Audrey had every intention of explaining things to Anna later, but as she observed the sky darkening, she encouraged Anna to leave first.
Eric couldn't help but cast a glance in the direction Anna had departed, and he regarded Audrey with an enigmatic expression. "You've done quite a good job of keeping our relationship a secret."
"Absolutely," Audrey responded with a somewhat goofy smile. "I aim to establish myself in the entertainment industry based on my talent, not my family's influence. I want to win people over with my acting skills."
Seeing Audrey's determined expression, Eric thought for a moment and decided not to insult her anymore. He said something encouraging for once, "You'll make it."
Audrey beamed with delight at Eric's compliment.
[A compliment from the second brother makes me so happy.]
With a smile, Eric signaled for the driver to bring the car to the hospital's entrance.
They stood together beneath a tree, continuing their conversation. Once the driver arrived, they climbed into the car.
This scene did not escape the keen eyes of Elena, who was observing from a distance.
News of Dean's leg injury had quickly spread throughout the entire production team. Elena, as the female lead and a figure with influence in the entertainment industry, had instructed her assistant to create a small group and gather everyone to visit the director after their day of filming.
Everyone, that is, except Audrey.
Elena harbored a strong dislike for Audrey, so she deliberately excluded her from the group. Her intention was to isolate Audrey and make her the subject of public criticism. When Dean noticed her absence during their visit to the director, he might become uncomfortable. Then...
Elena eagerly anticipated Dean directing his displeasure towards Audrey.
However, something unforeseen happened. Elena couldn't believe her own eyes. She had witnessed Audrey, whom she so despised, standing near the hospital's entrance, engaged in jovial conversation with a young man.
If her memory served her correctly, that young man appeared to be none other than another renowned director, Eric.
Could it be that Audrey was involved in a secret romance with a wealthy man?
As Elena pondered this revelation, a gleam of excitement sparkled in her eyes.
Previously, she had been perplexed by Audrey's rapid ascent in the entertainment industry. How could an obscure actress secure the role of the second female lead in the prestigious "Goddess" production team.
Rumors had it that Audrey had a checkered past when she first entered showbiz. She was known for having a bad temper, berating her assistants, and, most shockingly, using eye drops to simulate tears during emotional scenes. Furthermore, there were claims that she didn't even bother to memorize her lines, simply reciting "1234567" during filming and relying on voice actors to dub her lines in post-production...
Audrey was seemingly nothing more than a pretty yet inept ornament. Elena couldn't fathom why she had the privilege of acting alongside her. Elena recalled her actions earlier that day and became even more convinced of the righteousness of her decision.
During her scenes with Howard, she had subtly insinuated that Audrey had a long history of dating multiple boyfriends.
Howard's eyes lit up when he heard that, but he still asked hypocritically, "No way? I think Miss Audrey is quite innocent."
Elena sneered in her heart.
Elena might not have a deep understanding of many people, but she knew Howard very well.
On the surface, Howard projected the image of a charming and amiable celebrity. When interacting with fans, he played the role of a "sunny gentleman" and a "kind and affable handsome man."
However, those privy to the inside story knew that this was all a facade. The reality was quite different. Howard not only had a wandering eye but also had a penchant for frivolity. He had discreetly met up with countless female celebrities of various statures in hotels.
Had Elena not possessed a strong background, she could have easily become another target of Howard's advances.
Elena was well aware of Howard's interest in Audrey's beauty, so she had slyly encouraged him to "pursue" her. Howard was, indeed, a lecherous individual. It hadn't taken him long to slip Audrey a hotel room key card.
In private, Elena had already established connections with a considerable number of paparazzi. When the right moment came, if Audrey dared to make an appearance at that hotel, Elena was confident that Audrey would be gone from the production team by the following day.
Elena didn't know if Audrey had agreed to it, but now, she actually saw Audrey with Eric.
After discovering that Audrey had gotten into Eric's car, Elena was even more certain that Audrey was an asshole who had relied on her body to get to where she was.
"If that's the case, then she shouldn't blame me for taking drastic measures," Elena thought with a shadow of malice in her eyes..
...