CHAPTER 141: REPLACE

Later that morning, as Anna and Betty drove with Kevin toward the film set, she couldn’t ignore the way her manager kept glancing at her from the passenger seat. His eyes, sharp and assessing, lingered on her far too long for her liking.

Without taking her gaze off the road, she sighed. "I know you’re dying to ask, Kevin. So go ahead. Shoot."

Kevin’s brows furrowed, and after a hesitant pause, he leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice. "Are you really... Hugo Bennett’s daughter?"

Anna shot him a side glance, unimpressed. "It’s all over the internet," she muttered dryly. "I’m sure you’ve seen it by now."

Her tone carried more exhaustion than irritation, but the question still stung.

For years, she had yearned for her father’s acknowledgment — his love, his approval. But now that the world knew, the truth felt less like validation and more like a curse.

She drew in a slow breath, eyes fixed on the road ahead. "You heard right," she said finally. "I’m his daughter — just not in the way the internet makes it sound."

Kevin’s expression softened at the sadness that laced her words. The faint curve of her lips wasn’t a smile — more like a fragile attempt at composure. It struck him how unhappy she looked, despite her calm demeanor.

When Daniel had first hired him, Kevin hadn’t known much about Anna beyond the basics. He’d been told to manage her career, not to pry into her life. Still, he’d sensed there was more to her story — something Daniel himself seemed careful about.

"I’m sorry," Kevin said quietly. "I didn’t mean to upset you. But as your manager, I just thought... it’s important to know the truth. So I can protect your name, clear things since everyone is demanding you to get replace."

Anna glanced at him briefly, surprised by his sincerity. Kevin usually carried a cold, professional air — distant and businesslike. But now, sitting beside her, he seemed... human.

"Sorry for being a burden, Kevin," she said softly. "I didn’t ask for any of this, but it still dragged you into it."

Kevin chuckled, a little embarrassed. He wasn’t the kind of man to dwell on sentimental conversations; he liked keeping things strictly professional. Yet, hearing her apology — so genuine, so undeserved — stirred something unfamiliar in him.

"It’s my job to protect my artists," he said with a small smile. "But if you really want to apologize, then... apology accepted."

Anna gave him a sideways look, and for the first time that day, the tension eased between them.

A few seconds later, both of them burst into quiet laughter — a soft, shared moment that filled the car with a rare sense of ease.

***

By the time they reached the set, Anna had braced herself for the stares, the whispers, and the subtle judgment that usually followed a public scandal.

But to her surprise, nothing happened.

No one stared. No one whispered.

The crew went about their work as if nothing had changed.

"Am I imagining things, Betty?" Anna muttered, glancing around. "I was expecting gossips and awkward glances, but... no one even seems interested."

Betty, walking beside her, frowned slightly. "You’re right. It’s strange. I thought people would at least talk behind our backs."

Before Anna could reply, a staff member approached them.

"Miss Anna," he said politely, "Director Wilsmith is expecting you in his office."

Anna froze mid-step, her stomach tightening. She glanced at Betty, who instantly mirrored her unease.

Maybe this is it, Anna thought grimly. Maybe this is where things start to fall apart.

"Okay," she said quietly. The man nodded and left.

"Big Sis," Betty asked, her voice small, "why do you think Director Wilsmith wants to meet you?"

Anna had a pretty good idea, but guessing without knowing was pointless. "I’ll find out soon enough," she said, forcing a faint smile.

"I’ll come with you," Kevin offered, his tone firm but calm.

Anna looked at him, touched by his concern, then shook her head. "That won’t be necessary. I know you both mean well, but I can handle this."

Her voice sounded confident, but deep down, she was anything but calm.

Over the years, she had learned one hard truth — never let anyone see your fear. Because the moment they did, they’d use it against you.

So even if her heart was pounding, she straightened her shoulders and walked away, leaving no trace of hesitation behind.

Kevin and Betty watched her until she disappeared around the corner.

"Sir," Betty said softly, still anxious, "what do you think they’ll talk about?"

Kevin folded his arms, his expression thoughtful. "Director Wilsmith is a reasonable man. I doubt he’ll let some online rumors change his judgment."

"I hope you’re right," Betty whispered, worry clouding her eyes.

Kevin gave a small nod, though his gaze lingered in the direction Anna had gone.

I think she’ll be alright’ he thought letting the uneasiness fade away.

***

[Wilsmith’s Office]

"Sir, Miss Anna is here," the assistant announced, stepping aside to let her in.

