Vivian couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. She had the ruby necklace appraised, and it turned out to be top-notch, likely even more valuable than her own red agate bracelet by a significant margin. The rarity of such a ruby necklace in the market made it even more suspicious.
Jacqueline shook her head. "Vivian, aren't you being a bit too sensitive? Who is Julia anyway? There's no way someone as prestigious as President Butler would be involved with her. That would just lower his status."
Vivian's frown eased a bit. "You have a point..."
Over the years, she had come to understand Royce's character. He rarely interacted with the outside world due to his special status, and it was unlikely he would make random acquaintances.
"Also, Vivian, Assistant Director Nick has made plenty of enemies. It's not necessarily because of Julia that he got beaten up. I've heard he's offended quite a few people," Jacqueline continued.
"Oh, I see..."
"Vivian, once this movie is done filming, I think you should have a proper talk with President Butler. Clarify your relationship so you don't keep overthinking things."
Vivian's cheeks turned as red as the evening sky. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Alright, alright, I was just kidding. Vivian, get some rest," Jacqueline said, covering her mouth with a knowing smirk.
In another room, Bailey and Celeste seemed to be discussing the same issue.
Bailey was well aware of Assistant Director Nick getting beaten up and then resigning.
As she sat at her vanity, applying her skincare products, she pondered over the situation.
"Celeste, do you think Julia might actually have someone powerful backing her?"
She inexplicably signed with Star Sovereign International, and Assistant Director Nick was mysteriously beaten up. It all felt a bit strange to Bailey.
This reminded Bailey of the man driving the Ferrari LaFerrari that day. Anyone who could afford such a car was definitely not an ordinary person.
But how could Julia get involved with someone like that? It was truly puzzling.
"What kind of backing could she possibly have? Even if she did sleep with someone high up at Star Sovereign International, they wouldn't cripple someone for her, right?" Celeste said while applying a face mask.
"True."
"But still, Sister Bailey, we should lay low for a while. If Julia really has some tricks up her sleeve, we better be careful."
Bailey nodded. "We'll find a chance to test her and see who's really behind her."
"Agreed."
Julia wasn't sure if she was just lucky, but ever since she returned, everything seemed to be going smoothly.
Bailey seemed to have stopped causing her trouble, and during their scenes together, Bailey was surprisingly cooperative.
This was good. It meant Julia could focus on her acting without any distractions.
With no one stirring up trouble, the entire crew seemed to be in harmony. The past few days of filming had gone exceptionally well, and even Director Blithe was unusually happy, treating the whole crew to a meal.
In the crew, Julia didn't have many friends, so she sat with Vivian.
"That Julia is really a scheming girl, always clinging to Sister Vivian. Who does she think she is?"
"Exactly, just look at her. You can tell she's not an easy person to deal with."
"It's just sleeping with a higher-up, right? Sooner or later, everyone will find out!" Julia paid no attention to the gossipers and continued chatting with Vivian about their roles.
The actors in the crew weren't fools. They knew Star Sovereign International was on the brink of collapse, and Vivian might not be able to protect herself, so there was no point in sucking up to her. Besides, Vivian's aloof nature made her even less approachable.
It was more practical to cozy up to Bailey.
The meal didn't go smoothly. Everyone had a bit too much to drink, and on the way back, the chatter increased.
Vivian, who always disliked socializing, went straight to her room upon arriving at the hotel.
Julia was about to head to her room when an unwelcome voice called out from behind.
"Sis, it's still early. Why don't we all hang out together?"
"I'm tired," Julia replied coldly. The way she said "sis" was dripping with disdain.
Isla quickly stepped in front of Julia. "Come on, we're all in the same crew. Let's have some fun! Let's go to sister Bailey's room."
Naturally, Julia wanted to refuse, but Isla, who was quite strong, dragged her along, regardless of her willingness.
She was practically hauled into Bailey's room.
Everyone poured into Bailey's room, chattering non-stop.
Suddenly, Isla had a bright idea. "Sister Bailey, why don't we play Truth or Dare?"
"Sure!" Bailey agreed without hesitation.
"But there are no guys here. It's boring," one of the young actresses said dejectedly.
"No guys? Then let's play something a bit more daring!" Isla exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
Julia rolled her eyes. "You guys play. I'm heading back."
"Come on, sis, stay and play. Going back alone is no fun," Bailey pleaded, trying to keep her from leaving.
Isla didn't give Julia a chance to escape, pushing her down onto the couch. Julia knew she couldn't get away. She was always a bit of a loner, but in the entertainment industry, she had to fit in. Vivian had reminded her of that during their chat today.
In the entertainment world, there are no true friends, but you can't afford to make enemies either.
If she didn't join in today, the people in the crew would become her enemies.
"Alright, fine."
When women play truth or dare, the questions can get pretty intense, making faces turn red.
Questions like how many times they've done it in one night with a guy, their favorite positions, or even daring someone to take off their underwear in front of everyone...
Julia was truly taken aback.
These girls were just so... open!
Even though she had been intimate with men before, these topics still made her blush.
However, it rarely came to Julia's turn. Most of the time, it was Bailey who had to answer.
And Bailey's revelations were one after another, keeping everyone entertained.
"What's your favorite type of man?"
"Of course, my brother Harry."
"How many times in one night?"
"I think four times... Wow, that's so embarrassing!"
"Do you prefer being on top or bottom?"
"Bottom... You guys are so dirty!"
It was clearly a display of affection.
Julia thought she was lucky tonight and might not even get a turn. She had no idea how she would answer such questions if they were directed at her.
But then, Lady Luck pointed straight at Julia.
"Julia, truth or dare?"
"Truth," Julia answered after a moment's thought.
Bailey immediately raised her hand, "Me, me! I'll ask the question."
The two sisters locked eyes, and Julia Avery felt like she could see the mischief in Bailey's gaze.