She’d always been so careful to flatter him.
When had she ever given him the cold shoulder like this?
The anger in his heart wouldn’t die down, but he managed to call out patiently, “What in the world are you throwing a tantrum about?
Stella Lockwood, I came here today out of the goodness of my heart to remind you: don’t go after Sean Quinn.
You can’t get that guy to budge for any project worth less than a few hundred million.
He’s never going to do that kind of variety show.
Instead of wasting your energy on that, you should be figuring out how to get Moira Morton to accept your invitation…”
At first, it was quiet behind the door.
Then, a blast of rock music erupted from within.
She had never liked rock.
Blasting it this loud could only mean one thing: she didn’t want to talk to him.
‘That little brat.’
His anger flared up again.
He turned to Serena Lockwood and demanded, “What’s with this attitude?
It’s been one thing after another these past few days!
For *Three Lives of Pear Blossoms*, I’d already spoken with the director to get her an audition for the female lead.
And what does she do?
Without a word to me, she goes on Weibo and announces she’s not taking part…
Fine!
If she doesn’t want to act, she doesn’t have to.
But then she puts out the word that she wants to get Sean Quinn on a variety show.
Has she lost her mind?”
Don Joyce was furious.
In all his years in the business, he’d never been so aggravated.
The girl used to be so docile.
She did whatever he said, completely obedient.
She was always cold to others, but whenever she was with him, she would melt into a sweet, adorable girl with a soft smile.
The key was, she had a face so beautiful you couldn’t look away.
Her skin was flawless, her features delicate, her temper gentle, her smile radiant, and her voice sweet.
She was a bit shy and timid around strangers, but incredibly well-behaved.
She was like a little white rabbit, utterly endearing and easy to love.
As for her acting, it was hit-or-miss.
But that wasn’t a huge problem.
She was still young.
Her acting was something that could be coached and developed over time.
He was quite fond of this little darling.
‘And now she wants to cut ties with me?’
“Yes, yes, you’re right.
What Stella did was completely out of line.
Mr.
Joyce, please don’t stoop to her level.
I don’t know what’s gotten into her these past few days.
Her temper has become so strange, and she’s bungling one thing after another…
How about this: let’s give her a few days to cool off.
And you, please don’t take it to heart.
If she can’t get Sean Quinn, you’ll still have to help her with inviting Moira Morton.
Otherwise, the madam will never let her hear the end of it…
To be blunt, she’s just a naive little girl who hasn’t seen the world.
Please, try to be patient with her…”
Stella Lockwood could afford to throw a tantrum at Don Joyce, but Serena Lockwood couldn’t.
She had to apologize on Stella’s behalf and smooth things over.
Whether that girl could survive in the industry depended on a single word from Don Joyce.
He was someone they absolutely could not afford to offend.
‘How could she just dump such a good boyfriend?
Even if the relationship was a secret, for Stella right now, having him was better than having no one.’
‘It’s too hard to get ahead in show business without a powerful backer.’
In Serena Lockwood’s eyes, it didn’t matter whether Stella continued to be an actress or not.
Don Joyce was a powerful figure they could never, ever afford to cross.
“Fine.
You keep a close eye on her.
I’ll figure something out for her later…” Don Joyce let out a long sigh.
“This damn temper of hers…” Today was a real eye-opener—he, too, could apparently misjudge someone.
“Alright, I’ll see you out,” Serena Lockwood said, forcing a smile as she escorted him.
“Take care, Mr.
Joyce.
Watch out for the paparazzi.”
Once he was gone, her face fell.
She crossed her arms, slammed the door shut with a BANG, and stormed over to Stella’s room to knock.
“You little brat, get out here!
How long are you going to keep up this rebellion?
You used to be completely obsessed with Don Joyce, and now you’re giving him the cold shoulder to his face?
Are you tired of your comfortable life at Veridian Media?
Is that it?
Are you hoping Don Joyce will start making trouble for you?”
The door suddenly opened.
Stella Lockwood stood in the doorway, her gaze profound.
“Don’t worry.
For now, Don Joyce won’t try to destroy me.
But I have to keep my distance from him.
He’s bad news.
I’m going to find a way to terminate my contract with Veridian…
I absolutely will not let them control our destinies.”
Serena Lockwood was speechless.
‘I can’t have heard that right!’
‘She actually wants to terminate her contract with Veridian?’