The next day, Marcus Xu sat nervously with his co-actors, directors, and production team, watching the premiere of his web series. He was supposed to monitor the outcome of the first episode they had worked hard to shoot, but his mind drifted to the chaos within the William family.As the opening credits rolled, Marcus shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He should have been focused on the screen, on the culmination of their hard work, but his thoughts were consumed by recent developments.'Who was behind Margarette’s coma? And more importantly, who was targeting her now?'Marcus wasn’t particularly concerned about Margarette herself. His concern was more self-centered: his safety was at risk. Acting as her fake husband had already placed him in a precarious position. The William family's internal conflict now threatens to complicate his double life even further.Beside him, the director, Mr. Lee, leaned in and whispered, “Nervous about the premiere?”“A little. Just hoping the audience

Marcus and Pablo glared at each other intensely.Pablo Rusto had nothing against Marcus personally, but he felt bitter just being in his presence. He knew he was the betrayer and the bully, yet he couldn't help but resent Marcus.“What’s his deal? Where did he get this sudden luck?” Pablo wondered inwardly, his glare intensifying. “I only bullied him because of Reyster. Plus, he was quite pathetic. But what’s his deal now?”Meanwhile, Marcus met Pablo’s glare with a confident gaze, determined not to back down. “This traitor needs to taste misery,” Marcus muttered under his breath.“What did you say?” Pablo asked, feeling mocked.“I said, while staring at you, I noticed your hairline is receding,” Marcus replied, almost provoking Pablo into throwing a punch.“Please, don’t fight,” Mr. Lee pleaded, stepping between them.“We’re not fighting, Director Lee,” Pablo replied smugly. “I only fight someone on my level.”“Well, that’s true. Are you even on my level?” Marcus snorted, then took o

A few hours before Miguel's kidnapping, Reyster Sebastian sat in his lavish office, his fingers drumming impatiently on the mahogany desk. His eyes flickered to the screen of his phone, reading the sudden message from Jason Kiliman, his father’s secretary.The message read, "Your father has decided to change alliances from the William Group to the Gracestone Group, effective immediately."Reyster's face twisted in disbelief, then morphed into rage. His father’s sudden decision had obliterated years of his meticulous planning and investments to build a connection with the William Group.He had spent countless hours cultivating relationships, attending events, and strategizing for future collaborations, only to have it all swept away with one swift decision. He had invested too much money and even sacrificed his ego to please the William family, only for them to switch sides?"Dammit!" Reyster roared, his voice echoing off the high ceilings of his office.In a fit of fury, he threw his

Marcus inwardly feared for his life, fully understanding the extent of Reyster's craziness. However, he fought hard not to cower in front of him."Even if I kill you now, it will only cost me a little to cover it up," Reyster threatened.Marcus took a few cautious steps back as Reyster menaced him with the metal pipe. Reyster's men circled around him, their eyes showing no mercy. The viciousness on their faces was evident, and they seemed thrilled at the prospect of hurting Marcus.Before Reyster and his men could attack, the loud siren of a police car blared, startling them.“The cops? Hey, check what’s going on!” the leader of the thugs ordered.“You should all go,” Reyster said calmly, and his men hurriedly dispersed.Marcus felt a wave of relief, assuming his brother had called the police. However, something seemed strange about the cops who arrived. They restrained and caught the fleeing thugs, but none dared to approach Reyster as if he were invisible."Did your brother call the

In the restaurant, where they had a variety of pecan dishes, Marcus recovered his energy while enjoying his favorite pecan pie. “Would you be alright, though?” Hannah asked.“About what?” Marcus responded, his mouth full of pie.“You got bruises and scratches. Won’t your CEO be furious seeing you in that state?” Hannah said.“Oh, that’s right! Your face is important! Oh no! What are you going to do? What if they charge you with penalties? I heard actors who fail to maintain their look get penalized!” Miguel interjected.“Stop being paranoid and a worrywart. I signed a contract with them, and it doesn’t state that I have to care about that.”“Are you sure?”“Yes.”“Are you sure you read the contract you signed? Magic Entertainment is a big company; they’re strict with contracts,” Miguel said, panicking, as he tried to wipe away Marcus’s bruises as if they could be easily wiped off.“It’ll be fine. I even left the set mid-shoot,” he said nonchalantly. “CEO Joe will take care of everyth