Rebirth vs. Rebirth Tragedy to Triumph by Violeta and Zelena [[Chapters 331, to 340]] – Daisy Novels 

Chapter 331

Everyone still couldn’t comprehend the situation.

Violeta and Eugene left together.

Eugene took Violeta to the artist lounge upstairs and introduced himself.

“Beauty, I’m Eugene. You’ve signed a five-year contract with Apex, right? I’m your agent from now on.”

Violeta nodded.

She knew Eugene. In her previous life, she had heard of the two Apex’s famous superagents.

Back then, whenever she saw Eugene behind the scenes, she had to address him as Mr. Scott.

She never imagined that Eugene would become her agent.

First, they exchanged contact information and added each other on Facebook.

Eugene, aware of Violeta’s background, knew her debut project was ‘The Quiet Ode’.

“Don’t worry. The company will handle the promotions for ‘The Quiet Ode.””

“Oh, by the way.”

Eugene looked at Violeta seriously and asked, “Are you dating anyone?”

Violeta replied, “No.”

Eugene continued, “Any romantic entanglements?”

Violeta shook her head, “No.”

Eugene nodded. He was satisfied.

“It wouldn’t be a problem even if you did. Since I’ll be managing you, we need to be completely open with each other. Romantic entanglements aren’t scary; the real problem is unresolved ones.

“You can trust me completely. If there’s anything, it’s best to resolve it before the promotions for ‘The Quiet Ode’ start.

“If any issues arise and affect the promotion, it would be problematic.”

Violeta assured him, “I understand. I’ve never been in a relationship.”

Eugene raised his eyebrows slightly.

Hearing that a beautiful girl like Violeta had never been in a relationship surprised him.

It seems that she was very smart and had her mind.

“I’ll handle the controversy on Facebook. You don’t have to worry about it. Do you have time this evening?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Perfect. Let’s have dinner tonight. I’ll introduce you to two assistants.”

Violeta nodded.

Eugene smiled happily.

“Beauty, I’m very good at judging people. Get ready to become a sensation!”

If everything goes smoothly, that would be fantastic.

Violeta trusted Eugene to take care of her debut preparations and marketing strategies.

At 3 PM, Violeta left the company and went to a café. A shop across the street had a rental notice.

Fiona had finished drying the clothes.

Violeta changed and prepared to send Kaylee’s clothes for dry cleaning.

Kaylee said, “I only wore it for a short while. It doesn’t need cleaning.”

Violeta replied, “Alright, thank you, Kay.”

Kaylee responded, “No problem, Vio. How did everything go today? Did you meet any artists at the company?”

Violeta answered, “Not really. But there were a few others from Starbright Film Academy signing as well.”

Kaylee asked excitedly, “Oh, who?”

“There were two guys, Brandon and Chad, and a girl named Tracy.”

Hearing these names, Kaylee’s eyes lit up. “I know them!”

“You do?”

“Yeah, last year during the holiday, Brandon had a band performance at the plaza on East Street. There were a lot of people there, and I went to check it out.”

Kaylee referred to the semester when Violeta was filming ‘The Quiet Ode’.

Violeta had heard of Brandon, but that was in her past life.

Brandon was a popular male singer with both talent and skill.

There was a barrier between singers and actors.

Violeta didn’t know much about him, but she remembered he was quite popular among the youth.

Kaylee continued, “Tracy and Chad are quite popular too. I’ve seen their short dramas online. People shipped them a lot. They were called the Orange Couple if I remember correctly.”

“Wow, Vio, it looks like the artists signing with your company this time are really talented.”

Apex Entertainment, being one of the top three companies in the country, wouldn’t just sign anyone.

Top companies had a lot of artists.

But they lack artists who can make it big and bring in money.

Besides scouting people, many graduates from prestigious performing arts academies prioritize applying to big companies.

Everyone wanted to make it big.

But it wasn’t that easy.

Some play minor roles for ten years and change their fate with one supporting role.

Some spent half their career in the industry and were still nobodies.

Violeta could speak from experience about this.

After expressing her envy, Kaylee propped her chin up and said, “But on the other hand, I still don’t know if I’ll be chosen.” Violeta smiled gently, “There are plenty of good scripts. Just be patient.”

Kaylee agreed, “That’s all I can hope for.”

The best thing about Kaylee was her easygoing nature. She

wasn’t obsessed with always landing a role.

合

Chapter 332

If Kaylee wasn’t chosen for ‘The Lies In Winter’, she planned to stay in school for further studies and aim for a master’s degree. Opportunities would come eventually.

It would be great if she got one, but if not, it was fine.

Her goal wasn’t to become a big star, she aspired to be an opera singer like Irene.

Violeta reassured her, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye out for anything suitable for you.”

Kaylee nodded.

Violeta called Irene to let her know everything went well.

Irene was overjoyed and said she would order a cake to celebrate her precious daughter’s debut.

Unfortunately, Violeta already had dinner plans with Eugene.

So they postponed the celebration to the next day.

In the evening, Eugene discreetly arrived at the restaurant with a male and a female assistant.

“Hello, I’m Aster Palmer. You can call me Aster.”

“I’m Felix Barnes.”

Eugene added, “Felix is the driver and Aster is your personal assistant.”

Violeta greeted them warmly, “Nice to meet you both, I’m Violeta. We don’t have to be so formal with each other. Let’s just be friends.”

