Isabella Miller burst into tears. Through her sobbing words, Emma Johnson pieced together what had happened.
It turned out that Isabella had recently taken on a film role. When she signed the agreement with the producer, she hadn't read the fine print carefully. As a result, when shooting began, she discovered the scenes required a level of exposure she simply couldn't accept.
Now she was locked in a standoff with the director, refusing to shoot. And that director had a formidable reputation—especially since this film was slated for next year's International Film Festival. The movie was already mostly in the can, and Isabella's role as the second female lead carried significant weight. The director was furious when she suddenly halted production, threatening that unless Isabella could pay the penalty fee, she'd have to comply obediently.
So Isabella had no choice but to call Emma, hoping she could help.
Emma hung up the phone. She told Emilia Clark to stay at the company and not bother buying the event props. Instead, she drove straight to Isabella's location. On set, the director sat in a chair, seething with rage. Isabella's agent, Tessa, was beside him, apologizing in a low voice.
When Tessa spotted Emma, it was like seeing a savior. She hurried forward, grabbed Emma's arm, and dragged her in front of the director.
"Director Vance, this is Isabella's cousin, Emma Johnson—also the wife of Pinnacle Corporation's CEO."
Director Vance heard the introduction and reluctantly shook Emma's hand out of politeness. But his stance remained unyielding.
"Mrs. Williams, I know your husband is a big name. But since Isabella signed a contract with us, she needs to honor it. We're not some third-rate production crew. My work is bound for the International Film Festival. She's insulting my craft, as if my project is beneath her. I don't want her here anymore. In short, no matter what you say, my answer stays the same: either pay the penalty, or shoot the scene."
Before Emma could speak, the director had already made up his mind, declaring there would be no compromise. Seeing the agent's crestfallen expression, Emma sighed. She asked Tessa where Isabella was, and the agent led her to Isabella's backstage green room.
"Cousin, you're finally here! They're trying to bully me to death!"
Isabella threw her arms around Emma as soon as she saw her. Her eyes were red and swollen—she'd been crying for a long time.
"Why didn't you read the contract carefully before signing? Now the director won't let you off the hook."
Emma looked at Isabella helplessly, a hint of reproach creeping into her voice.
"When I heard the director's name, I didn't think twice. After all, he won an award at the German Film Festival, so I was eager to work with him. But I never expected such explicit scenes. Cousin, you know my image has always been cool and glamorous. How could I ever associate myself with something so... vulgar? Anyway, I'm not doing it. No way."
Isabella sobbed as she explained herself to Emma.
"I see. Tell me—what's the penalty amount?"
When Isabella named the figure, Emma felt a sharp throb in her temple. The penalty was astronomical. Even for a rising star like Isabella, it wouldn't be easy to come up with that kind of money. And now that she was on her own—without Noah Taylor backing her—Emma was her only lifeline.
Besides, Emma had to step in. If Isabella ever appeared in a film with explicit scenes, their family would never accept it. Even if they supported her acting career, they wouldn't be that open-minded. Her uncle would probably end up in the hospital with high blood pressure.
"Leave it to me. But you still need to apologize to the director. Even if you can't work with him this time, he's still a major figure in the industry. One word from him could determine whether other directors hire you in the future. If you want to keep acting, wipe away your tears now. Don't go out looking so ugly."
Every word Emma spoke was for Isabella's own good, and her sincerity was clear.
Isabella nodded, then composed herself and went out to apologize to the director. But Emma still had another worry weighing on her mind.
Millions in penalty fees—she couldn't scrape together that kind of money even if she sold everything she owned. And she had just invested in the Little Italy branch of The Waterfront. With no income coming in yet, where could she find spare cash?
Taking out a loan was out of the question. Emma thought it over and realized there was no other solution except to turn to Liam Williams.
Forget it. When you're already drowning in debt, what's one more drop? She already owed Liam so much—a little more wouldn't make a difference.
Having made up her mind, Emma quickly left Isabella's green room. When she stepped outside, she saw Isabella sincerely apologizing to Director Vance, who was listening patiently to her words.
Emma felt helpless, but there was nothing else she could do. After all, Isabella had breached the contract first—she had no leg to stand on. If only she had read the agreement carefully from the start, none of this would have happened.
After saying goodbye to the director, Emma personally drove Isabella home. Tessa stayed behind to comfort her, and only then did Emma feel at ease enough to leave.
"Now you can relax. Since your cousin said she'd handle it, you won't have to pay the penalty. Honestly, I thought you'd be okay with it at first. Changing your mind halfway through is such a waste. It's rare to work with a director of international fame. This film could have boosted your reputation and value. What a shame. Besides, the director said it wasn't going to be that explicit."
Tessa tried to console Isabella, though she couldn't help sighing.
"I'm not doing it, no matter what. Don't forget—my image is the result of years of careful cultivation. Once that film comes out, my whole persona changes. Who knows if the fans who supported me before will turn against me? I can't take that risk."
Isabella's perspective differed from her agent's. It wasn't that she cared about the type of film she made—she was worried about how her fans would perceive her. She had been impulsive at the start, but now the problem was solved.
"You're lucky to have such a good cousin. Otherwise, this wouldn't have been resolved so easily."
Tessa sighed again.
"If she hadn't married well, she wouldn't have been able to solve this for me. Let's be honest—it's all because the man she married is Liam Williams."
Isabella's face showed no gratitude, only a sense of entitlement. Watching her, Tessa couldn't help feeling a pang of sympathy for Emma.