Chapter 221

The icy wind bit into Sophia's skin, making her face numb and her limbs feel like frozen sticks.

She turned her head, spotting the RV parked a distance away.

After that morning's incident, she'd become familiar with the RV driver. Clutching the coat tightly, she hurried toward the vehicle and knocked urgently.

The driver recognized Sophia immediately, assuming she was Lillian's new assistant. He opened the trailer door without hesitation.

Sophia rushed inside, rubbing her stiff fingers together as she tried to regain feeling in her hands.

Meanwhile on set, Lillian Prescott was struggling with her performance.

The director was a national treasure, his films consistently winning awards. Actresses fought tooth and nail for roles in his projects, but few met his exacting standards.

He'd only cast Lillian as the lead out of desperation. When his primary investor pulled out, production had nearly collapsed.

Then came an anonymous backer with one non-negotiable condition - Lillian Prescott must star in the film.

Torn between artistic integrity and financial necessity, the director had agonized for weeks.

In the end, his dream project won out over principles.

Lillian's debut had been decently received, and her political family connections were impressive. The director hoped he could polish her raw talent while securing his funding.

The first two shooting days went smoothly, but today was proving disastrous.

"Cut!" The director bellowed in frustration for the twelfth time.

Lillian's co-star, a respected forty-something actor known for his award-winning performances, wiped his face in clear annoyance before walking off set.

She caught his agent shooting her a contemptuous look.

"Maybe take five, Lillian," her assistant murmured, offering a steaming mug of lemon water.

The warm drink did little to soothe Lillian's rising temper. Her mood darkened further when she realized Sophia wasn't waiting with her coat.

"Where's that useless girl?" she snapped.

Her assistants scrambled to locate Sophia.

"Never mind. I'll find her myself."

Lillian needed an outlet for her mounting frustration.

When the driver opened the RV door, Lillian's eyes narrowed. There was Sophia, curled up on the plush couch, fast asleep.

Using Lillian's designer coat as a pillow, no less.

"Well..."

The two senior assistants exchanged shocked glances. This new hire had serious nerve.

Lillian shook her head with false patience. "She's new. Doesn't know better. I should be more understanding."

Her assistants nodded, relieved their boss was taking the high road. Other stars would have caused a scene.

Once inside, the assistants closed the door to give Lillian privacy.

The spacious trailer was soundproofed from the driver's cabin.

Only Lillian and the sleeping Sophia remained in the luxurious space.

Sophia didn't stir as Lillian approached. With a cold smile, Lillian lifted her designer boot and brought it down hard on Sophia's exposed hand.

"Ahhh!"

Sophia jolted awake, cradling her injured hand.

It took her ten seconds of blinking to process that Lillian Prescott had deliberately stomped on her.

The malicious glint in Lillian's eyes confirmed it.

"Are you brain dead? When I finish a scene, you bring my coat immediately. Is that too complicated for you?" Lillian shrieked.

Sophia bit back the urge to slap the actress. "I'm sorry. It was freezing outside. I didn't mean to fall asleep..."

"Freezing?" Lillian's gaze raked over Sophia's outfit before smirking. "Yet you parade around half-naked? Who are you trying to seduce? Look at yourself - do you really think this pathetic act will get you anywhere?"

Sophia's face cycled through several shades of red.

She was saved by the timely arrival of Sylvia Kingsley's car.

Sophia made herself scarce as Lillian helped Sylvia inside, retreating behind a tree to chain-smoke while mentally cursing Lillian to hell.

Inside the trailer...

After exchanging pleasantries, Sylvia cut to the chase. "Lillian, I need to ask about your mother."

Lillian blinked. "What about her?"

"I know you're searching for fertility treatments so your parents can conceive. But I may have found... the child your mother lost."

Lillian's smile froze. "Excuse me?"

"I'm not certain yet. I didn't want to get your mother's hopes up. Could you discreetly find out how she lost her child?"

Lillian forced a bright smile. "How wonderful! My parents would be overjoyed to reunite with their biological daughter..."

As Sylvia departed, Lillian's expression darkened.

"Reunited? Don't make me laugh."

Meanwhile, Dominic Blackwood drove while Evelyn Sinclair sat in back with their twins.

"Miss Evelyn..." Isabella fidgeted with a button on Evelyn's blouse, her chubby fingers twisting nervously.

Evelyn leaned down, pressing her forehead to the little girl's. "What is it, sweetheart?"

The child took a deep breath. "Mommy..." she whispered.