Eugene had briefed them about Violeta before meeting her.

Seeing Violeta’s down-to-earth attitude, they all relaxed and exchanged contact information over dinner.

They didn’t drink any alcohol. They went separate ways after dinner.

A beige coat was draped over a chair. Aster stepped forward, picked up the coat, and politely asked, “Whose coat is this? I’ll hang it up for now.”

She then swiftly moved everything that wasn’t Violeta’s to the side.

“Ms. White, please have a seat.”

Just as Violeta was about to sit, she heard someone reprimanding Aster.

“Hey, that’s my coat. You better bring it back.”

The voice belonged to Tracy.

Aster replied, “Okay, sure.”

She handed the coat to Tracy, who was busy with her makeup.

Tracy’s assistant took the coat with a tut.

“Who’s dirty hands was it? There are marks all over the white coat.”

The comment made the atmosphere awkward.

Aster looked at her hands, which were quite clean.

The assistant then smiled at Aster, saying, “I didn’t mean you. Someone must have dirtied the coat just now. Don’t worry, we’ll get Ms. Connor a new one. No hard feelings, okay?”

Aster could only pretend nothing had happened and said, “I’ll go get the makeup artist,” before leaving the room.

Violeta sat down and checked Facebook, searching for her name. All the false accusations Zelena had spread were gone.

It seemed the company had taken action.

The marketing for ‘The Quiet Ode’ was starting, trending around the twentieth spot.

Eugene coordinated with the external publicity department of “The Quiet Ode” to hold off on the hype.

They planned to push the promotions after Apex’s official announcement about Violeta, ensuring she got double exposure.

While waiting for the makeup artist, Violeta played with her phone.

Meanwhile, Tracy occasionally glanced at Violeta through the corner of her eye.

After what happened yesterday, Tracy did some digging on Violeta.

She discovered Violeta was the former campus belle of Toland University!

Violeta has been replaced by a new freshman now.

Violeta also came from an influential background, being the daughter of the chairman of White Group.

Tracy was really annoyed.

Yesterday, Winnie had subtly asked Tracy about her family background. At the time, Tracy didn’t understand why.

It wasn’t until she got home that she realized Winnie and Cora had fought over her because they thought she was wealthy!

Tracy’s parents were locals from Quinston and were not particularly wealthy.

Chapter 333

However, Tracy never lacked money during her university years.

First, she dated wealthy kids from the school.

Second, she was quite famous online, earning a good amount from sponsored posts.

The Hermès bag she carried was bought with her savings.

Girls would harbour jealousy towards each other even when they were friends.

Violeta and Tracy were destined to be competitors and they wouldn’t be on friendly terms with each other.

Not that Violeta had any intention of befriending her.

Soon, Aster returned with Eugene and the makeup artist.

Eugene and the makeup artist had already discussed the look they wanted for Violeta.

The makeup artist set down her kit and started working on Violeta’s face.

When Violeta and Aster arrived earlier, the staff only glanced at them without greeting them.

But when Eugene entered, everyone acknowledged him.

“Mr. Scott.”

“Hey, Mr. Scott, back from vacation?”

“When did you get back?”

Eugene waved and leaned against the table next to Violeta’s seat, saying casually, “I got back yesterday to manage a newcomer. This is my Beauty, Violeta.”

“Oh, she’s yours? No wonder, Mr. Scott always has an eye for talent.”

Eugene replied, “She’s just starting out and she’s young, please take good care of her. You know my temperament. Don’t bully my people.”

His words seemed to target someone, and his gaze lingered on the assistant who had commented on Aster’s dirty hands.

The assistant smiled awkwardly, lowered her head, and got back to work.

Aster had reported the incident to Eugene, who knew what had happened.

Such exclusion of newcomers was common in every industry.

It might be milder within the same company.

But in different companies, the competition can be much fiercer. After makeup, it was time for the photoshoot.

Tracy went first. Having worked as a model during her first two years in college, she was at ease in front of the camera, knowing her best angles. Her professionalism showed, and the photographer quickly captured some great shots.

The photographer praised Tracy, comparing her to a supermodel.

Next was Violeta. Though relaxed and confident, she lacked experience as a model. She mimicked a few poses and finished her session.

The photographer praised Violeta, saying she looked flawless from every angle.

Eugene noticed Violeta’s stiffness but wasn’t worried. Her striking appearance ensured good photos despite some rigidity.

He saw great potential in Violeta and was very satisfied.

After the shoot, everyone left the studio.

Tracy stayed behind to remove her hairpieces. Her assistant, holding the beige coat, mumbled, “I wonder if this stain will come out.”

Tracy responded, “Don’t worry about it, Fanny. It’s not an expensive coat. It’s fine if the stain stays.”

Fanny turned around, “Ms. Connor, it’s my fault for not taking care of your coat. I’m sorry.”

Tracy smiled, “It’s okay.”

Fanny sighed, “But we’re going to have trouble in the future. With Eugene backing Violeta, she’ll get all the good resources.”

Tracy said, “Everything still comes back to abilities.”

While tidying the table, Fanny added, “Some people are just lucky, getting a superagent right from the start. But honestly, having been here for so long, I believe that you’ll have a bright future. From the way you posed today, it’s clear you belong in front of the camera. You’re a natural!”

