<h4>Chapter 374: Veiled Insults</h4>


    "Your concern waspletely unnecessary. Amanda is in the hall discussing the script with the director," Eric said coldly as he approached. Seeing him, Allison panicked and lowered her head.


    Eric’s presence exposed Allison’s true colors to everyone—she was nothing but a troublemaker. Yet E understood that if she and Eric had been less intelligent or emotionallyposed, they could have easily been manipted by such shameless schemes.


    The crowd dispersed in boredom, and Allison scurried away. Mia rolled her eyes. "You’re just going to let her get away?"


    E chuckled lightly. "This is our first film as a team. If word of this incident spreads, it could damage our reputation."


    Eric’s expression darkened. "I’ll have a talk with Tiffany."


    E shrugged. She knew that in Eric’s eyes, Tiffany was above suspicion. Even if confronted, Tiffany would likely shift the me entirely onto Allison.


    ...


    At 11 PM, E, Eric, Allison, and Tiffany gathered on thewn outside the house.


    Arge, old tree stood nearby, its branches adorned withnterns that cast a warm glow. The autumn moonlight was cool, prompting E to pull her jacket tighter around her.


    Without a word, Eric removed his coat and draped it over E’s shoulders.


    Tiffany sat calmly, as if oblivious to their affectionate gestures.


    "Tiffany, how do you exin Allison’s actions?" Eric’s tone was icy, a stark contrast to his previous warmth.


    If he and E hadn’t been cautious, this could have turned into utter chaos.


    "Allison just exined to me," Tiffany said tly, "She imed she saw Mr. Nelson and Amanda enter a room together. Allison, how could you spread such nonsense?" She cast a cold nce at her assistant.


    Eric’s lips curled into a sharp smile. "I was escorted into that room. Did the person who did it think I wouldn’t figure out their intentions? I believe, Ms. Fox, you might know who that person is?"


    Tiffany stood abruptly, her expression tense. "What are you insinuating, Mr. Nelson?"


    "The person who led me there is a bodyguard you brought with you. Care to exin?"


    Tiffany took a deep breath. "I have never instructed anyone to do such a thing!"


    E remained seated, her expression serene. She had anticipated Tiffany’s denial.


    Had Eric and Amanda truly been caught on the same bed in front of everyone, the rumor of Eric using his position to grant Amanda favors would have been irrefutable.


    Suddenly, Allison raised her head, her face contorted with anger. "It was me! I was the one who ordered him to act! I couldn’t stand seeing Tiffany, such a big-name star, reduced to a supporting role!"


    Tiffany’s face flushed with a mix of anger and disbelief. "Allison, how could you? Ashley’s role suits me, which is why Mr. Nelson chose me! And yet you tried to stir trouble? Starting now, you’re no longer my assistant. You and that bodyguard—leave!"


    Tears streaming down her face, Allison dropped to her knees and clung to Tiffany’s skirt. "Tiffany, I was wrong! Please, forgive me!"


    "Leave here tomorrow," Tiffany said coldly.


    Turning to E and Eric, she added apologetically, "I’m sorry for the trouble my poor supervision has caused you both."


    The sincerity in her eyes seemed genuine.


    E smiled faintly. "It’s fine. As long as this is all just a misunderstanding. But let’s keep this incident under wraps. If word gets out, Tiffany, you’d be implicated as well."


    Tiffany nodded. "You’re right. Allison, keep this matter confidential, and I’ll make sure you’repensated."


    Allison, realizing she couldn’t salvage the situation, quickly thanked her.


    Eric, his face stern and his eyes glinting with menace, finally spoke after a moment of silence. "I don’t want a repeat of this incident. Next time, I won’t hesitate to act, no matter who’s involved. Money can always be earned back, but once someone’s reputation is tainted, it’s nearly impossible to recover."


    Eric’s words were clearly aimed at Tiffany, whose face turned pale. "Even though I didn’t instruct them... I’ve heard your warning. I won’t allow my people to act out again."


    E nodded. "Good that you understand, Ms. Fox. I want this film to finish smoothly. Any disruptions would hurt everyone involved. I’ve already cautioned all the crew to be vignt, and I hope you’ll keep your people in check as well."


    Tiffany nodded silently, lowering her head without responding further.


    Eric wrapped his arm around E’s waist. "Let’s head back. It’s too chilly out here."


    E smiled radiantly and addressed Tiffany calmly. "Ms. Fox, if there’s nothing else, we’ll take our leave. Remember, it hasn’t been easy for you to reach where you are today. Don’t let trivial matters undo all your efforts."


    "Thank you, Mrs. Nelson. I understand," Tiffany replied.


    As the couple walked away, Tiffany clenched her fists tightly.


    After a moment, as if something had crossed her mind, she slowly released her grip.


    Allison, still crying, her eyes swollen like walnuts, whimpered, "Tiffany, what should I do now?"


    "I already told you," Tiffany said coldly. "You and Aaron will leave tomorrow morning. You’ve been with me for years, so I won’t let you leave empty-handed."


    Allison said nothing further, wiping her tears repeatedly.


    After Allison left, Tiffany remained seated on thewn. The cold night wind made her shiver as she gazed into the distant sky.


    E was right—it hadn’t been easy for Tiffany to climb to her current position. Reflecting on her past three years, filled with bitterness and struggle, she realized that despite some support, most of the pain she endured alone.


    Now that E and Eric were on guard, any further actions on her part might lead to exposure, which would mean losing everything she had worked so hard to achieve.


    With a sigh, her raspy voice carried an icy resolve. "Fine. Let’s see who goes further... who lives better."


    ...


    E didn’t even make it back to her room before Eric pulled her into his.


    The door, which had been repaired and reinstalled, now stood firm.


    E nced at the modest room, her heart pounding. "Eric, don’t try anything! The walls aren’t soundproof!"


    Eric smirked yfully. "Mrs. Nelson, where is your mind wandering? I only wanted to... have a deep conversation with you."


    Blushing, E turned her face away and sat in a corner. "I know you’re up to no good!"


    "What do you mean, no good? For you, I just offended the big-name Tiffany Fox. How’s that for sincerity?" Eric teased, sitting beside her and pulling her into his arms. His soft lips brushed against hers. "Even if I can’t eat, I still want to hold."


    E’s face darkened, flustered by his words. This man was too... too much!


    Yet as his warm breath brushed her flushed cheeks and his hands wandered, she scolded, "Eric, keep your hands to yourself!"