Chapter 319 - 317: Target of Public Criticism

All eyes immediately turned to Lily Sterling.

But Lily Sterling’s expression remained placid. She showed no sign of being flustered by what Jean Donovan had said.

After all, she already knew everything Jean Donovan was talking about.

Having never experienced something like this before, she was initially troubled and had asked Connie how to handle the situation.

Connie had told her that while rumors may die with the wise, they thrive among fools. Most people only believe what they want to believe, so explaining yourself is useless.

Moreover, with salacious rumors, you can’t prove your innocence. The moment you try, you fall into a trap. To others, it will just look like you’re protesting too much, giving yourself away.

But not trying to prove your innocence doesn’t mean you should let the matter fester. If you know who started the rumor and you aren’t afraid of them, you should find the right moment to confront them directly.

If they deny starting it, the rumor will fall apart on its own.

If they admit to it, then the burden of proof is on them. You must make them produce evidence, rather than trying to prove your own innocence.

Lily Sterling had been waiting for the day she wrapped filming. She had even imagined confronting Jade Smithson face-to-face, in a scene almost identical to this one.

She just hadn’t expected Jean Donovan to beat her to the punch. Or perhaps, because the matter involved the man Jean Donovan genuinely liked, she simply couldn’t tolerate it any longer.

Just when everyone assumed that, given Lily Sterling’s usually quiet and gentle nature, she wouldn’t dare say much, she suddenly took two steps forward. She let out a soft breath, visibly forcing herself to remain calm as she spoke. "I was originally planning to deal with this after we wrapped filming. But since Jean Donovan has stood up for me today, I can’t let her face this alone."

Her tone was calm, but it held immense courage and strength.

She slowly turned her head to look at Jade Smithson, only to find not a hint of remorse on her face—only unventable rage and hatred.

Lily Sterling secretly shook her head and asked aloud, "Jade Smithson, since you believe that Yuri Tucker and I have something more than a friendship, do you have any evidence? If you don’t have evidence, then you’re just spreading rumors!"

"I didn’t spread rumors!" Jade Smithson still refused to admit it. "I never said your relationship was improper..."

"Of course you wouldn’t say it outright," Jean Donovan immediately retorted. "Your real skill is in insinuation and veiled hints. You get everyone’s imagination running wild, then let the gossip spread through others. That’s what you’re so clever at."

She even began to imitate the way Jade Smithson usually spoke to the male actors. "Oh my, Lily is so good to Yuri Tucker. He was just an extra before, you know. It’s all thanks to Lily that he got such an amazing opportunity. Why, since joining the cast, he even eats with her in her trailer all the time."

Several of the male actors nearby had strange expressions on their faces, because Jean Donovan’s imitation was spot-on. That was exactly how Jade Smithson had spoken to them.

Originally, they had just thought that since Yuri Tucker was a newcomer and had been recommended by Lily, it was only natural for her to look out for him a little more.

But after Jade Smithson’s deliberate prodding, those with dirtier minds really did start to get the wrong idea about their relationship.

Now that things were out in the open, Lily Sterling decided she might as well air all of her grievances.

"The day we started on set, we were in the same car. You were talking and no one was answering, so I replied to save you from the awkward silence. But you just pretended you didn’t hear me."

"After filming began, you found something to criticize in every single one of my takes, every single one of my scenes. You nitpicked my performance, but the ’problems’ you pointed out were completely fabricated."

"And it wasn’t just me. You did it to all the actresses on set. Yet I never once saw you raise a single issue with a male actor’s performance. Even an actor like Yuri Tucker, with no formal acting experience, got nothing but praise from you. Why is that?"

Jean Donovan let out a cold laugh. "Why do you think? It’s because they’re men. In her eyes, every other actress is an enemy! We’re all riddled with flaws, and only she is absolutely perfect!"

"Any actress here who hasn’t been nitpicked by Jade Smithson, whose performance she hasn’t torn down—stand up right now, I want to see you!"

The set fell silent. Not a single actress moved. They all just stared coldly at Jade Smithson.

Jade Smithson was mortified and furious. She could feel that she had become a public target; everyone was staring at her with judging eyes.

She had a hundred defenses but no way to voice them, and nothing to argue anyway. She just bit her lip stubbornly, her eyes turning red.

Not far away, Titus Ashton, who had remained silent until now, decided things had gone on long enough and stepped forward.

He hadn’t stepped in earlier because that was just his way. ’Let women sort out their own problems. It’s best for men not to get involved.’

"Alright, that’s enough. Everyone break it up. Let’s all get some rest early tonight."

Titus Ashton waved his hand, signaling for the crowd to disperse, and didn’t say another word about the incident.

The male actors, all quick to take a hint, exchanged a few words and began to leave.

As the actresses left, many of them shot supportive smiles at Jean Donovan and Lily Sterling. Some even gave them a discreet thumbs-up.

Most of them didn’t have Jean Donovan’s courage, but seeing people like her and Lily Sterling take a stand was still deeply inspiring.

But Jean Donovan, who still didn’t seem satisfied, was about to say more when Lily Sterling stopped her.

Lily Sterling shook her head at her. "This is enough. No one will believe anything she says anymore."

"But how could the director just break things up like that?" Jean Donovan was clearly unhappy with his decision.

But Lily Sterling understood.

"We only have a few days of filming left. The director needs to keep the set under control. This show has to get finished!" Lily Sterling patted Jean Donovan’s arm. "You weren’t actually expecting Jade Smithson to apologize to everyone, were you?"

"Who gives a damn about her apology," Jean Donovan muttered, pursing her lips.

"Well, there you go. No one wants her apology, and making a bigger scene is pointless. It’s over."

Jean Donovan calmed down. Thinking it over, she realized Lily Sterling had a point and nodded lightly. "Alright, fine. At least I got that off my chest. I don’t even care if I never get to act again. If I have to keep running into disgusting people like her, I’d rather just quit the business."

"Don’t say that. Why punish yourself for someone else’s mistakes?" Lily Sterling said, offering a comforting smile. "Besides, you were incredibly brave and cool today. If it wasn’t for you, I might not have found the courage to say all that."

"Really?"

Lily Sterling nodded. "Of course. You taught me something I didn’t have in me. And you have to keep acting. You’re a great actress."

"You’re the great actress! You’re way better than Jade Smithson!"