"Just because younded a leading role, you’re already showing your true colors—acting like an assistant makeup artist isn’t even worth your time anymore," Emily sneered, crossing her arms with a triumphant smirk.


    She shot a subtle nce at the assistant makeup artist, who gave a slight nod before continuing her performance, ying the victim wlessly.


    "Director, I don’t think I can continue working with Miss Hera. Could you please assign me to a kinder actor? Maybe Miss Emily instead?"


    Without even waiting for the director’s response, the assistant turned to Emily, practically begging.


    "Miss Emily, please let me work for you instead! You’re so kind to your staff, and I just don’t want to be bullied while doing my job. Please?"


    She dropped to her knees in front of Emily, as if she had just suffered a grave injustice, making Hera look like a viin in front of the gathered onlookers.


    Those unaware of the full story exchanged nces, their expressions carefully masked. After all, they were all actors who could so easily hide their expressions and thoughts behind a mask—they knew better than to openly take sides, but that didn’t mean they would step up to defend anyone either.


    "You poor thing," Emily cooed as she helped the assistant to her feet, then subtly positioned her behind her in a protective manner—an obvious disy of her so-called magnanimity.


    She made sure to contrast herself against Hera, painting the narrative that while Hera mistreated the staff, she was the kind, benevolent one.


    A perfect example of building her own image at the expense of someone else—using Hera as nothing more than a stepping stone to elevate herself.


    "H-Hera, if you really want to be attended to by the head makeup artist, then... I’ll let you go before me," Alice said hesitantly, stepping beside Emily. Her teary eyes darted toward Emily, as if seeking approval before continuing.


    "Emily, didn’t you promise I could have my makeup done after you?" she added, her voiceced with reluctance.


    "But it’s fine—I’ll give my spot to Hera so she won’t feel bad anymore. I think she’s just throwing a tantrum because you’re being treated better than her. But we can’t help it, right?"


    "You brought in investments for the production, so of course, you’re treated like a VIP. The rest of us are just lucky to benefit from what you’ve contributed, and honestly, that should be more than enough."


    Her words were framed as an attempt to mediate, but they only served to reinforce the idea that Hera was being difficult—while further justifying why Emily deserved preferential treatment.


    This way, no one would dare speak ill of Emily, and she would feel indebted to Alice for backing her up.


    After all, it wouldn’t take much for people to question the arrangement—Hera might be a newbie, but as the female lead, she should at least receive a certain level of priority.


    However, since Emily had brought in financial backing, it was only natural for her to receive special treatment. With Alice subtly framing it asmon sense, the exnation was easily epted by everyone—because, in this industry, money often spoke louder than titles.


    Since everyone had spoken and Hera chose not to defend herself, the director had no choice but to let things slide.


    Although Hera was tempted to throw out a sarcastic remark, she held back—she knew that the more she spoke, the more Emily and Alice would twist her words, making her seem difficult and uncooperative.


    In the end, she’d be the onebeled as the troublemaker with an attitude problem. Besides, it was clear that no one wanted to step in, and even though Zen looked ready to, Hera subtly signaled him not to interfere.


    There was no need to escte this petty power y—engaging further would only give Emily and Alice more ammunition toplicate things for both of them.


    "It’s alright, Director. Let the assistant makeup artist work with Emily," Hera said, maintaining her calm and collected demeanor.


    "As for whether I did anything to her or not, she knows the truth better than anyone. There isn’t even a mark on her wrist."


    She paused before adding with a subtle smile, "I’m not saying she’s calling the kettle ck, but unless she can provide actual evidence, I think we should avoid making baseless usations that could damage someone’s reputation."


    "After all, we are public figures, and everything we do can be magnified by theizens. Unless, of course, this little assistant <i>wants</i> to ruin my reputation?"


    Hera’s gaze settled on the assistant, her words carrying a quiet warning. With her carefully measured response, she made sure that the assistant, Emily, and Alice understood that if they continued pushing, their little scheme would be far too obvious in the eyes of everyone watching.


    If that happens, no matter what they say, everyone will eventually realize the truth. Their attempts to y the victim and spin lies will be in vain, and the carefully crafted personas they’re trying to build will crumble like a sandcastle.


    Emily gritted her teeth, knowing she couldn’t refute Hera’s words without making things worse. However, she still couldn’t resist throwing in a sarcastic remark before turning to leave.


    <i>’Well, since this little assistant will be working with me, how do you n to get your makeup done? You can’t just walk onto set looking in. We’re filming an action-thriller zombie apocalypse, so you need to look the part...’</i> Emily said, feigning concern. But despite her efforts, her expression was stiff, and the corners of her lips twitched as if holding back a smirk.


    <i>’If you’d like, you can always head to my private lounge and maybe wait in line to get your makeup done?’</i> she added, her voiceced with false generosity.