Every day I think of you-I’m losing my mind.”
“Can you just come home and see them?”
Once, those words would have shattered me. I would’ve run straight to them.
But now, looking into his desperate face, all I felt was coldness.
“I told you-you’ve got the wrong person. My name is Lyra Quinn.”
“No! You’re Ava! You’re my sister-my real sister!”
His grip tightened, and I winced from the pain. Before I could speak, Mira slammed a baguette against his arm.
‘What do you think you’re doing to my daughter?! Trying to abduct her in broad daylight? I’ll call the police right now!”
Fierce and protective, she looked nothing like the gentle woman I knew-more like a lioness defending her cub.
‘You… You let her call someone else ‘Mom’?!” Julian’s voice cracked, disbelief and betraya flickering across his face.
But Mira was already shouting, “Help! Human trafficker!”
‘Get lost!” I snapped, yanking my wrist free.
looked at Julian like he was a stranger. Emotionless. Detached.
‘Never show yourself in front of me again.”
He stood there a moment, stunned, then turned and walked away, a shell of the arrogant boy I used to know.
Mira turned to me, worried. “Celia… was that your awful brother? Are you okay?”
took a deep breath. “I’m fine, Aunt Mira. Really. I’ve grown stronger.”
Later that night, I turned on the news.
The Wren family was in chaos.
The company had been gutted, betrayed by someone unknown, and their business collapsed almost overnight. Both parents were gravely ill. The empire they once ruled had crumbled into dust.
And the most shocking news came from a familiar servant-one who had always treated me kindly.
Delilah had escaped from the basement. But she didn’t get far.
Daniel caught her.
