Chapter 405 - 401: A Star Visiting an Assistant?

Her phone suddenly rang.

The caller ID read, "Brother."

Cecilia Sterling collected herself and answered the call.

"Brother?"

Wesley Yates paused for a moment on the other end before speaking. "Are you out?"

"Just got out." Worried her brother would feel guilty, Cecilia forced a light laugh and asked breezily, "Did Mr. Young tell you?"

"Did the police give you a hard time?" Wesley Yates ignored her question, his only concern being Cecilia.

"No, I just answered whatever they asked." As Cecilia spoke, a wave of emotion washed over her, and her voice grew sentimental. "Brother, I understand now why you wouldn’t tell me more. When I was sitting in the interrogation room just now, I was incredibly calm. My conscience was clear. I didn’t have to worry that my words might put you at risk, and I didn’t have to consider whether I should lie to cover for you."

Cecilia didn’t know if she would have lied to protect her brother at a critical moment if she had known more.

But from the very beginning, he had eliminated that possibility. He never even gave her the chance to cover for him.

In its own way, this was the ultimate form of protection.

"Lying and committing perjury are illegal. You call me brother, so I have to protect you. I won’t let you get implicated in any way."

"Besides, I’ve already entrusted you with so much. There’s a selfish reason for me to protect you, too, so don’t overthink it. If I ever get out, I’ll repay you."

He was always like this, unwilling to let her get too emotionally involved with him, even as a sister.

He foresaw his own future—a series of cold, iron gates that would leave no place for the feelings between them.

Cecilia understood, so she said nothing more.

Wesley Yates said, "That’s all for now. Your sister-in-law will contact you if anything comes up. Cecilia... take care of yourself."

After hanging up, Cecilia sat in the car, composing herself for a long while. Then, she took out her phone and deleted all contact information related to Saul Thorne.

*

「Locke Entertainment.」

Several months later, Lily Sterling once again knocked on the door of Connie’s office.

"Well, look who it is! Lily?"

Connie was surprised to see Lily. She put down her work and stood up to greet her. "You’ve been quiet for months. What brings you here all of a sudden?"

Lily greeted her first before explaining her reason for coming. "Connie, I’ve finished reading that script you gave me, and I’ve made my decision."

Connie’s eyes lit up at her words. "You’re willing to take it?"

Lily nodded gently.

"That’s more like it! I told you you’d be interested in the character once you read the script. It’ll be a whole new challenge for you."

"The character is what drew me in. She’s not just rebellious on the surface; her inner world is incredibly complex and rich. I want to give it a try, but I just don’t know if I can do her justice."

Connie happily took Lily’s hands to encourage her. "No problem at all! Plus, this is a serious drama. Most of the main and supporting cast are veteran actors with superb skills. If you can get on the production, you’re sure to learn a lot."

"Did Heather take the part?"

"Of course. How could she turn down such a great script?" Connie said with a smile. "This way, she’ll be the female lead, and you’ll be the second female lead. Since you’re both my clients, she can look out for you."

Hearing this, Lily’s lips curved into a delighted smile. She was secretly looking forward to working with Heather Keaton.

"So if you’re sure you’re taking it, I’ll confirm with the production team!"

"Okay. By the way, Connie, I heard the *Jade Bird* crew is filming in Lorcain recently. I want to go visit Yuna and Finn."

While she had been on break, the company had temporarily assigned Yuna and Finn to other artists.

Connie nodded. "No problem. I think they’re on Rachel Farris’s team right now. Do you need me to give them a heads-up?"

"That would be great. It would be a little rude to just show up unannounced."

Connie smiled. "You’re always so considerate. I’ll let them know now. I’ll get you a pass for the film studio in a bit, and you can go straight there with it."

After leaving the company, Lily hailed a cab and went directly to a film studio.

On the way, she sent a message to Yuna ahead of time, but she never got a reply.

Getting in was easy with the pass. Inside the studio, any location currently in use had a sign outside indicating the name of the production.

Lily quickly found the *Jade Bird* set.

"Ms. Sterling?"

She unexpectedly ran into a staff member from her own company at the entrance. Although Lily didn’t recognize him, he recognized her immediately. "What are you doing here? For a cameo?"

Lily quickly denied it. "No, no, I’m just here to visit the set."

She showed him her pass as she spoke.

Realization dawned on the man. "Oh, who are you here to see? They’re filming inside. Let me take you in!"

"I’m here to see Yuna and Finn."

As a fellow staff member, the man knew that Yuna and Finn were artist assistants.

He faltered, a little surprised. He had seen celebrities visit other celebrities on set, but never a celebrity visiting an assistant.

"They’re my assistants. I’ve been on a break for the last few months, so the company temporarily assigned them to Ms. Farris’s team."

"Oh..." The man nodded in understanding. "I think I just saw Ms. Farris over at Studio 1. Let me take you inside first."

"Thank you!"

Once inside the studio, Lily kept quiet. It was a Republican-era drama, and the actors on set were all in eye-catching period costumes. As an unfamiliar face, Lily’s entrance drew frequent glances from many people.

When they reached a relatively safe spot, the man pointed to a spot not far away and whispered, "Ms. Sterling, Ms. Farris is over there. See? Is that your assistant, Yuna, next to her?"

Lily followed his finger and looked over. She saw Rachel Farris, dressed in casual clothes, reclining on a rocking chair. Yuna was holding an umbrella over her with one hand and a manual fan with the other, half-squatting to shield her from the sun and keep her cool.

The outdoor temperature had reached 93 degrees, yet Yuna herself was completely exposed to the sun. Sweat poured down her face, and her skin was much darker than the last time Lily had seen her.

Not only that, but a bulky backpack was slung over her shoulder, its contents a mystery. Tucked into a side pocket, however, was an oversized stainless steel thermos.

Yuna’s slender body looked ready to collapse under the scorching sun. Just watching her, Lily felt as if she might pass out at any second.

Meanwhile, other actors were also resting on the sidelines, but they had all found shady spots to sit. Even those accompanied by assistants were, at most, just being handed things when they needed them.

This made Yuna’s situation all the more conspicuous. She looked helpless, as if she were being tortured.

Lily’s heart sank, and a surge of anger washed over her.