These words pleased Tracy immensely.

Fanny had echoed her own thoughts. Tracy despised those people who relied solely on their parents’ success. Without their parents, they were nothing.

Haha.

Only time would tell who would rise higher!

I believe that I would be better than Violeta.

Just wait and see.

They were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn’t notice the slightly ajar door.

Aster accidentally left a bag of daily contact lenses behind, and she was here to retrieve it. So, she overheard their entire conversation.

Lydia used to be Apex’s top gun.

After Lydia left, the spot was vacant.

It was likely to be filled by either Violeta or Tracy in the future.

Coincidentally, Zelena’s show, ‘Spring Isn’t Blooming,’ started its promotional campaign on Facebook with great fanfare.

The crew aimed to replicate the promotional strategy of ‘The Moon Belongs To You’, keeping the audience hooked from the beginning of production to the end.

This was exactly what Zelena wanted.

So she actively cooperated with the behind-the-scenes

promotions and practiced her smile daily.

The first day of the promotions went well.

Chapter 334

In the evening, the trending topic of ‘The Quiet Ode’ overshadowed ‘The Moon Belongs To You’.

Apex revealed their new artists, coinciding with the trending topic of ‘The Quiet Ode.’

Lydia’s contract with Apex Entertainment expired a few months ago and she announced the establishment of her own studio without renewing her contract or keeping her manager.

The phrase “Apex’s Top Gun” had been trending for three days straight until it mysteriously disappeared.

There were a lot of reasons for that, but its sudden disappearance was undoubtedly due to Apex’s PR efforts.

Now, Apex made a high-profile announcement of four new artists.

Four of them had both talent and looks.

Brandon was a talented one from a music academy.

Chad and Tracy were film school graduates.

Violeta was a top-ranked beauty and a graduate of the prestigious Toland University.

They were all special in their own way.

Among them, Violeta was the most mysterious and low-key.

Brandon had formed a band and participated in music festivals, already having a fan base.

Chad and Tracy had produced short dramas on TikTok, garnering a large following.

Only Violeta, apart from a brief spark of attention when Wade announced the filming of the web series ‘The Quiet Ode,’ had no other notable presence.

Moreover, the attention from ‘The Quiet Ode’ had been mostly negative.

The official Apex Facebook page was flooded with discussions from curious netizens.

With such good looks, it seems that Apex is planning something big!’

I think Apex is trying to prove that even without Lydia, they can create another star like her. But between Violeta and Tracy, who will be the new top gun at Apex?’

Artists are just pawns. Since Lydia left Apex, she hasn’t had much going on. She didn’t even attend the recent film festival. Could it be that she’s being suppressed by the industry?’

Thank you for letting Lydia go, and best of luck to Apex’s new signings.’

Lydia is on vacation abroad, updating beautiful photos almost every day on social media.’

Tracy is unique and she doesn’t have to compete for the top spot.’

Am I the only one who thinks Violeta is in the right lane? Brandon aside, Tracy and Chad started online, but Violeta’s first role is the lead in a series by Wade. Even if it’s a spinoff, I think she has a lot of potential. My vote goes to Violeta.’

I don’t get why Violeta is the campus belle of Toland University. The more I look at her, the more masculine she seems. Tracy is the real beauty here. Just a passerby, not a fan of anyone, don’t attack me.’

There will only ever be one Lydia in the industry. Please don’t start fights in the comments.’

The comment section was buzzing with diverse opinions.

Soon after, the promotion for ‘The Quiet Ode’ ramped up.

The official account for ‘The Quiet Ode’ posted five updates on Facebook, including a giveaway and behind-the-scenes videos.

Simultaneously, the marketing accounts Eugene contacted started sharing behind-the-scenes content and candid photos of Violeta from the shoot.

The trending topics occupied the top two spots.

Marketing accounts noticed the trend and followed it.

Violeta was Apex’s new signing, and Wade was a top screenwriter in the industry.

The Quiet Ode’ was his first web series, a fact that had already generated online buzz. Now the promotion clearly indicated that the series was complete and ready for release.

The hype was intense and well-funded.

With both sides drawing attention, Violeta’s name also made it into the top three on TikTok trending search, with her Facebook followers skyrocketing.

At home, Zelena was memorizing her lines.

She kept a close eye on Facebook trends to check the trending topics.

To maintain the hype for the filming of ‘Spring Isn’t Blooming,’ she had even spent her own money on promotional marketing.

But it disappeared like a bubble, replaced by the surge of interest in Violeta.

Zelena quickly jolted up and frantically refreshed Facebook on her phone.

The Quiet Ode’ had begun its promotion.

The seven-episode web series had signed a contract with a streaming platform, with all episodes set to release on the fifteenth. The first three episodes’ trailers were already available online.

The Quiet Ode’ was originally a spinoff from Wade’s previous film adaptation, ‘The Frozen Dawn.’

It already carried significant buzz.

Moreover, the cast of ‘The Quiet Ode’ was impressive.

Every notable character with scenes opposite the main lead was starred by a seasoned actor.

Chapter 335

Even Jaime was cast in the series.

With such a stellar cast, even those who haven’t seen Wade’s previous works would be drawn to this series.

Zelena scrolled through the comment section and then went to the official Apex Entertainment page.

“Violeta signed with Apex Entertainment?”

