“Haha, why else? It’s because Shirley is practically your clone!” The manager slapped the woman on the back excitedly. “You
just look so alike! Everyone in our industry is saying how Shirley is your stand-in too.”
“Shirley’s debut film was the one that starred the famous Mr. Hunt and was inspired by the trending short story ‘Hunt my
Everheart.’ People absolutely loved it, and that was Shirley’s big break...”
Renee brushed her hair out of her face and continued replying awkwardly. “Yeah, I’ve kind of heard of it.”
“It’s a shame that Mr. Hunt is currently going out with Miss Murphy. Looks like everyone’s ship sank...” The manager let out a
long sigh, her eyes filled with regret and sympathy.
Renee watched as Shirley worked from afar, unable to contain her curiosity. “Is Miss White still single?”
“Oh her?” The manager turned to look at Shirley as well, smiling. “She has someone rich, but you can’t tell anyone this, okay?”
“Who is it? Is it Xavier Stuart?”
“No, no, think bigger.”
“Bigger?!” Renee felt like she was getting closer to the truth and continued questioning. “Who could it be? Wasn’t Xavier
supporting her this whole time? Did something happen between them?”
The woman assumed that the two had gotten into a big fight, so much so that it gave Xavier anxiety towards love and
relationships.
‘So this is why he turned out this way! He’s so hesitant when it comes to love, even when he really wants to commit to another!’
“I’m not quite sure about that. I just know that...” The manager intended to continue her gossip due to her admiration for Renee.
However, Shirley had just finished up her scenes and was walking towards them with her assistant holding an umbrella at her
side.
“I’m so sorry, Miss Everheart. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting for too long.” Shirley interrupted their conversation with a soft
smile, elegantly sitting on the chair her assistant pulled back.
As Renee observed the woman before her, she was reminded of their first encounter four years ago. The natural simplicity in
Shirley’s beauty was long gone by now, especially after being influenced by fame and fortune.
She thought to herself. ‘What a pity that she became like this...’
“You look prettier since the last time we met, Miss White. Looks like the life of a celebrity has been treating you quite well.”
Renee greeted politely, hoping to quickly ease away the awkward atmosphere between them.
Shirley lowered her head and grinned, then hushed her manager away. “Louis, can you please help me discuss the details of the
upcoming commercial with our business partners?”
“Alright, Shirley, have fun talking with Miss Everheart then.” The manager got up as told and gave the women some space.
“Do you have something urgent to tell me, Miss Everheart? You went out of your way to contact me after all. Since there’s no one
around us, you can be honest with me,” Shirley said as she looked towards Renee with a sharp gaze, holding a cup of coffee in
her hands.
She was well aware that most people wouldn’t contact her without holding certain intentions. Moreover, just like Renee, she
didn’t like beating around the bush either.
“Alright, I’ll be honest with you...” Renee sat up straight and cleared her throat. “What’s your current relationship with Xavier
Stuart? Did something bad happen between the two of you?”
Shirley paused, clearly surprised. “I thought you came for Mr. Hunt, Miss Everheart. I didn’t expect you to be concerned about
Stuart at all. Seems to me that you have a special relationship too!”
Renee frowned. ‘Why does she sound so sarcastic?’
Her expression turned cold, her tone slightly sharper than before. “I suppose you’re right. We do have a special relationship.
That’s why I hope to lend him a hand.”