Chapter 281: Jealous Women

Scarlet sat beside Galaxy Films producer Victor Delora, her eyes locked on the woman standing beneath the spotlight.

Envy twisted in her chest.

How could someone stand with such effortless grace?

Lara wore nothing extravagant. Her gown was simple, almost understated, yet it only made her beauty more striking. She carried herself with the quiet dignity of a queen, drawing every eye in the hall without even trying.

Even Scarlet couldn’t deny it.

Victor noticed where her attention lingered.

"You know her?"

Scarlet’s lips curved into a faint smile that never reached her eyes.

"Yes. She’s the girl who was in General Leonard Norse’s car accident a year ago." There was a hint of disdain in her voice. "She was in a coma for months. When she woke up, the Norse family accepted her as their goddaughter."

Fortune certainly favored some people.

Victor gave a thoughtful hum before turning to Scarlet.

"So? Have you made up your mind?"

She met his gaze.

"Our collaboration."

He rested his arm on the chair and smiled confidently.

"Your role may be the second female lead, but she’s the backbone of the story. Merging the two novels will make the film much stronger."

Without waiting for a response, he continued.

"The story opens in the present day. Two archaeology students travel to Isla to study the migratory birds. Instead, they uncover the ruins of an ancient kingdom buried beneath the island. That is, of course, your script."

His eyes gleamed with excitement.

"And then the past comes alive. The audience is drawn into history, and you will be transported to the past. That’s when your second character appears."

Scarlet had to admit the concept was compelling.

It was also practical.

Victor Delora wasn’t just another producer. He had a reputation for turning ambitious projects into box-office successes. For her debut film, there was no better opportunity.

"I’ll do it," she said. "As long as everyone involved agrees to the changes."

Victor smiled.

"I’ll take care of the rest."

Scarlet wasn’t worried.

Her aunt had already voiced every objection imaginable.

"Why spend years studying medicine if you’re only going to become an actress?"

She still remembered her answer.

"Medicine is my career. Acting is my passion. Besides, understanding different lives and emotions will only make me a better doctor."

She had never intended to choose one over the other.

Victor, meanwhile, was already looking past the contract.

His gaze wandered back to Lara.

She’s perfect.

No actress in the industry possessed that kind of presence.

If he could cast Lara as Empress Lara Kromwel, the film would become legendary. Scarlet could easily take the role of Princess Althea, the eldest daughter of the empress, instead.

The thought brought a satisfied smile to his face.

Too bad it was nothing more than a fantasy.

Lara had never shown the slightest interest in fame.

More importantly, she had already accepted Amelia’s invitation—not as the leading actress, but as the woman who would perform every fight scene for the novel’s heroine.

Victor Delora’s perfect casting existed only in his imagination.

...

Seated several rows behind the Norse family, Summer couldn’t take her eyes off Lara.

Her nails dug into her palms until they hurt.

Larissa Reyes...

How can someone like you be so lucky?

You’re nothing but a country bumpkin. Why are you the one standing under the spotlight, admired by everyone? That should’ve been me.

The applause echoing through the hall only deepened the bitterness festering in her heart.

She had begged Lucas to bring her tonight. Since every member of the Norse family had received an invitation, he had eventually relented.

It was her first time attending an event of this caliber.

Only after stepping into the grand ballroom did she realize how insignificant she was.

The guests weren’t merely wealthy.

They were the country’s business tycoons, political elites, entertainment icons, and distinguished figures from overseas. Conversations flowed in several languages, while priceless jewelry and designer gowns glittered beneath the crystal chandeliers.

Summer had never imagined a world like this existed.

Yet the person standing at the center of it all...

...was Lara.

"Doesn’t Lara look beautiful tonight?"

Lucas’s gentle voice broke her train of thought. The affection in his eyes as he watched the stage was impossible to miss.

Layla immediately folded her arms.

"Brother, you’re making me jealous."

Lucas chuckled.

"Oh? Why’s that?"

"You’ve been staring at Lara since she came onstage." Layla puffed out her cheeks. "Am I not your favorite sister anymore?"

"You are."

Layla beamed.

"But so is Lara. She is also my sister." Lucas added.

"God sister," Layla corrected with a frown.

Lucas laughed. "Fine. My favorite little sister and my favorite godsister."

"That’s more like it."

Layla held out her hand playfully.

"Then buy me something."

Lucas raised an eyebrow.

"With what money?"

"You just inherited Grandpa’s fortune."

"And Grandpa also reminded me not to squander it."

Layla huffed.

"You’re no fun."

Lucas only smiled.

"We’ll see. If there’s something within my budget, I’ll get it for you."

Layla pretended to sulk, but the smile tugging at her lips gave her away.

Then she looked around the ballroom once more, and reality settled heavily on her shoulders.

Everyone here possessed extraordinary wealth or influence.

Compared to them, she was nobody.

She lowered her gaze to the purse resting on her lap and then to Lucas. The Norses were honest people. They have some wealth, but they were not very rich.

For the first time, she wondered if what she would get would end up being the cheapest in the entire hall... that is, if she would get anything at all.

Summer looked up just as the auctioneer’s voice echoed through the ballroom.

"Sold to His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Yohannes of Zalmeria."

A collective murmur rippled through the crowd.

An attendant approached the stage carrying an exquisitely carved wooden case and presented it to Lara.

At the same time, Crown Prince Yohannes strode onto the stage with the confidence of a man born to rule.

Without a word, he stopped behind Lara.

His fingers deftly unclasped the necklace around her neck before carefully removing the jeweled tiara and the delicate pins securing it in place.

Only then did he move to her side.

Lara calmly slipped off the earrings, necklace, and ring, placing each piece into the velvet-lined box with practiced ease, as though this were nothing out of the ordinary and she had done it countless times before.

The prince accepted the box from Lara, then, taking her hand, he brushed a respectful kiss across her knuckles and offered a graceful bow.

The gesture drew not only a wave of astonished whispers from the audience but also stirred intense jealousy among the women in attendance—especially the President’s daughter, who had just entered the ballroom.