Zelena was taken aback.

In her previous life, Violeta had not signed with Apex Entertainment but with the same company as Nolan, Marina

Media……

But now, Violeta’s path has changed in this life.

She wondered if her rebirth had caused a shift in Violeta’s life as well.

Before Zelena could think further, her phone suddenly rang.

It was Hattie calling.

Ha, Hattie must have seen the trending news about Violeta’s debut and was getting anxious!

Zelena looked at her name with disdain.

How many times have I tried to contact you? I called you more than fifteen or twenty times.

Hattie had ignored her calls and treated Zelena coldly.

Now the tables had turned, and Hattie was the one reaching out. But, Zelena had no intention of answering her call.

She didn’t hang up or pick up, letting the call ring until it disconnected on its own.

Meanwhile, Hattie was in her van.

She stared at the automatically disconnected call and frowned.

“Zelena’s not answering my calls now? Hmph!”

“Hattie, she did try to call you many times before. Maybe she’s holding a grudge,” her assistant said.

Hattie tossed her phone to the assistant. “Keep calling her until she answers!”

“Hmph, who is she to hold a grudge against me? If it weren’t for me, she wouldn’t have gotten the script for ‘Spring Isn’t Blooming.””

Although the buzz for ‘Spring Isn’t Blooming’ was quickly overshadowed by Violeta’s news.

Hattie had taken notice of it.

She knew Zelena had successfully secured the lead role.

Hattie had expected ‘Spring Isn’t Blooming’ to be aired on Cosmos Channel.

It was a drama that could be swayed with money. If Zelena hadn’t gotten the role, she wouldn’t be worthy of being her friend.

Now that Zelena had the role, she had truly gained entry into the industry.

The assistant, following Hattie’s instructions, continued calling Zelena relentlessly.

On the eighth call, Zelena finally answered lazily.

“Hello.”

The assistant, losing patience, quickly informed Hattie, “Hattie, she picked up.”

Hattie took the phone. “It’s me.”

Zelena chuckled. “Oh, it’s you, Hattie. I wondered who kept calling me. Sorry, I was eating and didn’t hear the phone.”

Hah.

What an excuse. Only a fool would believe it.

Hattie knew Zelena was doing this because she had ignored Zelena’s calls before.

She wasn’t bothered about Zelena’s attitude.

“I’m calling to congratulate you. I heard you got the role.”

“Hattie, your news is outdated. I got the role a while ago. It was just announced yesterday. Honestly, I didn’t want to promote it, but I couldn’t stop the production team,” Zelena said.

Hattie rolled her eyes. “Now that you have the role, make sure to perform well. Let’s see if you can compete for next year’s Best Newcomer Award.

“Oh, by the way, did you hear about Violeta’s debut?”

Zelena was annoyed. “Who wouldn’t know about it with all the buzz?”

Hattie asked, “Didn’t you know that she signed with Apex?”

Since Zelena had been expelled from Toland University, she had no idea about Violeta’s recent developments. Besides, Violeta’s current track was different from what Zelena remembered.

Hattie, not concerned with school matters, was unaware of Zelena’s expulsion.

Zelena replied irritably, “Come on, I’m not a mind reader. How would I know everything about her? So what if she signed with Apex? She would sign with some other company if she wasn’t with Apex.”

Though blunt, it was the truth.

However, with ‘The Moon Belongs To You’ nearing its release date, Hattie was worried that the hype for ‘The Quiet Ode’ would overshadow it.

She could only hope that Violeta’s popularity would be short-lived.

Zelena suddenly remembered something and smirked. “Oh, Hattie. there’s something else.”

“What is it?”

Feigning ignorance, Zelena asked, “Are you sure Violeta is really the White’s illegitimate daughter?”

Hattie frowned. “Of course. Why would I lie? It had been

confirmed a while ago. Why don’t you believe it yet?”

四

Chapter 336

Zelena chuckled. “Haha, nothing, I was just asking. Anyway, I’ll hang up now.”

With that, Zelena hung up first.

Hattie was puzzled, not understanding what Zelena meant.

But she would soon find out.

Violeta’s popularity was soaring.

People were commenting about her everywhere online.

Mainly driven by two waves of interest.

Even within the industry, people were talking about her.

They said this was the grandest debut for a newcomer.

The other three from the company were overshadowed by Violeta.

Brandon didn’t mind, since their future paths were different.

Chad didn’t care either, as male and female artists weren’t in direct competition.

The biggest victim was Tracy.

Tracy had hoped the company’s official announcement would bring her some attention.

Although people did talk about her, the focus was more on Violeta. It made Tracy and Winnie even more resentful of Violeta.

They were furious.

The company didn’t show favoritism as they treated everyone equally.

But the agents’ methods to promote their artists differed and it showcased the agents’ abilities.

Eugene was adept at riding the wave of popularity, managing the Facebook account, and sharing numerous updates about ‘The Quiet Ode.’

He also bought some trending spots.

Eugene knew what the gossip-hungry public wanted.

With a few strategic keywords, he stirred up a storm.

Lydia and Violeta’

Apex’s Top Gun successor Violeta’

Violeta and Eugene’

By bringing Lydia, a beloved figure, into the controversy, Eugene ensured attention.

Lydia was Eugene’s previous artist and Apex’s top star.

