"What are you saying?" Charlotte asked.
"Each progress you've made will no longer be counted. You won't have access to the reverse system after making a mistake until I allow it," Darling's voice echoed sharply in Olivia's ears.
Olivia ignored her.
She wasn't the type to make mistakes.
What she did underestimate, however, was Charlotte.
Before Olivia could respond, Charlotte moved on, learly not expecting an answer. She launched into a smooth, well-practiced explanation, outlining benefits and future prospects, as though she had already decided Olivia was unstable.
Despite sensing that something was different about the girl in front of her, Charlotte chose to do what she did best, control the situation.
Olivia listened quietly.
Charlotte spoke about image management. About how Olivia's environment would soon draw attention. People were already watching her, and curiosity would only grow.
The agency was interested.
They could provide accommodation.
But it wouldn't be private.
Other artists lived there, and those environments were rarely kind, especially to families. The twins were too young. Caroline needed care. Leaving them behind wasn't an option.
Charlotte understood that.
She continued, saying she could secure a proper house. Even a car.
She spoke as though these were gifts, privileges Olivia should be grateful for.
But Olivia had already decided.
At first, she was against it. The idea felt degrading. Like selling herself piece by piece.
Then she remembered....
This wasn't her body.
This wasn't her world.
The original owner of this life would have been overjoyed.
If she couldn't tolerate it, then she'd finish what she came here to do and leave. She could demand her memories erased and walk away clean.
She needed to stop thinking like a princess.
She needed to survive.
"Fine," Olivia said flatly.
Charlotte exhaled, then hesitated. "One more thing, Emma. Be careful."
"Of what?" Olivia asked.
"First, Sammy Johnson," Charlotte said. "She won't let this go. And second… your attitude."
She studied Olivia carefully. "I can tolerate it. I understand pressure. But others won't."
Charlotte leaned back. "I spoke with the director today. He praised you more than necessary."
Her voice lowered. "If Brian hadn't been involved in the selection, he would've already demanded to sleep with you."
Olivia's eyes darkened.
"He'll still look for chances. Don't stand out too much around him. The changes in you, those are exactly what attract men like him."
She paused. "He won't be the only one."
Charlotte's expression hardened. "You'll meet many people like that. I don't want your career to become something that requires your body."
"There is the option of saying no," she added. "But it comes with consequences. Suppression. Isolation. They'll starve you of opportunities until you come crawling back."
She looked Olivia straight in the eye. "Please behave."
Olivia rolled her eyes.
"Nice counseling," she said coolly. "But no thanks. I'll handle things my way. And no one is laying a hand on me."
Charlotte nodded.
She'd said her part.
The rest was up to Olivia.
She handed over the project file, along with samples of the products Olivia would endorse. They discussed the filming schedule, travel locations, and preparation timelines.
Then Charlotte casually mentioned how Sammy had unintentionally boosted Olivia's popularity.
That finally caught Olivia's attention.
Charlotte showed her the comments.
Olivia smirked.
She knew exactly where to begin.
When it came to war, especially silent, strategic ones, Olivia never tired.
If Sammy hadn't killed Emma, she wouldn't be here.
Charlotte noticed the shift immediately. Olivia was calmer now. Almost pleasant.
They parted after a long while.
Charlotte watched Olivia walk into the house without a word of thanks. No bow. No timid smile.
Control was slipping.
But she couldn't let go, not now.
Not with that level of potential.
Inside the house, Olivia passed the living room. The twins sat stiffly on the couch, Nemo nestled between them. They avoided her gaze, expecting a scolding.
None came.
Olivia walked straight to her room.
---
Inside, she created three different accounts, then settled cross-legged on the bed.
The war was still raging under Sammy's fan page.
Olivia joined in effortlessly.
@Princess-Olivia: I'm sure the poor girl Brian selected must be a target now.
She understood enemies well. This wasn't just noise, it was pressure. Sammy would think twice before touching her now.
@Brian'sBaby: That's true. We're probably weeks away from seeing the poor girl in the news, attacked or murdered.
@Heart-beat4Brian: We're about to see their slutty queen's true colors.
Olivia's lips curled upward.
@PresidentSmithsBaby: Their queen probably planned to get rid of the girl and steal the role. Let's see if the agency allows it. Brian is a man of his word. Sammy's already lost HAHAHAHA.
She thrived in chaos.
@LetPeaceReign: Let's stop attacking Sammy. She didn't mention Brian's name herself. She's innocent.
@Princess-Olivia: cough cough Look who entered the chat. White lotus act activated. Bitch is getting fried and now wants sympathy?
@SJ'sBaby: @Princess-Olivia Watch your mouth! How dare you insult her! Our queen wouldn't stoop this low!
@DreamBrian: Truth hurts, babe. You hit the mark. Her dogs just can't handle it.
@PresidentSmithsBaby: Exactly. Fake b*tches.
The comment section exploded.
Just as Olivia predicted
Sammy was unraveling.
Back in her side of the town, Sammy fumes in rage as all her accounts are being called out by someone as if the person could tell she owned them.
Her carefully curated image cracked. Rage flushed her face. Her room lay in ruins.
She tried to intervene.
It backfired.
Again.
"Oh god," Sammy snarled, chest heaving. "I'm going to kill that girl."