Chapter 114 Retreat to Advance

Zayne's apology and Aurora's statement made the internet think they had the whole story. Some level-headed folks started apologizing on the production team's and David's and Emily's personal accounts. Meanwhile, others kept hammering Zayne's and Aurora's accounts, feeling even more justified in their actions.

On set, filming went on as usual, but the gossip had died down a lot. Everyone had seen the news about Zayne, leading to speculation about Aurora's departure. The complaints shifted from David and Ella to Zayne and Aurora.

When David heard the news, he immediately wanted to tell Ella, but James stopped him. "Anyone can tell Ella this news, except you," James said.

"Why?" David asked, confused.

James grinned. "It won't have the right effect. I think you should act like you're cooperating with Ella, keep your distance. When she notices the gossip has died down and realizes you're keeping your distance, she'll come to you."

David shook his head in disbelief, but just then, Emily showed up. She saw David and said, "David, I took your money, so I'll handle things properly. Your issue with Ella is resolved, but I suggest you don't approach her. Let her find out on her own or hear it from someone else. I'm the best person to tell her. You should keep your distance and wait for her to come to you."

"What?" David was surprised that Emily's strategy matched James's, especially since he had just expressed disbelief in James.

"Trust me, it'll work. You've been chasing her so hard, and if you suddenly stop and keep your distance, she'll be thrown off. You don't understand women's logic. Just listen to me." Emily patted David on the shoulder and went off to find Ella.

Emily: [I'm really working hard here, but for the money, it's worth it!]

When Emily found Ella, Ella had already noticed the change in people's attitudes. The constant pointing and whispering had lessened. Some people had looked down on her, thinking she got the role through connections, but that feeling was gone. Although some gossip remained, it was understandable given her lead role.

Emily: [So Ella has already caught on. That makes things easier.]

Emily smiled at Ella and said, "Ella, you've been through a lot lately, dealing with pressure you shouldn't have had to. I'm cooking tonight, and I'd love for you to join me."

Emily was being crafty. She didn't say if it was just Ella she was inviting. It wasn't a lie; she was inviting Ella, but also the Smith siblings.

Ella wouldn't refuse Emily's invitation, especially since she genuinely thought Emily was just asking her to join alone, so she nodded and agreed.

That evening, Emily whipped up a few dishes herself. When Ella arrived, she bumped into David at the door. She wanted to greet him politely, but David just gave her a quick glance and hurried inside.

Ella was taken aback. David had always been the one to greet her first. This sudden change was hard to adjust to. Why was David here? Wasn't she the only one invited?

Emily: [Got it right. How else would you feel David's coldness and move on to the next step of helping him pursue you?]

Emily hummed a tune as she cooked. She felt that if life continued like this, it wouldn't be so bad.

But Emily had no idea that one of her guests was planning to set her up.

That person was James. Before coming, Brian had approached James, looking troubled and unsure how to start.

"Brian, just say it. You came to me instead of Ms. Johnson because you want my help with something, right?" James said calmly, sensing it was important. This gave him a sense of purpose. Watching David and Ella's relationship grow while he was far from Ava's "have a baby" goal made him anxious.

Brian nodded quickly, still hesitant, but under James's encouraging gaze, he finally spoke. "Mr. Smith, you know we have our lead male roles, but the female roles are lacking. I thought of casting a guest actress as the second female lead, but none fit."

James nodded, understanding. He had seen all the guest actresses. His status attracted attention, so even if he didn't want to meet them, they wanted to meet him. None stood out.

"So you want me to?" James asked, not fully understanding.

Brian nodded eagerly. "Yes, exactly. Ms. Johnson is excellent in both acting and appearance, perfect for the second female lead. You know each other, so there's no need for a new actor adjustment. It's a win-win, right?"

James stroked his chin, considering. It was feasible, and he wanted to get back at Emily. She had used his investment to make him work, so now he could use his investor status to force her into the role. This way, he could get closer to her and strengthen their relationship.

This would bring him closer to Ava's goal of having a grandchild.

Before James arrived, the atmosphere in the room was awkward. Emily was still cooking, leaving David and Ella alone. David had initially sat near the door but moved when Ella entered, keeping his distance.