She had been his prized possession.

But now, she had left Apex and was no longer Eugene’s artist.

Eugene had been betrayed and he wouldn’t just forget that.

So when it was time to use her name, Eugene didn’t hold back from using Lydia to boost Violeta’s fame.

No one could play the hype game better than Eugene.

He was the only one bold enough to do so.

He turned private gossip into public drama.

This caused a massive stir and Lydia’s fans were furious.

What the hell?’

How dare a newcomer step on our star! Who do you think you are?’

They flooded Violeta’s Facebook with insults and sarcastic comments.

Violeta’s comment section and private messages were overrun.

Eugene had informed Violeta in advance when he bought the trending spots.

“Beauty, if you’re with me, you need to withstand the storm. Glory and criticism come together.”

He thought Violeta would refuse to let him do that to push her into the spotlight.

Eugene had even prepared some excuses. He was also ready to keep her phone if necessary, to prevent her from viewing the backlash.

But Violeta’s reaction was far from what Eugene expected.

She remained calm. “I’m fine with whatever, Mr. Scott. Do what you think is best. I trust you.”

Eugene was stunned.

“Beauty, aren’t you afraid of being scolded by the public?”

Violeta was at ease. “Mr. Scott, any publicity is good publicity. I’ve already prepared myself mentally. Go ahead.”

“Great! Awesome!”

Eugene was even more impressed with Violeta.

He didn’t expect her to handle pressure so well.

For a wealthy and pampered girl, it was impressive not crying or throwing tantrums. But to withstand public criticism was another level.

Violeta’s resilience exceeded Eugene’s expectations.

If Lydia had been as resilient, she wouldn’t have taken an extra year to become famous.

But back then, Eugene’s connections weren’t as extensive, and Lydia had no background. Her rise to fame was tough, so it’s not a fair comparison.

“Beauty, while I can’t promise you’ll be the top actress in the future, you don’t have to be worried about taking the position of Apex’s Top Gun. No one can snatch it from you.”

Despite being a man, Eugene’s ability to handle drama was unmatched. He had great tactics.

Lydia’s side had been ignoring the online battle.

Outsiders couldn’t see through the murky waters, but insiders knew exactly who bought the trending spots.

The one who benefited most was the buyer.

Seizing the momentum, ‘The Quiet Ode’ premiered at 8 PM.

The earlier trailers depicted the scenery beautifully. Though it was a web series, Wade’s work was still the top choice for classic heroes enthusiasts.

Both industry insiders and outsiders were watching the web series’ prospects.

Moreover, with the storm Violeta’s debut had caused, Lydia’s fans were ready at 8 PM, prepared to screenshot and criticize Violeta’s performance.

So, when ‘The Quiet Ode’ released all seven episodes at 8 PM.

Within ten minutes, the viewership hit a million.

Chapter 337

The Quiet Ode’ released all seven episodes in one go.

By morning, it had eclipsed Nolan’s ‘Night On the River’. Overnight, it smashed through ten million views, with a hundred million seeming inevitable within days.

The Quiet Ode’ rapidly became the talk of every platform.

Critics who had doubted the show now found themselves praising it.

No one had expected such a triumph.

While local dramas were increasingly filled with shallow content, this web series delivered with perfection.

With seven episodes, each at least ninety minutes long, and the final two extending over two hours, the series stood toe-to-toe with foreign dramas.

The production quality was superb, the script deep and meaningful, and the acting was exceptional.

Wade, as always, performed brilliantly, meeting the high expectations of his loyal martial arts fans.

Audiences binge-watched the series through the night.

Though the IMDB rating hadn’t been posted yet, predictions were ambitious.

Many speculated it would score no less than 8.5, with some hoping it might break 9. A 9-plus rating on IMDB signified something truly special.

Violeta’s acting, in particular, stood out as a revelation.

Frankly, the entertainment industry had grown fragmented.

Veteran actors were turning into distinguished artists or comedians, rarely appearing in public.

The younger generation, meanwhile, dominated variety shows.

This led to a vicious cycle: veteran actors, especially older actresses, struggled to attract high viewership or land leading roles in significant projects. This ended up leaving them on the sidelines.

Young actors, leveraging their social media followings,

dominated variety shows, using their popularity to gain more opportunities. They wielded influence but lacked the quality work to solidify their place in the industry, and many faced criticism for their poor acting skills.

Lydia had potential, but her career path was limited.

Her looks didn’t fit the standard for leading roles in serious dramas. In the industry’s jargon, her face wasn’t made for the big screen.

Then came the new generation.

First, there was Nolan with his historical romance ‘Night On the River’. Now, Violeta’s ‘The Quiet Ode’ followed.

These two were this year’s biggest surprises, each wave of their popularity stronger than the last.

They were as beautiful as the top stars in the domestic scene and had the acting skills to match.

Their rise to fame seemed inevitable.

Violeta’s performance in ‘The Quiet Ode’ was outstanding, easily scoring above ninety.

One critic wrote, ‘She embodies everything I imagined Layla to be.’ Such high praise for her acting spoke volumes.

The release of ‘The Quiet Ode’ shook the industry.

The potential for web series was enormous, and investors were already mobilising.

With all seven episodes released at once, the show garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews. Even those who weren’t initially interested in the genre found themselves watching it.

