Chapter 65 Finished The banquet hall was brimming with energy as cast members, producers, investors, and
their friends and families mingled over food and drinks. The atmosphere was relaxed yet lively, with
conversations and laughter filling the air. When Lily and Mia entered the hall, Director Young promptly noticed
them and beckoned them over. He graciously introduced the pair to various attendees, ensuring they felt
included. Lily greeted everyone with poise and began engaging in polite conversation, making an effort to
connect with those around her. Meanwhile, from a corner of the room, Rose and Nathan watched the scene
unfold, their expressions tinged with disdain. Rose had invited Ryan to accompany her tonight, but he was
unable to attend due to work commitments. As the two whispered to each other, the chatter in the hall shifted,
and heads turned toward the entrance. The arrival of one of the event's most esteemed guests, Mr. Morgan, was
met with much excitement. Not only was he a prominent shareholder in the film, but he was also the father of
the two lead actresses. Director Young immediately approached him with a warm smile. “Thank you so much, Mr.
Morgan, for attending my birthday banquet,” Director Young said enthusiastically. “Happy birthday, Director
Young,” Mr. Morgan replied with a hearty laugh. Rose’s face lit up as she moved toward her father. “Rose and Lily
are under your guidance, Director Young,” Mr. Morgan said proudly. “I couldn't miss this occasion.” “You're too
kind, Mr. Morgan,” Director Young responded with a chuckle. “But truthfully, your daughters are so talented they
hardly need my guidance.” Producer Hudson quickly offered Mr. Morgan a seat near his daughters. “Please, Mr.
Morgan, join us here,” he said, gesturing to a spot between Rose and Lily. With a nod, Mr. Morgan took his place,
his expression softening as he looked at his daughters. “Your daughters are not only beautiful but incredibly
talented,” Producer Hudson remarked with admiration. “Indeed,” Director Young added. “Lily, your eldest, is truly
exceptional.” Mr. Morgan's eyes glimmered with pride. “You're absolutely right. Both Lily and Rose are my
treasures.” “Dad,” Rose chimed in, affectionately clutching her father’s arm as she cast a charming smile at
those around them. Lily, on the other hand, maintained her composed demeanor, nodding politely. “You've seen
my performances, but my elder sister is even more skilled than | am,” Rose said, her voice filled with feigned
humility. “Everything | know, I've learned from her.” Mia, observing this interaction, inwardly rolled her eyes. She
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtcouldn't help but think, What a facade this family puts up. A waitress soon approached their table with drinks.
Rose seized the opportunity, standing up with a glass of wine in hand. Raising her glass high, she addressed the
room with a practiced smile. “I would like to propose a toast to Director Young on his birthday,” she announced.
“Happy birthday, Director Young. May your life be long and filled with happiness.” 15:58 Fri, 7 Mar Chapter 65 [J.
39%[]0 Finished Everyone raised their glasses in celebration, toasting with their wine. Lily held her own glass
but hesitated to drink. Her face showed a hint of discomfort, as she knew her tolerance for alcohol was almost
nonexistent. “Lily, is everything alright?” Producer Hudson asked, noticing her uneasy expression. Mia chuckled
softly. “Oh, Lily has a very low alcohol tolerance, so she can’t drink much,” she explained. The group nodded
understandingly, and Director Young smiled warmly. “That's perfectly fine, Lily. You don’t have to drink if you
don’t want to.” Lily felt a wave of relief at his words, though she still debated internally. Not drinking might come
across as disrespectful, but she couldn't risk it either. Just then, she noticed a waitress passing by with a tray of
beverages. Spotting a glass of juice, she politely stopped the waitress and took one. “I'm sorry for not being able
to join you with wine,” Lily said with a small, apologetic smile. “But I'd still like to offer a toast. Happy birthday,
Director Young! May your life be filled with continued success and happiness.” Her heartfelt words earned smiles
from everyone as she raised her glass of juice and took a sip. “Thank you, Lily, and thank you all,” Director
Young said, clearly touched by the gesture. As the evening progressed, Lily began to feel strange. Her vision
blurred slightly, her hands grew clammy, and an intense heat coursed through her body. Each breath felt
labored, and her dress suddenly felt unbearably tight. What's happening to me? she wondered in alarm. | need
to get sfresh air. Turning to Mia, she called softly, “Sister Mia...” “Hm? What's wrong?” Mia asked, her
expression shifting to concern when she noticed how pale Lily had become. “I'll... just step outside for a
moment,” Lily whispered, her voice weak and shaky. “Are you sure you're alright?” Mia pressed, worry evident in
her tone, Lily nodded quickly. “I'm fine,” she insisted, though her trembling hands betrayed her words. She stood
abruptly, muttering an unsteady, “Excuse me,” before hurrying toward the exit. Mia’s eyes followed her friend
with growing unease. Something didn’t feel right. Her instincts screamed for her to go after Lily, but just as she
moved to follow, Producer Hudson called her attention back to their conversation. Reluctantly, she stayed
behind, though her heart was heavy with concern. Lily, please be alright, she silently prayed, hoping her
instincts were wrong. Meanwhile, someone else had been watching Lily closely. Sierra’s lips curled into a sly
smile as she saw her rival leave the room. “Lily, you should've known better than to cross me,” she murmured
under her breath. “That role was mine, and you dared to take it? Let's see how you handle the consequences.”
