Charlotte was taken aback by Olivia's words.
"This new attitude won't get you anywhere, girl," she snapped. "It will only bring your downfall. You sound possessed. Listen to yourself, you're talking about your own life as if it doesn't belong to you."
"Host," Darling's voice rang sharply in Olivia's mind, "for going out of character, I have decided a punishment for you."
Olivia nearly laughed.
Was it the floating bunny threatening punishment, or the woman in front of her who was making her palm itch?
If Charlotte pushed any further, she might earn a slap before the system ever got its chance.
Charlotte wasn't done.
Olivia had been about to respond, but when she saw Charlotte open her mouth again, she decided to wait. She wanted to see just how far the woman would go. Perhaps she was itching for trouble.
"I'll assume you're stressed," Charlotte continued, her tone firm. "And based on what you said earlier, I apologize for threatening you. We've discussed this before. I only want what's best for you."
She paused, watching Olivia closely.
"You were being stubborn. I admit I was wrong, but you can't speak to me like that."
Charlotte crossed her arms. "It wasn't easy getting you those roles either. Ask around. Most new artists without connections don't get opportunities this easily. It's either connections, luck… or your body."
Her eyes sharpened.
"Emma, let's not go down this road. We've been doing fine all along."
Olivia wasn't stupid.
She knew Charlotte wasn't entirely wrong.
Charlotte did work hard. She did push opportunities her way. And ambition itself wasn't a crime.
But Charlotte's kindness had strings attached.
She saw Emma's potential, not as something to nurture, but something to control. She liked playing savior, pretending she had plucked Emma from the dirt.
If she were truly kind, she wouldn't have stood by watching Emma struggle alone, lifting goods, enduring insults, without lifting a finger to help.
Olivia would've done the same thing in Charlotte's place.
The difference?
She never pretended to be good.
Charlotte wanted to be both predator and saint.
That was what Olivia despised.
Still… Charlotte apologized.
And Olivia wasn't unreasonable.
She exhaled, forcing the urge to slap her back down.
"Apology accepted," Olivia said coolly.
Charlotte stared at her, reassessing.
Something was off.
She wanted to believe Emma was simply changing, but she'd seen enough people in her life to know how convincing an act could be. Some people only humbled themselves when money ran dry.
But Emma's career was on the rise.
After this movie, everything would change.
Brian wasn't just a star, he was an icon. People didn't just admire him; they worshipped him.
If Brian killed someone, his fans would blame the victim.
If he was framed, the framer would become the villain.
If a woman got close to him, she'd be branded a seductress trying to ruin their idol.
Charlotte had seen the chaos under Sammy's fan pages.
Sammy's fans didn't even know the scandal had been orchestrated by her own assistant under Sammy's order. They retaliated against Brian's fans, fueling the fire.
Now Sammy was drowning in backlash, called every ugly name imaginable, while Brian remained untouched.
Some fans were already claiming Sammy had acted out of jealousy because she wasn't chosen as the female lead.
Everything had spiraled out of control.
And somehow, it all benefited Emma.
Her popularity would surge. Fans would rally behind her just to spite Sammy, to prove Brian's "choice" was right.
Charlotte knew this was an opportunity.
Sammy had helped them without intending to.
Of course, Charlotte knew Sammy was behind it.
After this movie, Emma would stand where Sammy once stood. People would demand to see her paired with Brian again.
Even if Olivia's attitude had shifted, Charlotte was smart enough not to provoke her now.
They needed each other.
"What?" Olivia asked flatly, noticing Charlotte's lingering stare.
"Let's talk in my car," Charlotte said.
Olivia didn't argue.
Inside the car, Charlotte explained.
She had secured an endorsement deal, perfume, a newly launched cologne brand that also dabbled in jewelry. A young company, but already gaining traction.
They hadn't wanted Emma at first. She wasn't popular enough.
But when Charlotte presented the file, proof that Emma was starring opposite a man they'd dreamed of endorsing their product, the CEO agreed instantly.
They'd tried Brian before.
Michael rejected them before the offer even reached Brian.
The pay was good. There was potential for a long-term contract.
This was the beginning.
No one complained about Emma's looks or figure. And Charlotte was confident she could "manage" any additional requirements.
She believed she'd chosen a star.
Those were her thoughts.
Olivia yawned.
"Are you done?" she asked lazily.
"Yes," Charlotte replied, unsettled by her indifference.
"Well," Olivia said coolly, "I'm not interested in being a clown."
Charlotte's heart skipped.
"What?"