CHAPTER 524: CHAPTER 524: FAKING ILLNESS

Ruby Sullivan introduced Stella Jennings to Dragon Girl, and as the three of them were exchanging pleasantries, Howard approached with champagne, greeted Dragon Girl and Stella Jennings, then called Ruby Sullivan to the side, whispering, "Yara just called to say Crystal Pierce is seriously injured."

Ruby Sullivan pondered, female actresses wearing those sky-high heels walk at such a swift pace, how unlucky would one have to be to twist an ankle to the point of breaking?

"How serious is it?"

"Ligament strain, the doctor said it’s best to rest for more than two months."

Ruby Sullivan’s face immediately turned a bit grim. If they put the blame on Stella Jennings, it would create a lot of trouble.

"Got it, prepare a gift, I’ll go see her after the banquet."

"Okay."

Ruby Sullivan swirled the champagne in her glass, took a small sip, a bit suspicious that Aidan Sinclair’s side had issues. After the last incident, she had investigated Crystal Pierce’s background, a quite ordinary grassroots origin. Over the years, she has had smooth sailing thanks to Aidan Sinclair’s support. With good looks and temper, coupled with commendable acting skills, it’s understandable she’s reached the front line.

So, after being warned, she still dares to bully Stella Jennings?

She furrowed her brows, growing more suspicious of the relationship between Aidan Sinclair and Crystal Pierce.

At this moment, Aidan Sinclair was dealing with Wendy Sheffield’s advances, suddenly felt a chill down his back, turned his head to see Ruby Sullivan staring thoughtfully at him, and when their eyes met, she even sneered at him, raising her glass in a mock toast.

Aidan Sinclair’s mouth twitched, thinking to himself, why does this woman’s gaze feel so eerie? He was a bit frightened.

Wendy Sheffield, halfway through her smile, sensed his distraction, followed his gaze, only to see Ruby Sullivan’s retreating figure. Then she looked back at Aidan Sinclair, suddenly recalling the eye contact between the two during a previous meal, and couldn’t help but start suspecting.

"Wenny’s dress today is really beautiful." She noted with a smile.

Aidan Sinclair snapped back, "Sorry." Then he focused on Ruby Sullivan’s position and walked over quickly.

Wendy Sheffield bit down hard in anger, glaring fiercely at Ruby Sullivan’s back, confirming her disdain.

Aidan Sinclair’s primary intent was to find Ethan Sterling, not specifically Ruby Sullivan, but it just so happened Ruby and Ethan were together. However, he wanted to ask Ethan what his wife’s strange look meant today, since he couldn’t recall offending her.

Before Aidan Sinclair could find Ethan Sterling, he was stopped by Gavin Garrison, "Mr. Sinclair, you should go check on Crystal Pierce."

"Not going." Aidan Sinclair refused bluntly.

Gavin Garrison was stunned, then thought that since he had connections with Ruby Sullivan, it might not be a good idea to leave first, deciding he’d better go to the hospital himself.

Ruby Sullivan saw Aidan Sinclair walking over, found an excuse to leave—today’s environment was really unsuitable for her to argue with that man.

Aidan Sinclair grew even more perplexed, pulling Ethan Sterling aside, "What’s up with Wenny today?"

Ethan Sterling didn’t understand what he was asking.

Aidan Sinclair had to explain, "Her gaze today seemed a bit... strange?"

Ethan Sterling raised an eyebrow, as if looking at an idiot, "You should ask her."

Aidan Sinclair pursed his lips, too embarrassed to admit that his wife’s gaze seemed a bit scary, he didn’t dare to confront her, "Hmm, I think what you’re suggesting makes some sense."

At this point, Wendy Sheffield sidled up to Stella Jennings, "Hi, I’m Wendy Sheffield, we met at Mrs. Sterling’s birthday party before."

Stella Jennings smiled, "Hello."

"I watched the training camp, in my opinion, you were absolutely a top-three contender, it was really unfortunate in the end." Wendy Sheffield continued to try to build rapport with her.

Stella Jennings remained guarded, just smiling without saying a word, appearing shy and at a loss for words. In truth, the last time she saw this woman with Hannah Jennings, she wondered why someone associated with Hannah would try to befriend her. Something was amiss.

Wendy Sheffield didn’t mind her silence, "The ad you recently filmed looks great."

"Are you looking for me... for something?" Stella Jennings awkwardly asked, though a bit stiff, at least her expression was friendly enough, not making Wendy Sheffield feel too uncomfortable.

Wendy Sheffield chuckled lightly, replying in a deliberately cute manner, "Just wanted to get to know you, I’ve been friends with Aidan Sinclair since childhood, you’re the newcomer he’s promoting. He often praises your talent, so I wanted us to become friends too."

Stella Jennings blushed at the mention of talent promotion, gaining a bit more fondness for Wendy Sheffield, "I don’t have much talent..."

"You’re so adorable." Wendy Sheffield, seemingly charmed, went on discussing favorite celebrities, movies, and recent music with Stella Jennings, as if they’ve become good friends.

What Stella Jennings didn’t know was that Wendy Sheffield only had one goal—to find out if her relationship with Aidan Sinclair was like Hannah Jennings claimed, and also to understand what kind of relationship Aidan had with Ruby Sullivan.

Supposedly, before Aidan Sinclair collaborated with Ethan Sterling, it was Ruby Sullivan who made the introductions; why is this woman so influential?

Unfortunately, Wendy Sheffield picked the wrong person to ask, since Stella Jennings wasn’t really clear about either Aidan and Ruby Sullivan, or Aidan and herself; she didn’t even know Aidan Sinclair once had a sister.

So, Wendy Sheffield chatted with her for thirty minutes, discussing trivial matters.

Meanwhile, outside the Splendor Grand Hotel, many reporters were already waiting, both overtly and covertly.

Initially, it was just a minor incident, not warranting such attention, but somehow news spread, claiming Crystal Pierce’s fall today was caused by Stella Jennings pushing her. It was said there had long been animosity between the two, and they had a fierce private rivalry over roles when accepting the new script.

However, since Stella Jennings was a newcomer, the company had to step in to resolve the issue, ultimately giving the female lead role to Crystal Pierce.

At the hospital, reporters were no longer allowed in, leaving them to intercept Stella Jennings at the hotel; whatever she says next is undoubtedly destined to make the trending news tonight.

Today, Snow, who was handling emergency situations with Howard, first noticed the issue outside and reported the situation early to Ethan Sterling and Ruby Sullivan.

"I can arrange for Stella Jennings to leave through the back door."

Ethan Sterling nodded, telling Ruby Sullivan, "I’ll go find Aidan Sinclair."

Ruby Sullivan’s expression immediately darkened, "Why look for him? I’ll ask Holly to call her agent." With that, she walked away.

Ethan Sterling was also taken aback, recalling what Aidan Sinclair had said earlier, curious as to why he seemed to have angered his wife without doing anything.

At the hospital, Sylvia Fenton entered the patient room, seeing Crystal Pierce with a plaster cast hanging from one leg, she was shocked, "This... the ligament strain isn’t real, is it?"