Chapter 6: The Stand-In’s Mask Slips

Emily sobbed, "Mason, will you marry me? They all say I’m cheap, shameless for being a stand-in. I can’t take it anymore..."

In the silence, Mason spoke—cold and blunt. "Emily, we agreed from the start: I give you opportunities, you keep other women away from me, but nothing more.

Stand-in, proposal—all these rumors you spread, you think I don’t see your little tricks?"

Emily’s crying paused. "Mason, you didn’t care before."

She seemed to remember something and hurriedly asked:

"Is it because Quinn came back? Do you still love her?"

Mason said nothing.

Emily screamed, "Mrs. Whitmore won’t agree!"

Mason’s tone was full of impatience.

"I do things my way—I don’t need her approval!"

The lounge door opened and closed, smoke billowing out.

From a short distance, I almost coughed.

Mason slammed the door, turned and saw me.

"You..."

His expression was complicated, his steps faltered.

After a moment, he took out a deodorizer from his pocket and sprayed himself. The little puff of citrus made me smile.

I was a little stunned.

I didn’t expect Mason still kept the little habits from when we were together.

The sharp smell of smoke slowly faded.

Mason came over, stopping two steps away. "What did you just hear?"

I can’t describe Mason’s expression—mixed with anticipation, unwillingness, self-mockery, but finally covered by calm.

But it seemed like if you touched it, it would all fall apart.

He probably hoped I’d say something.

But what could I say?

Say he’s as childish and self-centered as ever?

Or talk about his proud, overbearing mother?

Suddenly I felt so tired, my eyes stung.

"Mr. Whitmore, I didn’t hear anything." I took a step back, distant and polite.

Mason’s expression instantly became lost and empty.

'The Underdog’s Revenge' started filming.

Soon it was my first scene with Emily.

The minor character Lily Sloane is reborn, and when bullied and insulted by her domineering half-sister again, she chooses to fight back.

But Emily was clearly off.

She got stuck on the first line after pushing me down in the first scene.

I was thrown out for the sixth time.

Emily suddenly burst out laughing, hurriedly covered her mouth, and pitifully apologized.

"Sorry, it’s just that Ms. Foster’s movements were too funny—I couldn’t help it."

Carter suppressed his anger. "We don’t have time to waste. Adjust your emotions quickly, don’t slow down the shoot."

Emily’s eyes darted, then she clapped her hands like she had an idea.

"Director, anyway Lily’s sister is a brainless villain, why not go all out? I think just pushing Lily isn’t enough—it’d be better to slap, pull hair, kick her in the stomach, all together!"

She clasped her hands and acted cute. "That way I can get into character better. Director, it’s so hot, reshooting over and over—Mason will worry too."

Pulling out the investor Mason’s name, the assistant and executive directors hesitated.