Chapter 220

The next morning, Aria Bennett arrived at the set bright and early.

"Director Gideon, I'd like to film tomorrow's scenes today," she said bluntly.

Director Gideon agreed without hesitation. Coincidentally, Serena Blake had taken the morning off, so he scheduled Aria's scenes first.

It wasn't until three in the afternoon that Serena finally made her grand entrance.

Aria glanced up to see Serena glowing, her eyes brimming with satisfaction. It wasn't hard to guess what had happened the night before.

However, Serena's aura hadn't noticeably strengthened, which meant her companion had either been Owen Archer or Silas Kane.

Aria leaned toward the former—otherwise, someone as calculating as Serena wouldn't have dared to show up so late.

Sure enough, the moment Serena stepped onto the set, she simpered, "Director Gideon, I'm so sorry. Mr. Archer insisted I accompany him to meet a client. It took longer than expected."

Her words were apologetic, but her eyes gleamed with smug triumph.

Director Gideon snorted. Did she really think name-dropping Owen would intimidate him? The woman clearly overestimated herself.

"Go get your makeup done," he dismissed her with a wave.

In the makeup room, Aria was removing her stage makeup when Serena sauntered in with a sneer.

"Oh, Ms. Bennett, leaving early again?"

Aria didn't even look up. "I've already finished tomorrow's scenes. Should I stick around just to watch you put on airs?"

"Some people have such big attitudes for such small careers," Aria scoffed. "Do you really think you're A-list material?"

The barb struck a nerve. If Aria hadn't stolen the spotlight at every turn, Serena wouldn't still be languishing as a third-rate actress.

"Fortunes change," Serena spat through gritted teeth. "Don't look down on the young and struggling!"

"I only know one saying," Aria rose to her full height, looking down at her. "What goes around comes around."

With that, she grabbed her bag and strode out.

The makeup artist and the third female lead struggled to suppress their laughter. Serena had always treated them with condescension—it was satisfying to see her taken down a peg.

"What are you staring at?" Serena snapped at the third lead, face burning with humiliation.

The third lead shot back, "At your inflated ego!" before slamming the door behind her.

Serena stomped her foot in frustration and whipped out her phone to text Owen: [Aria turned the whole crew against me!]

His reply came instantly: [Don't worry. She'll get what's coming to her.]

Remembering Owen's promises from the night before, Serena finally smirked. "Aria Bennett, let's see how long your smug act lasts!"

Meanwhile, Aria, having wrapped early, texted Miles Mercer.

As she exited the studio, she spotted Miles and Tristan Cole leaning against a flashy convertible.

"Over here!" Tristan waved enthusiastically.

Aria massaged her temples. "Just send me the address. I'll take a cab."

"Why?" they asked in unison.

"That car is too conspicuous," she sighed. "I don't need to trend on social media tomorrow."

Miles's eyes widened in realization before he shot Tristan an annoyed glare. "This is why I told you not to bring this one!"

In the end, Aria took a taxi alone to the hospital.

En route, Miles sent the location—the most exclusive private hospital in the capital.

When she arrived, Miles and Tristan had been waiting at the entrance.

The VIP ward occupied an entire floor. As the door opened, a slender figure stood silhouetted against the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Hearing the noise, the man turned.

Though illness had left him gaunt, it couldn't diminish his gentle, refined demeanor.

"You must be Ms. Bennett," he smiled. "I've heard so much about you."

Miles hurried to introduce them. "Aria, this is my uncle, Everett Mercer."

"Mr. Mercer," Aria nodded politely.