Chapter 37: A Visit to the Backlot

Her phone suddenly vibrated against the passenger seat.

The encrypted caller ID simply read: *Boss.*

Harper collected her thoughts, took a deep breath, and answered the call through the car’s Bluetooth system.

"Jude?"

Jude Lawson paused for a fraction of a second before speaking, his voice calm. "Are you out of the federal building?"

"I just got out." Harper forced a laugh and asked, "Did Director Vance panic and tell you?"

"Did the agents give you a hard time?" Jude ignored her question.

"No, I just answered whatever they asked." As Harper spoke. "Jude, I finally understand why you gave me that speech in the lobby yesterday. When I was sitting in that interrogation room, I was calm. My conscience was clear. I didn’t have to worry that my words might trigger a perjury charge, and I didn’t have to consider whether I should lie to cover for your offshore accounts."

"Lying to a federal agent and committing perjury carry severe prison sentences," Jude replied. "You run my studio, Harper, so I have an obligation to protect you. I will not let you get legally implicated in my broader acquisitions."

"Besides," Jude added. "I’ve already entrusted you with the majority of Apex Media’s creative equity. There’s a selfish reason for me to protect your public record, so don’t overthink the sentimentality. If the FBI ever does manage to find traction on me, you’ll be the one keeping the studio alive."

"That’s all for now," Jude said. "Maya will contact you this afternoon regarding the transfer of our new global broadcasting assets. Harper... take care of yourself."

After hanging up the call, Harper sat in the idling car.

Without a hesitation, she took out her phone, opened her contacts, and deleted all information related to Saul Thorne.

...

Apex Studios Headquarters.

Several weeks later, Isabella Frost... one of the studio’s fastest-rising young actresses knocked lightly on the door of Connie’s office.

"Well, look who it is! Isabella?"

Connie, a veteran talent manager, was surprised to see her star client.

She put down her tablet and stood up to greet her warmly. "You’ve been quiet for the last month in your acting workshops. What brings you to the executive floor all of a sudden?"

Isabella smiled, returning the greeting before explaining her reason for coming. "Connie, I’ve finished reading that script you sent me last week, and I’ve made my final decision."

Connie’s eyes lit up at her words. "You’re willing to take it?"

Isabella nodded.

"That’s more like it! I told you you’d be deeply interested in the character once you actually read the script. It’ll be a whole new creative challenge for you."

"The character is what drew me in," Isabella admitted, sitting down in the chair. "I want to give it a try, but I just don’t know if I can do her justice on screen."

Connie happily took Isabella’s hands to encourage her. "No problem at all! Plus, this is a serious prestige drama. Mr. Lawson has authorized a massive budget for it, so most of the main and supporting cast are veteran A-listers with superb skills. If you can get on this production, you’re guaranteed to learn a lot."

"Did Heather Keaton take the part?" Isabella asked hopefully.

"Of course she did. How could a veteran turn down such a phenomenal script?" Connie said with a wide smile. "This way, she’ll be the female lead, and you’ll be the second female lead. Since you’re both my clients under the Apex umbrella, she can look out for you on set."

Hearing this, Isabella’s lips curved into a delighted smile.

"So if you’re sure you’re taking it, I’ll confirm the casting with the production team right now!" Connie said, reaching for her phone.

"Okay. By the way, Connie, I heard the *Crimson Dynasty* crew is filming on the Apex backlot recently. I want to go visit Yuna and Finn."

While Isabella had been on a month-long break for her immersive acting workshops, the company had assigned her two personal assistants, Yuna and Finn, to other artists to keep them on the payroll.

Connie nodded. "No problem. I think they’re currently assigned to Rachel Farris’s team right now. Do you need me to give her manager a heads-up?"

"That would be great. It would be a little rude to just show up to her set unannounced."

Connie smiled. "I’ll let them know now. I’ll print you a VIP pass for the backlot in a bit, and you can take a golf cart straight there."

After leaving the executive tower, Isabella grabbed an iced coffee and headed directly out to the studio backlot.

On the way, she sent a quick text message to Yuna ahead of time, but she never got a reply.

Getting through the security checkpoints was easy with the VIP pass.

Isabella quickly navigated the maze of soundstages and found the outdoor set for *Crimson Dynasty*.

"Ms. Frost?"

She ran into a production assistant at the entrance to the set. "What are you doing all the way out here? Are you slated for a cameo?"

Isabella denied it, smiling politely. "No, no, I’m just here to visit the set."

She tapped her VIP pass against the lanyard on her chest as she spoke.

"Oh, who are you here to see? They’re filming an exterior shot inside. Let me take you in!"

"I’m here to see Yuna and Finn. They’re my personal assistants," Isabella explained. "I’ve been on a workshop break, so the company assigned them to Ms. Farris’s team to keep their hours up."

"Oh..." The man nodded in understanding. "I think I just saw Ms. Farris over at Exterior Stage 1. Let me take you inside first."

"Thank you!"

It was a Victorian-era drama, and the background actors on set were all wearing period costumes.

When they reached a spot behind the camera tracks, the man pointed to a canopy not far away and whispered, "Ms. Frost, Ms. Farris is over there. See? Is that your assistant, Yuna, next to her?"

Isabella followed his finger and looked over.

She saw Rachel Farris, dressed in modern casual clothes, reclining lazily on a rocking chair underneath the shade of a production tent.

Yuna, however, was not under the tent.

Yuna was standing out in the direct sunlight, holding a UV umbrella over Rachel with one hand and a fan with the other, half-squatting just to shield the older actress from the glare.

The outdoor temperature had reached ninety-five degrees, yet Yuna herself was exposed to the sun.

Sweat poured down her face, and her skin was much darker than the last time Isabella had seen her.

Not only that, but a backpack was slung over Yuna’s shoulder...

Yuna’s body was shaking, looking ready to collapse at any moment.

Meanwhile, other actors were also resting on the sidelines between takes, but they had all found shady spots to sit.

Even those accompanied by assistants were, at most, just being handed water bottles or scripts when they needed them.

Isabella’s heart sank, and a surge of anger washed over her.