Chapter 3
I had just arrived home when the doorbell rang urgently.
ad saw it was Alisha
11:08 AM
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“I came specifically to thank Charlotte! Since Charlotte announced on Twitter that she’s not only choosing me for the lead role but also hosting a special launch event, I’ve been trending everywhere! All those brands and investors who looked down on me are now approaching me for collaborations.”
Alisha was thanking me with her words, but her body was telling the truth as she brushed against Adam.
“This is the diamond Addie gave me last month. I’m just passing along something beautiful. It’s for you, Charlotte!”
I lowered my gaze to look at it.
It was one of the two pieces Adam had purchased at an auction last month.
In the light, the difference was noticeable.
The one he had given me was more ordinary than what Alisha held.
Adam’s expression beside me suddenly became tense as he carefully observed my reaction.
My smile didn’t falter.
I accepted the gift and played along with her act.
“You’re too kind, Alisha. I always knew you were a born actress, just waiting to be discovered by someone with an eye for talent. When we get to the role announcement event, I guarantee the audience will see you in a new light.”
My insincere praise made Alisha glow with delight.
She completely missed the storm brewing beneath my words.
However, Alisha’s arrival gave me the perfect excuse to get Adam out of the way.
“I have some script issues to deal with upstairs. Adam, please entertain Alisha for me. Don’t neglect the future star of my billion–dollar movie!”
Adam froze for a moment, then forced a laugh and quickly agreed.
The words “billion–dollar movie” completely went to Alisha’s head. She just grabbed Adam’s arm and grinned.
I turned and entered Adam’s study, hearing their laughter from downstairs.
[Password incorrect. Please try again.]
I stared at the message on the computer screen and shook my head mockingly.
I changed my birthday to Alisha’s, and the computer unlocked instantly.
It was filled with Alisha’s photos, portfolios, endorsement deals, and Maxwell Group’s sponsorship records. He even kept copies of her schedule.
I’ve felt uncomfortable with Adam’s excessive attention toward Alisha these past three years.
But whenever I tried to discuss it, Adam would put on a helpless act.
“Alisha donated bone marrow to your mother. I’m just showing gratitude on your behalf. Charlotte, don’t overthink it.”
With one mention of gratitude, all my feelings were completely shut down.
He knew the whole truth, yet he deliberately put me on a moral high ground.
As if the moment I criticized Alisha, I’d be disrespecting someone who saved my mother’s life, proving myself ungrateful.
My memory abruptly cut off as my eyes scanned the jumbled information on the computer.
11:08 AM
<
“Found it!”
The staff lists, event plans, chat logs, payment records, and detailed notes on where everyone involved ended up afterward are included.
My three years of “ignorance” had finally caused Adam to let down all his defenses.
The truth sat before me, plain as day, yet I had never questioned or touched it.
I laughed bitterly as tears fell onto the desk.
“Packaging a murderer as a lifesaver? Adam, you’re the real director here.”