With a confident smirk, Sierra slipped away from the crowd, following Lily with an air of calculated malice.
Everyone raised their glasses in celebration, drinking to the joyful occasion Lily also halda 15:58 Fri, 7 Mar
Chapter 65 [J . 39%- Finished Noticing the unease on her face, Producer Hudson leaned closer, his brows
furrowed with curiosity. “Lily, is everything alright? You seem a bit out of sorts.” Before Lily could respond, Mia
chuckled and chimed in, “Oh, it’s nothing to worry about. Lily has a very low tolerance for alcohol, so she usually
avoids drinking.” The group collectively nodded in understanding. Director Young waved his hand dismissively,
offering a kind smile. “That's perfectly fine, Lily. There's no need to force yourself. You don’t have to drink.”
Despite the reassuring words, Lily was locked in an internal struggle. Would refusing to drink cacross as
impolite? Her hesitation lingered until Director Young's casual acceptance finally put her at ease. A sense of relief
washed over her. Just then, a waitress walked by carrying a tray of drinks. Among the glasses of wine, Lily
spotted a glass of juice. Seizing the opportunity, she politely stopped the waitress and exchanged her wine for
the juice. Turning back to the group with a warm smile, she raised her glass. “I apologize for not being able to
join in with wine,” she said sincerely. “My tolerance is quite low, but I'd still like to propose a toast with this juice.
Happy birthday, Director Young! May you enjoy continued success and happiness.” Her thoughtful gesture
earned her a chorus of smiles and approving nods. Everyone raised their glasses once more, while Director
Young laughed heartily. “Thank you, Lily. And thank you, everyone.” As the celebration continued, a strange
sensation began to creep over Lily. Her vision blurred, and a wave of dizziness overtook her. Beads of sweat
formed on her palms, and an intense heat coursed through her body, accompanied by a sharp, overwhelming
pain. Breathing beca struggle, and the tightness of her dress seemed unbearable. What's happening to me?
she wondered in alarm. Her mind raced for a solution, and she decided that stepping outside for fresh air might
help. “Sister Mia...” she whispered, her voice faint and strained. Mia immediately turned to her, concern etched
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmon her face. “What is it, Lily? Are you okay?” “I'm fine...” Lily tried to reassure her, though her trembling hands
betrayed her words. She pushed herself to stand, though her movements were abrupt and unsteady. “Excuse
me,” she mumbled before quickly making her way toward the exit. Mia watched her leave, her gut twisting with
unease. Something felt terribly wrong. Her instincts screamed at her to follow, but before she could act, the
producer pulled her into a conversation, distracting her momentarily. Still, Mia's thoughts lingered on Lily, silently
hoping she would return soon and unharmed. Unbeknownst to anyone else in the room, a sly smile crept across
Sierra's lips as her eyes followed Lily's retreating figure. Triumph glimmered in her gaze as she rose and
discreetly trailed behind her. “Lily,” Sierra muttered under her breath, her tone dripping with malice, “you should
have known better than to challenge me. That role was mine, and you dared to take it from me? Now, you'll
learn the price of crossing me.” A sinister smirk curled on her face as she disappeared through the doorway, her
intentions as dark as the shadows she moved within. [J
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