Chapter 191

The reality was starkly different from what the trending searches suggested.

Cassandra seethed with rage. She was accustomed to manipulating public opinion against others, not being the target herself. The injustice of it burned through her.

"Mister Sebastian, those headlines are lies! You have to believe me—" she pleaded desperately.

Sebastian remained impassive. "The issue isn't whether I believe you, Miss Cassandra. It's whether the public does. If you refuse to terminate the contract amicably, we can proceed legally. But I should warn you—the compensation for losing would be far more substantial."

Cassandra clenched her fists. She knew she stood no chance against Newmoon Group in court. Defeated, she relented. "Fine. I'll sign."

Just like that, the contract was dissolved.

Victoria watched from the sidelines, her heart aching for her daughter. Cassandra's downfall was brutal—losing both the lead role in Vincent's film and the Newmoon ambassadorship would make a comeback nearly impossible.

Sebastian accepted the signed agreement with a satisfied nod, then glanced subtly at Evelyn, who returned the slightest tilt of her head. Understanding the silent cue, he turned and left.

Humiliated and powerless against those she couldn't challenge, Cassandra redirected her fury toward Evelyn.

"Evelyn, you're fired. Return my advance—now."

Evelyn couldn't hide her relief. "Gladly."

She pulled out her phone to transfer the funds, but Cassandra scowled at the amount. "Why only seven hundred fifty? I paid you fifteen hundred!"

Evelyn shrugged. "Given the unreasonable workload, consider yourself lucky I'm returning half."

Cassandra scoffed. "You worked barely a week and think you deserve that much? Delusional."

A faint smirk played on Evelyn's lips. "I may not be famous, but my services don't come cheap. Think of it as a sisterly discount."

Cassandra's laugh was sharp. "An assistant isn't some elite position. For what I paid you, I could hire three people!"

"Really?" Evelyn tilted her head. "With your current reputation, good luck finding anyone willing to work for you."

Cassandra's face twisted. "How dare you—"

Victoria intervened, pulling her daughter back. "Enough. Let's go home. We'll deal with her another time."

Evelyn yawned, stretching lazily before strolling out of the ward without another glance.

While waiting for the elevator, she donated the $750 to charity.

She needed money, but not Cassandra's. This was purely about making her pay for those miserable days of servitude.

A lesson. One Cassandra wouldn't forget.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing Lucas. He bowed slightly. "Ma'am, I'm here to escort you."