Fans binge-watched through the night, and online platforms buzzed with discussions about the plot.

Short video platforms, more influential than Facebook, were abuzz with chatter.

Violeta’s Facebook followers surged by the millions, and the initial negative comments were drowned out by praise for her beauty and talent.

The show had converted many viewers into Violeta’s fans, leading to heated debates between her supporters and Lydia’s fans in the comments section.

Lydia’s looks are only suitable for idol dramas. How can she compete in a few years?’

Don’t be absurd. She was the top star at Apex, but times change.

New talent has to be given a chance.’

Come on, Violeta is so young. Lydia’s age puts her at a disadvantage. There’s no comparison.’

You can’t fight the passage of time…”

Lydia has been blacklisted in the film industry. People forget that. If she hadn’t offended Mr. Zahn with her arrogance, she would’ve transitioned by now.’

Meanwhile, Violeta was gaining a solid fanbase and attracting paparazzi who staked out the company building. A week later, ‘The Quiet Ode’ received its IMDB rating, and it was an impressive 9.

Positive reviews poured in, with the top comments being in-depth analyses of the show’s merits.

Among the four newly signed artists, Violeta emerged as the standout, quickly rising to prominence.

Thanks to Eugene’s connections, Violeta soon had a series of engagements. They were primarily photo shoots for fashion magazines and endorsements for high-end brands.

Tracy couldn’t help but feel envious.

Winnie had received several scripts and asked Tracy to choose. One of them was for the lead role in ‘The Lies in Winter’.

Tracy, with her lofty ambitions, wanted to star in a period drama that could rival ‘The Quiet Ode’.

However, she knew that matching the cast and production quality of Wade’s series was a daunting task.

As she skimmed through the scripts, she casually tossed ‘The Lies in Winter’ aside.

“Winnie, did you get this wrong? Why would you give me something like this?”

Chapter 338

“I want to do something worthwhile,” Tracy insisted.

Winnie replied, “The script for ‘The Lies in Winter’ came from a friend in the industry. If you’re not interested, don’t pick it. It’s a small production anyway.”

Eventually, Tracy selected a fantasy romance drama from the options. She believed she’d be the lead, but Winnie had other news.

“This role is for the second female lead,” Winnie informed her.

Violeta was starring in a major production as the lead, while Tracy had to settle for a secondary role in a lesser drama. The difference was stark.

Frustrated, Tracy asked, “Why?”

Winnie, sensing her distress, tried to comfort her. “Don’t be hasty, Tracy. This secondary role was still a valuable opportunity for the company. They fought hard to get it.”

Tracy was about to protest, but Winnie continued, “We have to admit that Violeta started from a higher position. But who says we can’t surpass her? Take this role, build your reputation, and better offers will come. The company still believes in you.”

Though Winnie’s words made sense, Tracy found it hard to accept starting as a second lead.

After all, she had been the main lead in self-produced short films.

Seeing Tracy’s reluctance, Winnie offered an alternative. “If you really want a lead role, there’s another script, though it’s a bit challenging.”

“What is it?” Tracy asked.

“It’s a detective drama, ‘The Legend of Blind Detective’. It had some buzz initially but was shelved due to conflicts with some investors. Recently, I heard they’re looking for actors again. I can inquire about it for you.”

The Legend of Blind Detective’ had the potential for awards. If Tracy chose this, it would be a significant opportunity.

“Is it for the lead role?” Tracy asked.

“Yes,” Winnie confirmed.

“Alright, Winnie, please ask about it for me,” Tracy decided.

The drama had been shelved due to conflicts with Niall, but this could be her big break.

She hoped it would be so, for Violeta had hers with ‘The Quiet Ode.’

The producer was frantic. Significant funds had already been poured into pre-production, and abandoning the project now would be a colossal waste.

Winnie reached out to the producers and director of ‘The Legend of Blind Detective’.

Initially, this series was meant to film alongside ‘The Moon Belongs to You’, but it had been delayed for nearly half a year.

While ‘The Moon Belongs to You’ had wrapped up filming, ‘The Legend of Blind Detective’ hadn’t even started.

Its delay had pushed it to the same timeline as ‘Spring Isn’t Blooming’.

The Legend of Blind Detective’ had once been a hot topic in the industry, but it had lost its luster over time.

Meanwhile, Violeta’s ‘The Quiet Ode’ had become a massive hit, and Nolan’s ‘Night On the River’, another period drama, had further popularized the genre.

Period dramas were now eclipsing modern ones, drawing audience interest away from contemporary series. As a result, the contemporary series took a hit.

This shift made it even more challenging to find actors willing to commit to projects like ‘The Legend of Blind Detective’.

The producer had worked tirelessly to smooth things over with Niall, allowing the project to move forward, but finding a suitable lead remained a hurdle.

When Winnie contacted the producer, they were surprised and delighted. Learning why she had reached out, they became even more excited.

“You mean Tracy wants to play the lead?” the producer asked, eyes wide with hope.

Winnie smiled. “Yes, Tracy is very interested in the script and specifically asked me to see if the lead role was still available.”

The producer responded immediately, “That’s perfect! We’re just missing the lead actress!”

Tracy had a professional background and was a newly signed talent with Apex, making her an excellent candidate for the role.

With how things stood, it was nigh impossible to find someone more suited for the role than Tracy.

