?<strong>Chapter 1221:</strong>


    Though rtively new to the theater, Laney wasn’t blind to its unspoken politics. Someone wielded influence behind Kira, a force that even the mighty Hopkins family couldn’t overshadow. She epted her fate with quiet dignity. “Whatever arrangement you decide is fine. I’ll perform as directed.”


    Relief mingled with guilt across the director’s face. “This is just temporary, Laney. Let Kira have her moment. The center stage will await your return.”


    Laney gave a bitter smile, not making it difficult for the director. Would it really be hers in the future? Probably not. Once Juliet became Cliff’s wife, Kira’s influence would only grow stronger. Laney felt that even keeping her ce at the theater might be an impossible task. The stress weighed heavily on her mind, and she sought solitude on the balcony at the corridor’s end.


    Faintughter drifted through the air from somewhere distant.


    “You’re the best, Juliet. I knew you cared for me the most.”


    Laney’s steps halted as recognition struck. The voices of Kira and Juliet rang clear in her ears.


    “1 only put in a word,” Juliet said dismissively. “Just make sure you excel in your first center performance. Make a name for yourself and bring honor to our family.”


    “Of course. When I win an award, I’ll personally thank Cliff. He must have invested quite a bit in arranging this performance, right?”


    “Money is no object to him. Why concern yourself with that?” Juliet added. “But yes, do thank him. Without his approval, this wouldn’t have fallen into ce so smoothly.”


    “I know.”


    A bitterugh escaped Laney’s lips as she turned and headed back to the apartment.


    A Rolls-Royce glided onto the theater grounds.


    The familiar license te caught Laney’s eye, and her body froze, rooted to the spot.


    Through the tinted ss, Cliff’s gaze met hers.


    The car came to a stop, and they locked eyes across the distance, the air thick with unspoken words.


    Within moments, Juliet emerged from the main entrance, her steps carrying her directly to Cliff’s car. She moved with practiced elegance, her smile perfectly poised.


    “Didn’t I request you wait outside? What brought you onto the grounds?”


    Cliff’s piercing gaze bore into Laney, so intense that it felt as though he could see right through her. His unyielding stare left her feeling exposed, as if she were guilty of some unseen crime.


    Just as panic began to bubble within Laney, Kailyn appeared out of nowhere.


    Laneytched onto Kailyn like a lifeline, gripping her arm tightly as they hurried away.


    Cliff remained rooted in ce, his eyes following their retreating figures. His expression darkened with each step they took. Laney had seen him—so why hadn’t she approached? Had she not been missing him these past few days? Shouldn’t her longing for him outweigh any resentment she might feel?


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