Chapter 40

Lydia responded with casual elegance, "I'd rather handpick my neighbors than risk ending up next to eccentric strangers. Purchasing the entire floor seemed the prudent choice. Fortunately, there are only two units per level."

Vivian realized Lydia wasn't merely wealthy - she came from old money.

After a thoughtful pause, Vivian murmured, "Thank you."

Lydia dismissed the gratitude with a wave. "Don't mention it. Once you start earning, we'll discuss rent," she said with quiet confidence.

The proposed rent was shockingly lower than Vivian's current budget hotel payments.

Their conversation halted when Lydia's phone buzzed. As she took the call, Vivian watched her agent's expression darken with each passing second.

Hanging up, Lydia scrolled through Twitter. The trending section exploded with #SerenaVivian hashtags, dominated by a bold headline: "EXCLUSIVE!" #SerenaHospitalizedFromOverwork #VivianTheDarkHorse.

The puzzle pieces clicked into place.

Paparazzi had captured Serena's latest hospital visit. While fans flooded social media with concern, others uncovered the production team had secretly scheduled callbacks, pushing Serena beyond her limits. She'd been juggling an impossible schedule, rehearsing until collapse.

The deeper netizens dug, the more explosive the revelations became. Serena, an industry darling with powerful backers, was unexpectedly competing against an unknown newcomer. Though Serena's performances were merely competent, she'd never lost a leading role since debut.

Until now.

Entertainment circles buzzed with one question: Who was this Vivian Hartley who could challenge Serena Whitmore?

Serena's fanbase erupted.

"This is absurd! If she were up against an A-lister, fine. But Vivian Hartley? Never heard of her! There's definitely shady business here!"

"Serena's connections alone should guarantee her roles. This nobody has zero credits to her name. Someone's pulling strings!"

"Pretty face, sure. But she's clearly sleeping her way to the top! Unlike our Serena who earned everything!"

"Wait... that name sounds familiar. Has she been lurking in the industry forever without making waves?"