Chapter 34
Luna Stone’s words caused a ripple. Actors and crew members put down their teacups; some even poured theirs out. Sonya felt like she was on trial, surrounded by judging eyes.
“Are you responsible for your words?”
A cold voice came from behind. Sonya turned to see Linda approaching, her costume exuding elegance and sophistication. She was wearing a black cashmere coat, holding a teacup.
She stopped beside Sonya, her gaze fixed on Luna Stone.
“Older sister, you… you’re…”
“I’ll ask again. Are you responsible for what you said?” Linda said coldly.
Luna Stone tried to backpedal. “What did I say?”
“Are you responsible for what you said?” Linda repeated, her voice laced with disdain.
Luna Stone stammered, trying to placate her. “I… I was just joking.”
Linda narrowed her eyes and snorted. “Joking and ruining someone’s reputation? Your mouth is so foul!”
Luna Stone was stunned. Linda, despite her high status, was always polite, but now she was publicly scolding her for Sonya’s sake.
“Apologize to Ms. Ella, or my family will sue you for defamation!” Linda snapped.
Luna Stone was even more stunned. Sue her for insulting Sonya? The Reynolds family and Sonya?
“Sonya,” Luna Stone took a deep breath. “I… I was joking. I shouldn’t have said those things.”
Sonya was surprised Linda had defended her but realized it was likely for Jason Reynolds’s sake, not hers.
“Jokes are supposed to be funny for both parties. Your joke wasn’t funny,” Sonya said, frowning.
“I’m sorry.”
Sonya held up her hand, pointing to the ring on her finger. “I have a fiancé. I’ve tolerated your rumors twice. Don’t do it again, or we’ll fight this out, and see who loses face!”
Luna Stone glanced at the ring. “That diamond is probably a few bucks wholesale. And you have a fiancé? Who would marry you?”
“Anyone marrying Ms. Ella is lucky. Unlike you,” Linda sneered. “I hear you’re chasing Jason Reynolds. Let me tell you, marrying into the Reynolds family is impossible!”
Luna Stone’s face burned. She stormed off.
Linda looked at Sonya. “Ms. Ella, we meet again.”
Sonya found Linda’s excessive enthusiasm unsettling.
“Nice to meet you, sister.”
“Others calling me ‘sister’ is polite, but you calling me ‘sister’ is inappropriate.”
“Then?”
“Call me Auntie.”
Sonya hesitated before calling her “Auntie” and thanked her for speaking up.
“My Ella Xi has a bad reputation, but he shouldn’t be slandered.”
It was for Jason Reynolds, then. She’d overthought it.
“May I have some tea?” Linda asked expectantly.
“Of course.”
Noticing Linda’s dark circles, Sonya asked about her sleep.
“I have trouble sleeping. Any noise wakes me up,” Linda rubbed her temples. “My irregular schedule when filming ruined my sleep. It hasn’t improved.”
Sonya poured her a calming tea. “It has herbs. Try it.”
Linda took a sip. “Delicious! Give me some tea bags later.”
Linda called others over. “Have some! It’s excellent!”
Everyone came over. Linda stopped Sonya from pouring. “Let them pour. You’re not a waitress.”
Director Davis emerged. Linda called him over.
“Ms. Ella, a cup of cooling tea for him.”
Director Davis took a sip and asked for a larger cup.
“Ms. Ella, thank you. Harvard University is struggling. Everyone is stressed. I heard about your tea stand in California University. Desperate times, desperate measures.”
“Desperate measures?” Linda interjected, glaring at him. “She’s a doctor from a reputable hospital!”
“My apologies. Thank you, Ms. Ella.”
Sonya didn’t mind; she was helping Lily Lane.
“You’re asking for a favor, so manage your people. Don’t insult her for helping,” Linda said.
“Who insulted her?” Director Davis asked, eyes wide.
“Find out. Don’t pretend we’re spreading rumors.”
He clasped his hands. “I’ll reprimand them.”
Linda had already said it all.
“You two seem close. Do you know each other?” Director Davis asked.
Linda put her arm around Sonya. “Of course! She’s my fan!”
Auntie’s films—
“I’ve watched every one of them at least three times,” Sonya said.
“Every one of Auntie’s films is a classic.”
“What a sweet talker.”
Linda beamed. “Want an autographed photo?”
“Yes, please.”
“Come to my house. I’ll give you several.”
“Great!”
Why was she so excited? Sonya was confused by her enthusiasm.
Linda’s next scene was about to start. As she and Director Davis walked towards the set, she looked back at Sonya, liking her more and more.
Davis was puzzled. “You’re rarely this friendly. Who is Ms. Ella?”
Linda smiled proudly. “My future daughter-in-law!”
