Chapter 143 As the first light of Saturday morning crept in, Aurelia was already awake, feeling rejuvenated after a good night's sleep.
She tidied her hair into a simple ponytail and slipped into some casual clothes.
The October air in Elysium had started to hold the crisp chill of autumn. For Aurelia, the cool weather was welcomed. It allowed her to comfortably wear loose outerwear that perfectly concealed her growing baby bump. Carrying twins had inevitably added extra weight to her frame, stripping her of her usual lightness.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAfter a hearty breakfast, Arnold arrived to pick her up.
At the variety show recording site, everyone was busy preparing. The show was a competitive performance-based series featuring film school students and emerging actors. These contestants were guided by four high—profile directors who selected actors to join their teams for a series of face—offs.
Arnold escorted Aurelia to the VIP audience section, filled with invited guests including talent agents, fans, and entertainment journalists.
“Is this show based on an elimination system?” Aurelia asked with a hint of concern. After all, this was a variety show, not the Olympics; it was as much about backgrounds and connections as it was about talent.
Arnold understood her worries and reassured her with a smile, “Don’t worry, Avery will definitely make it to the end.” Serenity Films had sent more than just Avery to the show, but he was the one with the most potential: good-looking, talented, and worth investing in.
Aurelia’s concern was meddling from Evan, a spoiled rich kid who thought he could do whatever he pleased because of his father’s wealth.
“Should we go backstage to check on Avery?” “Sure.” Arnold agreed.
At that moment, in the dressing room, Evan was lounging like a king, legs crossed, puffing on a cigarette.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe had always assumed that Avery was destined to be an extra, to be trampled under his feet. He hadn't expected Avery to sign with Nydia of Serenity Films. It infuriated him.
“Avery, you're not planning on getting eliminated in the first round, are you?” Avery chose to ignore him, treating him like a gnat. But some people, the more you ignore them, the more they bother you.
Evan stood up, walked over to Avery and blew a smoke ring, “I think you should stay away from the entertainment industry. You might relapse. Not every time will you be lucky enough to recover. One misfortune/could cost your life. It's not worth it.” Avery clenched his fists. He hated it when people brought up his illness. It was a low blow, and every word was a stab in the heart.
“Shut up!” Evan spit on the floor, “I won't shut up. What are you going to do about it? Let me tell you, as long as I'm in the entertainment industry, there's no place for you.” “Really? You're that powerful?” Aurelia walked over, phone in hand, recording. “I've got everything you just did on camera. | could post it online and you'll be the one with no place in the entertainment industry.” She knew this weasel wouldn't stop. He even used her brother's illness to humiliate him. It was absolutely despicable! Evan's face turned pale as he attempted to snatch the phone. Arnold grabbed his hand, squeezing it hard enough to make Evan squeal in pain, “Ouch! Let go of me!” Arnold casually tossed him aside, where he crashed into a makeup table.
Evan was livid, but realizing he couldn’t fight Arnold, he resorted to threats, “Do you know who | am? Dare to touch me, and you'll regret it!” A show staff member whispered, “That's Mr. Arnold of the Stirling family.” Upon hearing this, Evan's arrogance diminished, but he was still defiant, “So what? Can he be as powerful as my dad?” Arnold sneered, “If your dad hasn't taught you how to be a decent person, | can teach you.”