The producer quickly agreed to cast Tracy in the lead role.

Winnie, though initially taken aback by the ease of the arrangement, felt a surge of satisfaction.

In her role within the industry, Winnie was well aware of the extensive effort that had gone into ‘The Legend of Blind

Detective’. The project had been carefully planned, yet no one had expected it to nearly collapse.

While there were doubts about whether it could live up to its initial promise, one thing was evident: Tracy was far more focused on securing a leading position than on the project’s overall success.

Though she recognized that her career trajectory was not as high as Violeta’s, she refused to accept a secondary role.

Thus, Tracy opted for ‘The Legend of Blind Detective’, not because it was the most promising, but because it offered her the lead role she craved.

The rapid rise of Violeta’s fame had transformed her from a subject of criticism into the epicenter of fierce fan battles.

Lydia’s supporters were formidable, but Violeta’s fans were equally passionate.

Despite Violeta’s newness to the industry and her relatively small fan base, her lack of past scandals worked in her favour.

Her debut project matched its high profile with impressive popularity, securing her a prominent place in the industry.

Chapter 339

After years in the spotlight, Lydia had amassed a significant amount of negative publicity. The internet, with its relentless memory, ensured that the scandals of her past remained fresh in everyone’s minds.

The discord between Lydia’s and Violeta’s fans grew increasingly intense. Eugene observed the commotion with a grim

satisfaction.

Lydia’s departure had been a covert operation, meticulously planned behind Eugene’s back.

Despite his best efforts to assist Lydia’s transition into the film world-setting up key meetings and leveraging his connections -she had betrayed him in the most personal manner.

Lydia’s announcement on Facebook, declaring her intention not to renew her contract with Apex, had come as a shock to everyone, especially Eugene.

The company had informed him only after the fact.

When Eugene attempted to reach Lydia, she was unreachable. She was avoiding his calls and messages.

Their eventual meeting revealed Lydia’s stark change in attitude. She addressed Eugene with chilling indifference, “Eugene, you know how this industry is. We all have to prioritize our own interests.”

Not only had Lydia taken credit for Eugene’s successes, but she had also poached the entire team. It was clear that everyone involved had conspired to keep him in the dark.

This betrayal was one Eugene would remember for the rest of his life.

That night, at the celebration for ‘The Quiet Ode’, Wade had arranged a grand banquet. All those involved in the production attended, including Violeta, who brought Eugene along as her guest.

The success of ‘The Quiet Ode’ was a testament to the hard work of everyone involved, but Wade was the linchpin of their achievement and thus took the place of honour.

Violeta remained reserved, speaking only during her moments to offer a toast.

Eugene, seasoned by years in the industry, navigated the social intricacies of the evening with skill, complementing Violeta’s more subdued manner.

Wade observed that Eugene and Violeta made an excellent team.

With Eugene’s expertise, Violeta seemed well-positioned to excel in the industry.

Yet Eugene was determined not to repeat past mistakes. Whether he would offer the same level of commitment to Violeta as he had to Lydia remained uncertain.

Spring Isn’t Blooming opening ceremony’ stubbornly held onto the seventeenth spot on the trending list, a testament to its resilience.

As the cameras rolled, Zelena entered the scene.

Her disposition was generally pleasant, but her inexperience from her past life led to numerous mistakes. The repeated failures drew some criticism from the crew.

Nevertheless, Zelena endeavored to endear herself by regularly bringing treats and milk tea, which made it difficult for the staff to voice their complaints openly.

The director, recognizing the significant investment from the Blakes, had no choice but to provide Zelena with meticulous guidance.

In a different corner of the industry, Tracy had sealed her deal for ‘The Legend of Blind Detective’.

Filming was scheduled to begin on the 20th. Violeta, a fellow member of the same company, couldn’t help but marvel at the twists of fate.

Violeta had initially shown interest in the script for ‘The Legend of Blind Detective’!. However, an unfortunate skiing accident during the New Year’s Day had left her with a fractured bone, barring her from the role.

The script then fell into Hattie’s hands.

When Hattie returned to school, she boasted about her new role and mockingly criticised Violeta’s gait, calling it duck-like.

Enraged, Violeta ordered Niall to withhold the script from Hattie.

With the script suspended, neither Hattie nor Violeta had the chance to take on the role.

Meanwhile, Zelena had missed out on ‘The Moon Belongs to

You’.

In an ironic twist, the script had now landed in Tracy’s lap.

Violeta, observing the turn of events, shook her head with a rueful smile. “Such is fate,” she mused.

“Eh, did you say something, Ms. White?” Aster asked.

Violeta responded, “Nothing of consequence.”

Having made her debut with ‘The Quiet Ode’, Violeta was on equal footing with Hattie.

Zelena’s progress was slower, and ‘Spring Isn’t Blooming’ was set to clash with ‘The Legend of Blind Detective’.

It seemed that Zelena and Tracy were gearing up for a direct confrontation.

During the shoot for the cover of the magazine, Alpha wandered downstairs and saw a throng of fans and reporters gathering below.

Aster peered out the window and remarked, “There’s a massive crowd of reporters outside.”

“That’s strange,” Violeta said, frowning. “Our schedule wasn’t meant to be public knowledge.”

She surveyed the scene and noticed a fan holding up a sign beneath a flower bed. With a casual tone, she added, “They’re probably not here for us.”

