Urged by the staff, I sat in the back row, where I had a clear view of the two of them chatting intimately.
Soon, the announcement for Best Actress was made.
The director even had the camera trained on me, my face magnified on the big screen. Around me, people turned with congratulatory looks.
My fingers tightened around the hem of my gown.
This award was mine.
When Adrian first founded Rose Pictures, I gave up my position in my family’s company and signed with his fledgling studio.
For five years, I worked tirelessly, studying scripts and honing my craft.
Everyone agreed I had long since earned this honor.
And yet—the winner of the Best Actress Award was Chloe Miller.
When she hopped excitedly onto the stage, the entire hall was stunned.
Directors I had worked with shouted about corruption.
“Who is this woman? What work has she even done?”
“This award must be rigged!”
Even rival actresses spoke up.
“She barely has two obscure films to her name. By seniority and skill, Sophia Green should have won!”
I sat still, my eyes fixed on Adrian.
But his gaze was on Chloe alone, and he led the applause.