CHAPTER 18: CHAPTER 18: THE OPPORTUNITY ARRIVES

Could it be that I’ve said something wrong? Watching Anna stand there in a daze, Quinn Lockwood frowned. According to Savannah Lowell’s memories, she did call her Anna. Did I call her old and upset her?

Or perhaps it’s not popular in this industry to address someone as "sis." Savannah Lowell was self-willed and proud before her death, rarely interacting much with them, so how would she know what to say?

"Oh, it’s okay. Let’s go to the conference room to discuss this month’s arrangements."

Anna snapped back to the task at hand, standing by and waiting for Quinn Lockwood’s response. After all, she had a bit of influence and background, refusing company arrangements weren’t new, so Anna always tried to avoid provoking her.

"Alright."

Quinn Lockwood followed Anna to the conference room and found that the team responsible for her was already seated neatly, awaiting her arrival, each with an unhappy expression.

But it couldn’t be blamed on her--not only was Savannah Lowell inherently unpopular, but today’s delay actually had a valid reason: all because of Elias Sinclair.

Thinking of this, Quinn Lockwood’s expression turned sour, which everyone was used to, all hoping the meeting would end quickly.

"Savannah, I suppose you’re aware of the news from some time ago about the return of the Lockwood heiress. She’s already entering the entertainment industry riding the wave of momentum, as you can see, her fame now far surpasses yours."

Anna pointed to the image of Ariana Lynch on the screen, explaining methodically.

"The previous negative coverage regarding you has dissipated. We can’t stir it up again, or it will bring not just attention but also a public relations crisis. So, we intend to shift your work focus towards acting. Do you have any objections?"

At this moment, Quinn Lockwood stared intensely at Ariana Lynch on the screen, marked in red with the headline ’Lockwood Group heiress Ariana Lynch is humble and courteous, her acting skills deeply admired, rising rapidly as a popular actress.’

A rush of hatred surged through her, Quinn Lockwood’s hands clenched, fingers entwined: a popular actress. How ironic--for a murderous imposter to be described as humble.

"Ugh!"

Perhaps the hatred boiled beneath her, causing her to lose her reason impulsively.

Upon hearing this, the staff in the conference room, along with Anna, helplessly shook their heads. Alas, it truly is Savannah Lowell’s way.

Her arrogance, of course, couldn’t tolerate others surpassing her. Previously, the company had signed on a new female artist--pretty and sweet-talking, with no background but very diligent--gradually becoming the second-in-command aside from Savannah Lowell, threatening Savannah’s position, and thus, not earning her favor.

She even ridiculed the young girl to her face for obtaining resources through questionable methods. Who would want to associate with such a person, gaining nothing but trouble?

Only Anna could barely manage to communicate with her.

"Savannah, there’s a project involving this Lockwood Group heiress Ariana Lynch. Though I know you’re unwilling, this is currently the only way to boost your popularity. Yes, frankly speaking, it’s a bit of riding on her coattails, but given your current situation, it’s the best path."

"Or, you might consider it this way: she’s stepped into the entertainment world upon returning to The Lockwood Family, taken few major roles, and her awards are simply favors from the industry to her father. If you can demonstrate superior acting skills, you surely won’t lose to her in the future. I hope you consider this."

Anna knew Savannah Lowell was always fiercely competitive. Acting alongside an inexperienced newcomer was likely against her will, but despite speaking earnestly, she held little hope.

Collaborating on a project, Quinn Lockwood thought it was a golden opportunity, how could she refuse? Initially, she thought she would have to wait until her fame resurged for such a chance, but it came unexpectedly soon.

She had been troubled with ways to take revenge on Ariana Lynch, but now the entertainment industry could assist her. Compared to physical pain, mental torment was far more agonizing, she would let her taste it.

"Alright, I’m willing."

Quinn Lockwood quickly agreed, stunning everyone present—strangely, this time Savannah Lowell didn’t go against them, perhaps starting to worry about her career’s progress.

After busying herself with work that day, Quinn Lockwood was exhausted, her bones ready to fall apart. Engaging in this field wasn’t as simple as it seemed, but she grew more eager for her confrontation with Ariana Lynch.

When she drove back to The Sinclair Family that evening, she unexpectedly encountered Elias Sinclair; their eyes met, neither speaking, and Quinn thought, what bad luck to run into him twice. If not for him, she wouldn’t have been late that morning.

Carrying resentment, Quinn Lockwood headed upstairs without acknowledging Elias Sinclair, leaving him standing, frowning--this woman was truly unpredictable.

In her room, standing before the mirror, Quinn Lockwood gazed at the unfamiliar face and touched it—no, Savannah Lowell’s face.

A visage utterly unfamiliar. At that moment, she truly realized she’d been reborn.

Regarding her identity, she’s no longer Quinn Lockwood, but she must constantly remind herself not to forget the hatred within.

With this thought, she suddenly found herself anticipating her first encounter with Ariana Lynch.

After considering, Quinn Lockwood turned on her computer, starting to search for recent information on Ariana Lynch in the entertainment world.

This was their first direct confrontation since her rebirth; she couldn’t afford to be careless.

As she watched, at some point, she lay down on the bed and fell asleep, the laptop tilted beside her.

Perhaps burdened by the stress, Quinn Lockwood dreamed of her mother, resting gently on her mother’s lap, her mother softly stroking her hair, just like when she was little.

But in a blink, her mother abruptly vanished, leaving her anxious, murmuring: "Mom, don’t leave..."

Meanwhile, just returning from his study, Elias Sinclair heard sounds from Quinn Lockwood’s room and was drawn over, frowning unhappily.

What’s she up to now, late at night?

Upon checking, he found the woman talking in her sleep--a Lowell Family heiress, but her sleep posture is quite unbecoming.

What kind of girl sleeps with the door unlocked at night? How good could she be?

Elias Sinclair frowned, shutting Quinn Lockwood’s door, not wanting to see her "superb acting" face.

The next morning, Quinn awoke to find her hand had gone numb from being pressed upon and rubbed her head, looking around.

Fortunately, she hadn’t interacted much with Elias Sinclair yesterday, sparing her from unnecessary trouble and daily accusations.

"Sir, madam, breakfast is ready."

Nanny Warren called from outside, and Quinn, glancing at her watch, realized she needed to tidy up and head downstairs—she had to go to the company and couldn’t be late again.