The Million-Dollar Heart

Kala clutched her palms tightly, her knuckles whitening. If the director added any more scenes for Lucia, her role as the leading lady would be nothing but a title.

She could no longer swallow her pride and stepped forward to confront the situation. "Look, if you're going to keep adding scenes, why not just give her my role as the lead?"

The director was in a tight spot. The investors had handpicked Kala, and he could not afford to disappoint her, too.

However, since the investors had not interfered after their initial involvement, he had not taken their choice too seriously. "Kala, it's just a small addition to enrich the story. Don't be unreasonable and make a fuss over nothing," he retorted.

Kala's face turned a shade of steel, "A small addition? I was supposed to shoot all day according to the schedule, but I haven't even started. It's been all Lucia. Am I the one being unreasonable?" The director's face darkened. "Kala, who's the director here, you or me? You should be grateful you're the lead. What more do you want?"

"You..." In the past, Kala would have walked away without a second thought.

But this time, she could not.

This project was secured for her by her friend Vivienne, and it was her only lifeline.

If she walked away now, she would disappoint Vivienne and sabotage her career.

Just then, a voice rang out from nearby. Everyone turned to see Stephen live-streaming.

Stephen smiled into his phone, "Thanks for the dono. Yup, I'm on set. No drama here, just actors discussing the scene. Why would the director casually add scenes for the second lead? All of you book fans have such high hopes for this adaptation. The director wouldn't dream of tarnishing his reputation."

The camera was pointed directly at the trio of Kala, the director, and Lucia.

The director, taken aback, hurried over.

Stephen generously turned the camera to the director. "Say hello to the viewers."

With a forced chuckle and seeing the chat filled with messages of support for Kala and rejection of Lucia, the director grew uneasy.

the second lead more scenes?" Stephen asked, his smile

That would be ridiculous," the director

they're faithful

assure you. We're sticking to the source material!" The director's face

nodded, satisfied. Before ending the live stream, he said, "You hear that, viewers? If it doesn't match the book by the time we wrap, I'll let you know on Twitter. If it's bad, we just won't watch." Stephen was not lacking in acting offers. He joined this production to please his boss, and bad press would

not give

turning to Kala, "Wow,

the compliment, little fox," Kala shot

moment, Lucia stepped forward and suddenly slapped Kala right on her face. "You little tramp. Think I can't bury your career?

to slap Lucia back. "You think I'm made of clay? Push me too far, and I'll

mean she would take abuse lying down. She had been patient because

if her bottom line were

too much. If she had stayed silent any longer, she would not be

and angry by

knew what Kala might do in

out her phone to

I want Kala blacklisted right

the voice on the other end was furious, "Lucia, you're fired. The company's been bought out by Rainbow Entertainment for a song. You troublemaker, just you

of Rainbow Entertainment? The buyout is fine, but don't bankrupt me. I was wrong before;

Kala was stunned.

Rainbow Entertainment?

That was Stephen's company.

suddenly buy

"Looks like we're colleagues now. All the

realizing her contract might have been included in

looked at Stephen, bewildered, "What's going on

a pause, she added, "Is it Percival? Is