Violeta quickly recognized that the sign had connections to Nolan.

Aster looked puzzled. “Nolan?”

“Yeah,” quipped Violeta.

“Geh, what’s he doing here?”

Nolan’s star had risen sharply and reached unprecedented heights.

Night On the River’ had started off well, but things had taken a turn.

Nolan’s fans and the lead actress’s supporters clashed violently on Facebook, with shippers fans joining the turmoil.

Fortunately, the series had concluded.

Nolan’s popularity was such that his fans had become fiercely loyal and combative.

As one of the top new male actors, any actress associated with him found herself caught in the storm of his fans’ fervour.

Aster was anxious that if their event clashed with Nolan’s, they might also attract unwelcome attention and backlash.

Chapter 340

“Should we stay downstairs or head up now?”

Felix had already circled the area twice in Alpha, scanning the growing crowd.

Aster looked uncertainly at Violeta, seeking her decision.

Violeta, her gaze steady, replied, “Let’s go up.”

In the world of celebrity, Alpha was the preferred choice for transporting stars.

Delaying their ascent would only attract unwelcome attention and invite speculation.

Moreover, a scheduling clash wasn’t a crisis.

“Very well.”

Felix parked the car and assumed his role as a bodyguard.

Aster opened the door and stepped out first, with Violeta following, her coat pulled tightly around her.

The throng of reporters and fans at the entrance had been waiting for Nolan, but Violeta’s arrival presented them with an unexpected opportunity.

“It’s Violeta!”

A reporter’s keen eye caught sight of her, and a shout went up.

Instantly, the crowd surged forward. Felix held an umbrella to shield them from the press and the barrage of flashing cameras. Aster, guiding Violeta, navigated through the mass of people, trying to clear a path.

“Violeta!”

“Look this way, Violeta!”

“Violeta’s schedule is clashing with Nolan’s…”

“Violeta!!!”

The cacophony of voices followed them as they entered the building.

Once inside, a disconcerted Aster said, “I should have anticipated this. We should have arranged for more security. It felt like they were ready to swarm us.”

Violeta, however, remained composed.

Her past experiences had accustomed her to less-than-ideal attention. In the industry, the real threat lay in obscurity.

“Let’s go up,” she said, offering Aster a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

“Right,” Aster replied.

The trio took the elevator, and as they reached their floor, the waiting staff quickly approached, eager to welcome them.

“Ms. White, you’ve finally arrived. I feared you’d be caught outside,” said the staff member, relief evident in his voice.

Aster replied, “We nearly didn’t make it. It was a close call.”

The staff member sighed. “Nolan’s team is live-streaming from here today. You see, there weren’t so many reporters and fans around before.”

Violeta smiled. “It’s not a problem.”

With a nod, the staff member led them towards the studio. “Let’s get you both into makeup.”

Since ‘Night On the River’, Nolan had landed several promising film roles.

His current project had just concluded shooting.

Today, the film crew was hosting a live-stream event. The studio had been transformed into a makeshift broadcast space, brightly lit with the creative team arranged on sofas. Nolan and the director were seated at the centre.

The atmosphere was easygoing. The host, following the script, engaged with fans and posed questions. Nolan responded with his usual warmth.

In the corridor, the staff escorted Violeta and her team to another studio.

Through a slightly ajar door, they saw Nolan.

His eyes momentarily lingered on Violeta’s fleeting figure, causing him to lose track of the host’s next question.

The host, smiling broadly, asked, “Nolan, our fans are eager to hear your thoughts on our leading lady’s performance. I heard she was so immersed in her role during the wrap that she ended up in tears.”

There was a moment of silence.

Nolan, momentarily distracted by Violeta, missed the question.

Polly, quick to notice his distraction, flashed a smile at the camera and said, “It’s really nothing. Everyone was incredibly supportive. I ended up feeling rather embarrassed, though.”

At that moment, Nolan added, “Polly has always struck me as an outstanding actress. Collaborating with her has been a remarkable experience. The ability to fully immerse oneself in a role can indeed be a strength for an actor. If you can’t lose

yourself in the character, how can you hope to make an impact on the audience?”

The host chuckled, “Absolutely, everyone here is incredibly talented…”

In the adjacent studio, Violeta entered to find the makeup artist busy perfecting her look.

Eugene had noticed Violeta’s tendency to appear rigid in front of the camera during their previous shoot.

To help her overcome this, he had enlisted a renowned female photographer to assist Violeta in becoming more at ease in front of the lens, away from the usual filming environment.

The photographer, Aileen Jarvis, arrived shortly.

“Leslie, I’ll take over this shoot. You can resume your other duties,” Aileen instructed.

“Understood, Aileen,” Leslie responded.

Upon hearing the exchange, Violeta glanced up and saw Aileen entering the studio, setting up her equipment.

Aileen was the very photographer Eugene had spoken of.

Aileen was a celebrated name in the industry, known for her award-winning work and her role as the exclusive photographer for Elle, one of the leading fashion publications.

It was evident from this arrangement that Eugene’s network was impressive, given the difficulty of asking a favour from Aileen.

As the makeup artist completed her work, Aileen moved closer.

She was elegantly slender, leaning against the back of Violeta’s chair. Their eyes met through the mirror, and Aileen’s presence exuded both ease and authority.

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