Anna walked in confidently — until her eyes landed on Fiona sitting comfortably beside the director. Her steps faltered ever so slightly, her expression tightening.

Of course Fiona was here.

And that smirk — the faint, knowing curl of her lips before she hid it behind a mask of concern — said everything Anna needed to know.

"Miss Anna, please have a seat," Director Wilsmith said. His tone was even, unreadable.

Without a word, Anna sat across from them, her posture straight but cautious.

Before she could speak, Fiona chimed in with her usual sweetness. "Director Wilsmith, I know things have been... chaotic outside," she began, folding her hands neatly in her lap. "But I think you should reconsider your decision. Anna has worked so hard for this role. Please don’t let public judgment cloud your opinion of her."

Anna’s brows furrowed, a humorless smile twitching at the corner of her lips.

Is she actually being nice — or just fanning the flames while pretending to put them out?

She didn’t respond, though. She just turned her attention to Wilsmith, whose expression remained unreadable.

Don’t tell me he’s actually considering it...

The director’s silence spoke louder than words. He had, of course, seen the news. The internet was flooded with speculation about Anna’s identity — whether she was truly Hugo Bennett’s daughter or a hidden mistake. And the worst part? None of it had been addressed publicly yet.

The gossip had spiraled into something bigger — people now demanding that Anna be replaced from the film.

And Fiona, being as opportunistic as ever, was clearly trying to turn that chaos into her advantage.

She’s playing the good girl again, Anna thought grimly. And hoping he’ll hand her my role in the process.

"I’m so sorry for everything you’re going through, Anna," Fiona said suddenly, turning toward her with a saccharine tone. "But please try to understand if things get... out of hand."

Anna blinked at her, expression flat. The pity in Fiona’s voice made her stomach twist. Fake, as always.

And when Fiona continued, Anna finally understood where this was heading.

"I mean, the audience is asking for your replacement," Fiona said softly, glancing toward Wilsmith. "The film’s getting so much attention — for the wrong reasons. I just hope you’ll be thoughtful about whatever decision Director Wilsmith takes."

Ah, Anna thought coldly. So that’s your game.

She’d seen the online comments before coming here — fans demanding her removal, hashtags trending, people questioning her worth. She’d expected it. But seeing Fiona here, playing innocent while fueling the very fire that burned her, made Anna’s patience wear thin.

"Miss Anna," Wilsmith’s deep voice finally broke the tension, drawing both their attention.

Fiona straightened, masking her smugness with a nervous smile, while Anna simply met his gaze calmly.

"You’re aware of what’s been happening," he said, his tone firm but not unkind. "And you must also know that a large section of the audience has been demanding we reconsider the casting."

His eyes locked with hers, unwavering. The warmth he used to carry during shoots was gone, replaced by professional detachment.

Anna’s hands tightened in her lap, but she didn’t look away.

Across from her, Fiona could barely contain her excitement. There you go, Wilsmith, she thought eagerly. Just say it — fire her already.

But before he could continue, Fiona cut in again.

"Director Wilsmith, I really think you should consider—"

"Miss Fiona," Wilsmith interrupted sharply, turning his gaze on her. "Let me finish. Or I’ll have to ask you to step outside."

Fiona froze, her mouth snapping shut instantly.

The silence that followed was heavy — the kind that could slice through air.

Anna, meanwhile, kept her composure, though she couldn’t deny the faint satisfaction flickering in her chest.

Maybe, just maybe... the outcome wasn’t as predictable as Fiona thought.

Wilsmith ignored the humiliated look on Fiona’s face and turned his attention back to Anna.

"But since the rumors aren’t serious enough to make me reconsider my faith in you," he said firmly, "I expect you not to let them affect your work or your performance."

For a moment, Anna just stared at him, her eyes widening in surprise.

She hadn’t expected reassurance — not today.

But the calm confidence in his tone, the quiet conviction behind his words, mirrored the very same belief he’d shown when he first cast her for the role. Wilsmith wasn’t a man easily swayed by gossip or noise. He had seen talent when others had seen controversy.

And now, that same look of assurance was back on his face.

Anna’s chest tightened, a small wave of gratitude washing over her. Her respect for the man only deepened.

"Thank you, Director," she said quietly, but sincerely.

Wilsmith gave a single nod, his expression softening for the briefest moment before he turned to shuffle a few papers on his desk.

Meanwhile, Fiona sat frozen in her seat, her face a mask of disbelief.

What... what did he just say? she thought, her nails digging into her palm beneath the table. This isn’t how it was supposed to go.