?strongChapter 40:/strong

Ruby responded with an air of nonchnce, “I prefer choosing my own neighbors, and who knows what sort of entric folks I might otherwise end up beside. I figured it’s wiser to secure the entire floor. Luckily, there are just two apartments per level.”

It dawned on Carrie that Ruby was not just affluent but likely hailed from a wealthy lineage.

After a moment’s reflection, Carrie offered a simple, “Thank you.”

Ruby waved off the gratitude. “There’s no need. Once you begin earning, you can start paying rent,” she said inly.

Ruby’s suggestion was clear and carried an underlying tone of assurance. Moreover, Ruby proposed a rent that was surprisingly more affordable than what Carrie had been paying at the budget hotel.

Their conversation was interrupted when Ruby’s phone vibrated. She answered the call, and Carrie observed as Ruby’s expression gradually became serious with each word she heard.

After hanging up the phone, Ruby scrolled through Twitter. What she saw next caught her by surprise. The trending section was aze with news about Carrie and Lise, topped by a post boldly dering, “Breaking!” #LiseCarrie #Breaking! #LiseHospitalizedDueToWorkRtedStress #CarrieTheMostImpressiveNewActress.

As she connected the dots, the picture became clear.

The paparazzi had snapped photos of Lise making another weary trip to the hospital. While a wave of fans expressed their concern, another faction uncovered that the production crew had discreetly scheduled a second audition, pushing Lise to her limits. She had been bncing an already packed agenda, rehearsing relentlessly until itnded her in the hospital.

The more theizens delved, the more astonishing the revtions became. Lise, amidst this turmoil, was found to bepeting for a role against an obscure neer. Though Lise’s performances were generally seen as average—sufficient to not disrupt a scene—she did enjoy a modest fanbase and had the support of some powerful industry insiders. Normally, a role was hers for the taking.

Up until now, Lise had consistentlynded lead roles since her debut. The notion that she might not be the top choice this time, paired against an emerging actress, sent ripples of shock across the entertainment sphere. Everyone was now buzzing with excitement, eager to uncover more about this extraordinary new talent.

Lise’s fans were in an uproar.

“What kind of nonsense is this? If herpetitor were a seasoned star, it’d make sense, but Carrie Campbell? I’ve never even heard of her! How did she get to audition alongside Lise? There’s something underhanded at y here for sure!”

“Lise is immensely talented and well-supported. She shouldn’t need to audition for the lead female role at all. And yet, here is this unknown neer with neither fame nor notable roles. Without some behind-the-scenes maniption, this makes no sense!”

“Alright, she might look presentable. But she must have resorted to unsavory means to get here! She’s nowhere near Lise, who is cherished and protected like royalty by our powerful CEO. It’s clear as day.”

“She’s unscrupulous, unlike Lise, who would never exploit her position to mistreat others. If it weren’t for the influential figures in her corner, she wouldn’t even be here for a second audition!”

“Hold on, that name does sound familiar. Could it be that she’s been in the industry a long time and just never made a ssh?”

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