Chapter 2

The moment I mentioned Francis stabbing me, Sarah's expression darkened even further.

Before she could speak, Alice suddenly stepped in, forcing her tone to stay calm.

"Scott, I know you don't want to be just another pretty-boy idol. You care more about real acting skills, don't you? So I completely understand why you're focusing on acting now."

She handed me a filming notice.

"Here. I just landed you another stunt fight scene. Shooting starts at one in the morning, and the pay's pretty good."

I glanced down at the wound on my abdomen that was still throbbing faintly. I'd been stabbed yesterday, and today, she wanted me to film overnight fight scenes again?

I tossed the notice onto the floor.

"I'm not feeling well. I'm not taking it."

This time, even she lost her composure. Her brows knitted together, irritation obvious in her voice.

"Scott, accidents happen on set all the time. You used to be so tough. What's gotten into you today?

"Do you even know how hard I've worked these past five years? I never gave up on you. I've been fighting every day to get you roles."

I stared at her, bitterness surging in my chest as I let out a cold laugh.

"Oh, then I really should thank you."

She had been with me for five years. Back when I was at the height of my fame, I took her in as my manager. She never forgot that favor and stayed loyally by my side. Even after my popularity faded, she never left and kept desperately trying to find work for me.

I always thought she was righteous and loyal. That was why, no matter how many times my parents told me to come home and inherit the family business, I refused.

I worked myself to the bone because I didn't want to let her down. There were countless nights when I stayed on set until three or four in the morning, unwilling to leave.

And what did it get me?

No matter how hard I worked, I was nothing more than a stepping stone for Francis.

The thought made me shake my head.

"If I'm already washed up, then no matter how hard I try, I'll still stay washed up. So why should I keep trying?"

I looked up and smiled at her again.

"If you hadn't said you were suffering, how would I know you were suffering? Since it's so hard for you, then stop working so hard."

The moment I finished speaking, Sarah and Alice both stared at me, their expressions complicated.

My words sounded strange, but the meaning couldn't have been clearer.

I didn't give them another chance to speak. I stood up and headed straight for the door.

"I'm checking out of the hospital."

After snapping out of her shock, Sarah hurried after me into the hallway.

"What do you mean you're leaving? Your wound looks terrifying! Get back inside right now!"

Alice followed closely behind, frowning as she reached for my arm.

"Focus on healing first. There are still plenty of fight scenes waiting for you. You're throwing a tantrum over something this small? At this rate, you'll never make a comeback in your life!"

"A comeback?"

I stopped abruptly and turned to glare at her.

"I think you two are terrified that I actually will make a comeback."

The moment those words left my mouth, several passersby nearby looked over curiously.

Panicked, Sarah hurriedly pulled on a mask and lowered her voice.

"Calm down. We'll talk when we get back."

I violently shook her hand off and shouted, "I am calm!"

By then, more and more people had started gathering around us.

Sarah finally lost it.

"Scott, are you insane? Even if you don't care about your own image, you should care about the company's reputation! Look at yourself right now — ugly and reckless! Are you trying to embarrass me?"

Her face beneath the mask was flushed red with anger. I reached out and yanked the mask right off her face.

"So the great Best Actress only likes handsome men, huh?"

The second the mask came off, the crowd instantly exploded.

"Isn't that Sarah Koch?!"

"And the guy beside her — isn't that her boyfriend, Scott MacKenzie?!"

"Why are they fighting at the hospital? Wait, is the actress pregnant?"

"Hold on, isn't Sarah famous for doting on her ugly boyfriend? I seriously thought they were true love. Turns out it was all just for show!"

Sarah treasured her hard-earned Best Actress title more than anything. She hurriedly pulled her mask back on and muttered, "You've got the wrong person."

Then she fled in a panic.

The surrounding crowd awkwardly froze and turned toward me.

With a completely serious expression, I said, "No, that really was Sarah."

Alice finally snapped back to her senses and dragged me forcefully to the side.

"If you keep causing scenes like this, who's ever going to hire you again? Once this scandal blows up, your entire entertainment career will be finished!"

I tilted my head at her and suddenly laughed.

"Wouldn't that be perfect? I was already planning to leave the industry anyway."

My family still had plenty of businesses waiting for me to inherit.

It wasn't like I had to stay trapped in this rotten industry.