Wendy scoffed when she thought about the schemes thaty beneath Melody''s show of confidence. Securing a mysterious financial backer was beyond despicable. Ste cleared her throat and said, "Melody''s rise to stardom seems inevitable with that backing. She might even eclipse seasoned actresses like us one day." Wendy did not hide herplex mix of envy and indignation.


    Ste continued to press further. "Do you have Melody''s contact information? Didn''t she think of sharing her newfound fortune with you during her rise to prominence? A few crumbs from her powerful backer won''t hurt the wallet."


    "I wouldn''t touch such filth!" Wendy spat before immediatelyposing herself. "I''m sorry, Miss Ste. That wasn''t meant for you. My past with Melody makes me stir up some ufortable emotions. I hope I didn''t frighten you."


    Ste masked her agenda with an understanding expression. "No offense taken. You shouldn''t sever your familial ties that easily, though. If you have her contact number, I hope you can help me reach out to her."


    Wendy was caught off guard and stared at Ste in confusion. "Reach out?"


    "Yes," Ste affirmed. "I admire her talent and would love the chance to coborate." Ste''s smile was smooth and calcted.


    "Does this mean you never once intended on coborating with me?" Wendy asked with an awkward smile.


    "Talent is crucial, but sess is dependent on fame. I''ll dly coborate with you if you reach Melody''s level, but for now, I''m interested in working with Melody. Coborating with her can boost our movie''s poprity. No one will refuse publicity."


    Wendy lowered her head and gritted her teeth in a bitter pang of humiliation. Melody''s absence was not a hindrance to stealing the spotlight, it seemed.


    Wendy gritted her teeth and asked, "You don''t even know her character, Miss Ste. Are you sure you want to work with her?"


    Ste feigned pity and sighed. "Is character such an important matter in this circle? What will it take for you to see the reality, Wendy? What''s important is not her character, nor her talent, but the financial backer that is supporting her. If fate had blessed you with someone simr, I''d be seeking to coborate with you today too. I do think that life is unfair, especially in this industry. Talents like you should be allowed to flourish, but you were usurped by someone who has better finances."


    Wendy gnashed her teeth. "You''re right. Why must it turn out this way?!" She gazed into the distance with aplex expression.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Ste tried to soothe her, saying, "Chin up. Your time wille. And if you''re a little impatient, then perhaps reaching out to Melody for a role isn''t such a bad idea. She''s quite influential within the circle, after all."