Chapter 119
Ryker hadn’t been spoken to in such a tone in years, especially by a minor actress. He gave Leyla a dispassionate glance before carefully lowering his head to inspect the camera again.
This wasn’t his first time noticing it. From the moment Lila had brought out this camera on her first day here, he had been itching to take a closer look.
Now that he had the chance, he examined it thoroughly, noting the unfortunate chipped corner-a pity, but it didn’t significantly impact the camera’s value. It truly was an excellent piece of equipment.
Someone in the crowd who was eager to see Lila get embarrassed couldn’t help but ask, “Mr. Workman, how is it?”
It was strange how people with no prior grievance against someone could find satisfaction in their misfortune. They derived an odd sense of superiority from stepping on others when they were down.
Lila glanced at the person who had spoken. Her calm and fleeting gaze made them uncomfortable. The words they were about to say to stir things up were caught in their throats, and they quickly swallowed them down.
Wasn’t she supposed to have a soft personality? Her look wasn’t aggressive, yet the cold indifference left a chill in the air.
Ryker handed the camera back to Lila. “The 500 thousand Lila mentioned is already the lowest compensation amount.”
Leyla let out a shrill scream. “That’s impossible!”
She sounded like a squawking chicken.
“If it were me,” he said, sweeping his gaze across the crowd, “I would start the compensation at 700 thousand.”
She froze. The onlookers, who had been eagerly anticipating drama, were also stunned.
“How is that even possible?”
“She has that kind of money?”
“700 thousand? Lila actually asked for 200 thousand less!”
The whispers grew louder. The mocking disdain earlier had now turned into envy and admiration.
Lila’s expression remained calm as if used to this fickle attitude shift.
The person who had been the most vocal in stirring things up was now bewildered. This individual worked for Zara’s company and had a close relationship with her. The role she had was secured through Zara and a connection to Dorian.
Lately, he had been signaling that he no longer cared about Lila’s well-being. The underlying message was clear—anyone could give Lila a hard time, and it wouldn’t matter.
So, when the commotion started, this person quickly informed Oliver. When Dorian didn’t show up to intervene, the implication was that Lila could be humiliated without consequences.
This emboldened her to join the taunting, hoping it might earn Dorian’s favor.
However, things were taking a strange turn. How could Lila afford such a high-end camera?
Quietly, she stepped out of the crowd and contacted Zara to report what was happening.
Meanwhile, Leyla’s face had gone deathly pale. After a long moment, she gritted her teeth and said, “This is impossible! You’re all working together to scam me. It’s because of my tone earlier, isn’t it?”
Ryker frowned. “I’m not particularly close to either you or Lila. What would I gain from helping her deceive you?”
“But you said earlier you hadn’t seen the lens before. How can something you’ve never seen be worth that much? It’s probably worthless junk!” she shouted, disregarding her composure.
He shook his head. “This brand is a custom model. I simply haven’t encountered it before.”
“That’s nonsense! You’re all liars! This is extortion! I’m calling the police!”
Her outburst finally prompted Leonard, who had remained silent, to speak, “You broke the item, and Lila asked you beforehand if you could afford to compensate for it. Now, you’re trying to back out and even want to call the police?”
His words made her pause, and a trace of rationality crept back in. She was a long-struggling minor actress whose company didn’t value her. This supporting role was hard-won, and she could not afford to offend Leonard.
“I…”
But Zara wouldn’t be happy if she failed to handle this situation. There was no way Zara would help her financially.
What could she do now? Leyla met Leonard’s icy glare, her scalp tingling with fear.
“I… I’ll pay,” she stammered.
But with what money? She didn’t have it. Even after filming this entire project, her earnings wouldn’t amount to 500 thousand.
“How do you plan to pay? Bank transfer or cash?” Lila asked calmly, fully aware that Leyla couldn’t afford it. She had no intention of creating unnecessary enemies, but she wouldn’t let anyone push her around.
Tears welled up in Leyla’s eyes. Her teeth clenched as she abruptly dropped to her knees with a loud thud.
The weight of the crowd’s gaze felt like sharp blades slicing into her skin. All this humiliation-she blamed it entirely on Lila.