Chapter 117
Leyla didn’t dare to have the surveillance footage checked. She would be in serious trouble if it showed she had done it on purpose.
Since Lila joined the crew, Leyla was certain Lila didn’t remember her.
When Dorian first won the Best Actor award, he was filming a show in which Leyla played a minor role. She had been in the industry for years but never gained recognition, and her father’s illness was a constant financial strain. So, she had thoughts she shouldn’t have.
She desperately wanted fame but didn’t truly believe she could seduce Dorian. All she wanted was an opportunity to create some buzz around her name.
During a break on set, she approached Dorian, pretended to sprain her ankle, and let him catch her.
But Lila caught the person she had arranged to take photos secretly. When he saw the evidence Leyla had taken without permission, his gentlemanly and warm demeanor instantly turned cold. Without hesitation or explanation, he sided with Lila completely.
Leyla had been so close. For someone like Dorian, a small scandal wouldn’t cause any trouble. But for her, it was a rare opportunity.
Lila had climbed her way up the ladder, too. Why couldn’t she understand? Why wouldn’t she help her?
Even years later, Leyla still resented her. Unexpectedly, the next time they crossed paths, it was when Dorian abandoned Lila.
So, when Zara approached Leyla with a proposal, which was to humiliate Lila and drive her out of the entertainment industry in exchange for a million, she agreed without hesitation. It was as though the heavens themselves wanted her revenge.
Tears welled up in Leyla’s eyes, and it quickly garnered sympathy from those around her.
“I already said I’d pay for it. Why won’t you let it go?”
Lila stared at her for a few seconds, a faint sense of familiarity lingering.
Then she smiled faintly, her tone light. “I accept your offer. Everyone heard it. You offered to compensate.”
“How much is it? I’ll transfer the money right now,” Leyla said boldly, expecting it to be no more than a few thousand.
She was sure Lila would embarrass herself when she named the amount.
Lila caught the mockery in her tone but remained composed. She replied unhurriedly, “I’ve used this camera for half a year, and the lens isn’t damaged, so I won’t ask for the original price. I’ll discount it to 520 thousand.”
Leyla had been ready to speak, but when she heard the final number, she couldn’t stop herself from screaming, “Lila, are you insane?”
The crowd around them was equally stunned. Even Leonard was taken aback. “How much?”
“Who are you trying to fool? Don’t you have any shame?” Leyla forced herself to calm down, convinced Lila was losing it because Dorian had left her and was now lashing out at the world.
The onlookers exchanged glances, their expressions mixed.
Everyone knew photographers valued their equipment dearly. Many would scrape by on the bare minimum to afford good gear. But the price Lila named was… excessive.
“520 thousand. If you think you can’t afford it, I can knock off a little and settle for 500 thousand,” she said with a faint smile, her tone entirely genuine.
“Lila!” Leyla was furious, wanting nothing more than to wipe away the smug expression on her face. “You think you can just say whatever you want? Do you think we’re all fools?”
She had planned to humiliate Lila and ruin her reputation, but now she was incensed by Lila’s audacity.
“I dare you to show us the receipt!” She sneered.
Frustrated by the argument, Leonard briefly hesitated before realizing he might have overreacted. This was the adopted daughter of the Morgan family. Kieran was concerned about her.
After all, he had invested ten million into the production without blinking-just to help Lila. And he didn’t even let her know about it!
Someone nearby chimed in, “Yeah, where’s the receipt? Are you trying to scam her?”
Leonard wanted to advocate for Lila but worried that kicking people out would make her seem guilty and tarnish her reputation.
If the Morgan family found out, they might just shut the whole production down.
He hesitated and asked, “Do you still have the purchase receipt?”
Lila rubbed her chin, debating whether to ask Kieran for it, but she worried that he would start asking questions if she reached out. Even if she didn’t explain, he would likely investigate, then rush over to back her up. That would be more trouble than it was worth.
Seeing her silent, Leyla grew more confident. “What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue? Afraid of being exposed for lying?”