Chapter 2

Lila POV

On the way out of the company, Annie drove while reporting on the final preparations.

"Your new overseas identity is ready. The name is Anna, British nationality."

"The flight is tomorrow night at ten, first class from New York to London."

"Your secret account at the Swiss bank. Once that five hundred million arrives, I'll immediately transfer it through several overseas shell companies to ensure the source can't be traced."

"The new team in London has also been contacted and is ready to start work at any time."

Annie's voice carried a mix of nervousness and excitement.

This was a huge gamble. The stakes were everything I had.

I leaned back in my seat, watching the neon lights rapidly retreating outside the window, my eyes calm.

Escape?

No, I wasn't escaping.

I was going to build a new empire of my own on the ruins.

And Gabriel and Bella would be the first foundation stones of my new empire.

My phone vibrated. It was a message from Gabriel on SnapChat.

"Lila, are you asleep?"

"Don't forget, there's an annual influencer gala tomorrow afternoon. You must attend."

A cold smile crossed my lips.

There it was. Just as expected.

"This is your last appearance as StarShine's top star. The company applied for a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' for you. Consider it recognition for all your years of contribution."

Recognition?

What a laughable word.

An empty title in exchange for the destruction of my entire career.

Gabriel's plan was brilliantly calculated.

Making me attend was to create an illusion in front of the media that the company hadn't mistreated its merit-holder.

More importantly, it was to have me personally preview tomorrow night's apology livestream in front of everyone, pushing the hype to its peak.

He wanted to squeeze out every last drop of use from me.

"I understand."

I replied with just a few words, then tossed my phone aside.

Annie saw my expression in the rearview mirror and asked worriedly, "Are you really going?"

"It's a trap."

"Go? Why wouldn't I go?" I said lightly. "I deserve that award, don't I?"

That trophy was earned through countless all-night livestreams, a voice hoarse from shouting, a body exhausted to collapse.

Even if it's a last meal, I'll eat it with dignity.

The next afternoon, the gala venue was dazzling with stars.

I wore a simple black evening gown, my arm linked with Annie's as I walked the red carpet.

No excessive accessories, no exaggerated makeup, yet I was still the center of attention.

I was a born queen. Even about to exit the stage, my presence was unmatched.

Camera flashes surged like a tide.

Reporters swarmed, microphones almost jabbing into my face.

"Lila, regarding the Chris beauty cream incident, do you have anything to say?"

"Lila, there are rumors you'll livestream an apology tomorrow night. Is that true?"

"Lila, will you take responsibility and leave the industry?"

I maintained a proper smile throughout, saying nothing.

Under the escort of staff, I made my way into the venue with difficulty.

My seat was in the center of the first row, next to Gabriel.

However, when I approached, I discovered that the seat beside Gabriel was already occupied.

Bella.

She wore a dazzling white haute couture gown, the skirt covered in crystals that sparkled brilliantly under the lights.

My pupils constricted sharply.

I recognized that dress.

It was Dior's only haute couture piece in the world. Three months ago, I fell in love with it at first sight and reserved it to wear at today's gala.

Gabriel had personally promised it to me as a gift.

And now, that gift was on another woman's body.

Seeing me approach, Bella not only didn't stand up, but deliberately leaned closer to Gabriel, her face showing an innocent yet provocative smile.

"Lila, you're here?"

"Sorry, Gabriel said I looked better in this, so I wore it first. You don't mind, do you?"

Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for everyone around to hear.

In an instant, countless eyes eager for drama turned toward me.

Gabriel frowned slightly, seeming to think Bella was being tactless, but still tried to smooth things over.

"Lila, you look great in black too. Very elegant."

He pointed to the empty seat nearby. "Sit."

That seat was next to Bella, at the very edge of the first row.

From center stage to a forgotten corner.

I looked at that empty chair and suddenly laughed.

I didn't walk over. Instead, I turned and found a random seat in the second row.

I didn't want to be too close to those two people. It would dirty my eyes.

Gabriel's face looked unpleasant, but with so many people around, he couldn't make a scene.

Bella triumphantly lifted her chin like a peacock that had won a fight.

The gala's program was long and tedious.

Like an outsider, I coldly watched people come and go on stage, smiling falsely, delivering identical acceptance speeches.

Finally, it came to the last award.

"Lifetime Achievement Award."

The host announced my name with a passionate voice. "The winner is our undisputed queen of livestreaming, Lila!"

The spotlight suddenly hit me.

The entire venue erupted in thunderous applause.

Annie excitedly gripped my hand. "Lila, quick, go accept the award."

I took a deep breath, stood up, and smoothed my skirt.

I deserved this.

This was the last trace I would leave in this industry.

I walked toward the stage step by step, each step steady and firm.

However, just as I was about to step onto the stairs, Gabriel suddenly stood up from his seat.

He took the host's microphone, a gentle smile on his face.

"Thank you so much to the organizing committee for recognizing StarShine Media and Lila."

"But today, I want to make a small change."

Everyone froze.

Gabriel's gaze tenderly fell on Bella in the audience.

"As a senior in the company, Lila has always hoped to mentor new talent."

"And Bella is our company's most hardworking and promising new star this year."

"So, Lila voluntarily proposed to give this award to Bella as encouragement."

The venue erupted in commotion.

My footsteps froze on the stairs.

I looked at Gabriel in disbelief.

How dare he?

How dare he, in front of everyone, strip away the last shred of dignity I had and hand it to that thief?

Bella covered her mouth in feigned surprise, her eyes instantly turning red, looking overwhelmed with honor.

"Gabriel... this, how can this be? This is Lila's award..."

"Take it. You deserve it." Gabriel's voice was full of affection.

He personally walked off stage, took the heavy crystal trophy from the presenter, and placed it into Bella's arms without question.

Then he turned to look at me, still frozen in place.

His eyes carried a barely perceptible warning and command.

"Lila, what are you standing there for?"

"Hurry up and applaud for Bella."

At that moment, the world seemed to fall silent.

I looked at the two people embracing on stage, at the trophy that should have been mine in Bella's hands, at Gabriel's matter-of-fact face.

The last trace of warmth in my heart, the last trace of attachment, shattered completely.

Slowly, very slowly, I raised my hands.

Under the gaze of the entire audience, I clapped hard.

Clap.

Clap.

Clap.

Each clap felt like slapping my own face.

Like offering a tribute to this shameless couple.

My face even wore a smile.

But that smile held no warmth.

Only a deathly, icy coldness.