Chapter 349: Provocation

Tessa got invited to be a guest on "The Traveling Youth" for an episode. Coincidentally, it was Ella's show, and during filming, Ella showered Tessa with praise, making her feel great.

On the day of the Golden Eagle Awards, reporters snapped photos of Tessa looking cold and distant. To manage the buzz, her studio worked through the night, leading to several clashes with Victoria's team. These incidents only deepened the animosity between Tessa and Victoria. Ella saw an opportunity to exploit this. As the rift between her and Victoria grew, she needed allies, and Tessa seemed like a good candidate.

That evening, after the filming crew had wrapped up, Ella knocked on Tessa's door. "Hey, Tessa, I heard you've been having trouble sleeping lately, so I brought you some sleep-inducing incense."

Tessa had her assistant open the door. She was doing her skincare routine in front of the makeup mirror and turned slightly to say thanks.

Ella quickly stepped in and placed the incense on the table, smiling warmly. "Your skin is amazing, even better than mine. You look like you're eighteen without makeup."

Tessa proudly touched her cheek. She was only 28 and had indeed maintained her skin well, with full cheeks and no wrinkles. Although online comments said she wasn't as fresh as the latest batch of twenty-something newcomers, she felt she was no worse than Victoria when she looked in the mirror. Ella and Victoria were the same age, and Ella had admitted it, so it must be true. Feeling good, Tessa asked, "Ella, the filming's over, why'd you come to see me?"

Ella sat on the chair next to her, her eyes filled with envy. "I feel a connection with you as soon as I see you. Your shows are so good, and the haute couture dress and jewelry you wore at the Golden Eagle Awards were stunning. I wonder when I'll get to wear haute couture."

Tessa was initially pleased by her compliments, but her face turned cold again at the mention of the Golden Eagle Awards. Losing the Best Actress award to Victoria was a huge humiliation for her. Ella quickly covered her mouth, cautiously glanced at Tessa, and then said, "Honestly, I think you should've won Best Actress that night. When the host announced Victoria's name, no one saw it coming." Ella shook her head as she spoke, looking regretful.

Tessa replied stiffly, "The judges made their choice, I have nothing to say." In truth, she harbored a lot of resentment, but she had only known Ella for a short time and didn't trust her, so she wouldn't reveal her true feelings.

Ella, however, spoke excitedly. "Tessa, you're too good-natured. It's not just me; a lot of people think Victoria's win was unfair. Who knows who she bribed? Later, the trending topic questioning Victoria's win was suppressed, showing her power. On the other hand, Poppy, who only won a small newcomer award, was criticized for so long. I think Victoria should be the one getting criticized, and Poppy was just a scapegoat."

Ella's words hit home for Tessa. She smiled and patted Ella's shoulder. "Ella, it's fine to say these things to me, but don't say them outside. By the way, why are you so focused on Victoria? Do you have a grudge against her?" Tessa saw through Ella's intentions and probed.

Victoria had marketed herself at Tessa's expense and snatched the director Electra she had her eye on. She remembered all these grudges. But she wasn't easily swayed by a few words from a young girl; she would deal with Victoria, but she wouldn't lose her cool because of Ella.

Ella chuckled, "I don't have any beef with her; I'm just feeling bad for you. You've been acting for so many years, with the experience and ratings to deserve the Best Actress award, but you still haven't won it."

Tessa pretended to be relieved and smiled, "Yeah, it's a bit of a bummer, but that's life. A lot of girls who started acting with me have left the industry now. I'm getting more popular, so I'm already pretty lucky."

Ella's smile froze. Tessa was too passive! Her eyes shifted, and she thought of another angle. "Tessa, I saw on Twitter that your new show is about to air. Victoria's show is also under review, so they might air at the same time. Then the audience will know who the real ratings champ is."

Tessa finally got nervous. Her show was scheduled to air at the end of next month. Victoria was currently very popular, and she didn't want to air at the same time, which would definitely split the ratings. Moreover, this show "Missing is like Flowing Water" was a realistic drama, different from her usual idol dramas, marking her transition. She couldn't afford poor ratings.

But Ella mentioned "under review," and she remembered her boyfriend Albert Sanchez was the son of the FCC review department head. She planned to ask him to delay the review process, at least until her show finished airing.

While Tessa was calling Albert, Victoria was on her way to a dinner party. It was a private club with someone waiting at the door to take Victoria upstairs. Victoria was fully armed with sunglasses and a mask, only taking them off once she entered the private room. Ethan, Nick, and Roy had arrived earlier and were chatting after ordering the food.

Seeing Victoria, Nick joked, "The big star is really busy, making us wait for so long."

Roy joined in, "We're lucky to benefit from Ethan, otherwise we wouldn't have the chance to dine with the Best Actress."

Victoria threw her hat onto the sofa, "If you two keep talking like this, I'll leave right now."

Nick laughed, "Just kidding, it's rare for us to get together again. It's a pity Eric is still in Avalonia and won't come back."

Victoria also laughed, "I thought he would protect me at the company, but I won the award on my own and haven't seen him at the office."

Ethan smiled slightly and handed her a glass of water, "Have some water."

"Just what I needed, thanks." Victoria took the water and drank half of it in one go. She had rushed over after finishing her schedule and had forgotten to drink water.

As they ate and chatted, Victoria shared interesting stories from the entertainment industry. Ethan, working in government, listened quietly. Nick talked about the challenges and joys of running the Love Pets website, while Roy mentioned some old employees' dissatisfaction and Tony's imminent return. Victoria reminded him, "Jasmine has been contacting some investors lately. I think she's looking for a backer to help Tony fight for the family assets. You should be careful."

Roy raised his glass, "Thanks." Tony was studying abroad and reportedly doing well, set to return next year. But Roy had been in the company for two years and was familiar with the business, not worried about Tony taking his place.

As for Jasmine and Jessica, he would leave them to his mother to handle.

In her past life, she pushed him into an abyss. Now reborn, she publicly cancels her wedding, desperate to throw herself into his arms and beg for his forgiveness.

However, he pushes her away with icy suspicion, only to trap her with scorching desire in the dead of night.

In this ultimate story of groveling and redemption, can she win back the obsessive, fiercely loving man she once destroyed?

Search for “Reborn and Obsessed: My Nemesis's Fierce Love!” and watch her fight to reverse their fate