Chapter 25: A Toast to Fate
Sonya’s Warning
Sonya rolled her eyes at Lily Lane’s teasing.
“Watch out for scammers!” Lily joked. “I’ve seen those marriage fraud stories online. Be careful!”
Sonya ignored her and headed to the bar.
The bartender set down two cocktails in front of them.
Lily glanced around, impressed.
“Jake Parker’s taste is always impeccable. This place is stylish.”
“Thanks, beautiful,” a smooth voice cut in.
Jake Parker appeared from the back, wiping his hands. He extended a hand to Lily Lane.
“Welcome home.”
Lily Lane raised an eyebrow, then smiled, shaking his hand.
“I consider New York home. But New York doesn’t quite know me yet.”
Jake chuckled.
“It’ll get there. Give it time.”
He gestured toward a private room.
“The CEO of JoyPlus Entertainment is inside. I’ll go say hi, then bring you in.”
Lily Lane nodded.
Before leaving, Jake turned to Sonya.
“Seraphina West booked a room tonight. Julian’s there too. If you don’t want to see them, you can relax on the rooftop. Leo Jones will be here later.”
Sonya was touched by his thoughtfulness.
“Okay.”
The Rooftop Escape
The rooftop was empty, bathed in the glow of city lights.
Sonya took a deep breath, then sat at a table overlooking the courtyard.
She waved at Lily Lane below.
Lily flashed a thumbs-up.
Sonya took out her phone, snapping a photo of the skyline.
She sent it to Henry.
He sent one back—a cityscape bathed in the early morning light.
“The floors are finished. I’m going to start buying furniture.”
Sonya smiled.
“Can you get me a gaming PC?”
“You like gaming?”
“Yeah, but I promise not to neglect my chores.”
“Okay.”
“And the bed has to be the biggest one you can find.”
Sonya narrowed her eyes.
“Don’t get any ideas. I just like to toss and turn.”
Henry was teasing her.
She sent an angry emoji.
He replied with a crying one.
Sonya laughed.
Lily Lane’s Chance
Downstairs, Jake Parker exited the private room with a man in his forties.
The man was pale-skinned, wearing glasses—the CEO of JoyPlus Entertainment.
Jake introduced Lily Lane.
The CEO studied her, then shook his head.
“I won’t beat around the bush. First, she’s too old. To make a splash at her age, she needs a strong existing fanbase. Second, she’s pretty, but unremarkable. Hard to remember.”
It was brutal.
The room fell silent.
Jake pushed back.
“She’s acted before. She has experience. Better than a clueless newbie. She’s not picky—she can start with small roles.”
The CEO remained firm.
“I’d rather sign a newbie. Youth is capital. But… if she has connections, I might consider it.”
Jake’s eyes narrowed.
“What do you mean?”
“Heard young Master Reynolds is here?”
Jake paused.
“…He is.”
“Reynolds Corp’s Lightning Films is producing a historical drama. If she can get a role—even a small one—I’ll sign her.”
The message was clear: prove your connections, or don’t bother.
Jake turned to Lily Lane.
“I can take you to Seraphina West’s room, but don’t get your hopes up.”
Lily took a deep breath.
“I’ll go.”
Jake hesitated.
“Think about it. They’ll give you a hard time.”
Lily sighed.
“What other choice do I have?”
A Dangerous Gamble
Sonya watched uneasily as Jake led Lily toward Seraphina West’s private room.
From inside, she heard Luna Stone’s sneer.
“Lily Lane, lost, are you? This isn’t a place for you.”
Jake laughed it off.
“We’re all friends. Let’s get to know each other.”
He grabbed a bottle of whisky, turning to Jason Reynolds.
“Young Master Reynolds, it’s an honor to have you here. I’ll drink to that.”
Without hesitation, Jake took a deep swig straight from the bottle.
The room stared.
Even Jason Reynolds raised an eyebrow, impressed.
He took a sip from his glass.
Jake gestured to Lily Lane.
“Lily, come here.”
He introduced her.
“She used to be an actress. Quit after marriage. Wants to return.”
Lily raised a glass of whisky.
“Young Master Reynolds, pleased to meet you. I’ll drink to that.”
She downed it in one gulp.
Luna Stone laughed.
“Lily Lane, this isn’t a joke. You want to act?”
“Look in the mirror. It’s not your fault you’re average-looking. But lacking self-awareness? That’s your fault.”
Seraphina West sighed dramatically.
“Lily, I’m hosting. But I didn’t invite you. There’s no room. Maybe another time?”
Lily forced a smile.
“I don’t need a seat. I’m just here for some fun.”
She knew she’d be ridiculed—but she had no other choice.
Julian Jennings frowned.
“Bro Jake.”
Jake clasped his hands.
“Give me some face.”
Luna smirked.
“We have to give Bro Jake face.”
She motioned to a server.
Ten glasses of whisky were lined up.
“Lily, we’re old classmates. I want to help, but… it depends on your sincerity.”
Jake offered immediately.
“I’ll drink for her.”
Luna rolled her eyes.
“Bro Jake, I’m giving you face. You should give me some too.”
Jake hesitated.
“But that’s two pounds of whisky…”
Lily cut in.
“Don’t worry, I’ll drink it.”
She took a deep breath.
She raised the first glass.
Her eyes locked onto Jason Reynolds.
“Young Master Reynolds, I’m Lily Lane. If you remember me… and give me a small role, I’d be forever grateful.”
Tears mixed with the whisky as she drank.
She had to humble herself.
Sonya Intervenes
Sonya arrived just in time to see Lily—five glasses down, barely standing.
She was forcing herself to drink more.
Sonya rushed forward, supporting her.
Her gaze hardened as she looked at the others.
“I’ll drink for her.”
Before anyone could react—
She picked up a glass—
And downed it.
