Chapter 356 You Don't Let Me Go, I Insist on Going

Chapter 356 You Don't Let Me Go, I Insist on Going

Victoria shook her head. "No need. Since they came looking for me, I'll go hear what they have to say." She had already explained her grudge with Ella to Wilmer. Worried that Brian and Joan might say something to attract the attention of reporters, Wilmer had the receptionist bring them to the company's meeting room.

"Mr. Scott, Mrs. Scott, Ms. Hamilton will see you now," the receptionist said, gesturing politely for them to enter.

Brian scoffed, "I told you we were Victoria's elders. Do you believe me now?" The receptionist rolled her eyes discreetly. Fans often pretended to be relatives of celebrities, and if she believed every one of them, she wouldn't be able to do her job. Besides, this couple claimed to be Victoria's elders but were vague about their exact relationship, likely distant relatives.

In the meeting room, the receptionist left after escorting the couple, and Serafina closed the door and stood guard outside. Victoria stood up and asked, "What brings you two here today?"

Brian's face darkened. "You don't even call us Mom and Dad anymore?"

Victoria's eyes were filled with sarcasm. "Do you remember how you wronged and humiliated me the day Ella was fired? You stopped considering me your daughter long ago, yet you still expect me to be grateful for your upbringing? Isn't that a bit greedy?"

Joan stepped forward, speaking kindly, "Victoria, we wronged you that day. We're here to apologize. But Ella has suffered so much over the years. Can't you let it go? Eighteen years of raising you can't be erased by one incident."

Victoria glanced at her watch, her face expressionless. "You ignored me for years, and now you suddenly want to apologize because of Ella? Just get to the point. I have a shoot in ten minutes."

Brian said, "You're grown up now and don't need us. But you can't take Ella's role. She was the first to show interest in the lead role in 'Meeting the Divine.' I've already discussed investing in it. Please don't compete with her."

Joan added, "Yes, Victoria. We know you're doing well and missing one show won't affect your career. But Ella really needs this opportunity. For our sake, let her have it. And please look out for her in the industry."

Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I never intended to compete with her. Is she that afraid of me? My driver is waiting downstairs. I have to go."

"Good, as long as you don't compete," Joan said, satisfied. Seeing Victoria get up to leave, she hurried after her. "Victoria, please introduce some of your fashion contacts to Ella. You have so many; sharing a few won't hurt."

Wilmer watched the couple in shock. Did they realize how valuable Victoria's fashion connections were? Expecting her to just hand them over to Ella was absurd. But he stayed silent, knowing this was Victoria's personal matter and trusting she wouldn't be so easily swayed. Sure enough, Victoria stopped, turned back with a smile, and said, "I don't have any extra resources. Even if I did, I wouldn't give them to someone who constantly tries to harm me." With that, she turned and left without looking back.

Joan wanted to chase after her, but Brian held her back. "Forget it. She agreed not to compete for 'Meeting the Divine.' She's heartless. We can't expect her to help Ella. As long as she doesn't cause trouble, it's fine."

Serafina, overhearing this, widened her eyes. Who was heartless? They only cared about their biological daughter, saying such outrageous things. Victoria was already being generous by not kicking them out. If they hadn't adopted her, the Hamilton family might have found her long ago, and she would have had a much better life. Ella's hardships weren't Victoria's fault. Why should she be responsible?

In the car, Victoria flipped through a magazine, her expression unchanged. Serafina couldn't hold back her anger. "That couple is so shameless. Victoria, don't listen to them. You have nothing to feel guilty about. Ella's suffering wasn't your fault."

Victoria glanced at her, her expression unreadable. "Of course, I'm not an idiot." Though she said this now, in her previous life, she had been foolish. If she hadn't seen Brian and Joan's extreme favoritism, she might still feel guilty towards Ella.

Wilmer said, "Since you've decided, I'll turn down the 'Meeting the Divine' script."

"Wait!" Victoria suddenly changed her mind. "Let me see the script again." Wilmer pulled the script from his bag and handed it to her. Victoria quickly skimmed through Quiana's scenes. One scene where the lead, Ella, and the second lead, Jasmine, both knelt before Quiana caught her eye. It was a satisfying image. Ella and Jasmine would be furious.

"Since they came to ask me personally, I'll take the role," Victoria said with a smile. Ella had gone to the trouble of bringing Brian and Joan to persuade her, which piqued her interest. She might as well join the fun.

Wilmer said, "It's up to you. If you're sure, I'll contact the producer now."

"Yes, I'm sure."

While Victoria was shooting a magazine cover, Wilmer contacted Billy, the producer of 'Meeting the Divine,' and confirmed the collaboration. Given Victoria's high status, her name would be listed before all the main actors, ensuring no one would mistake her for a supporting role to Ella. 

With Victoria on board, the investors and Billy were confident the show's viewership would be strong. Even with her limited screen time, they heavily promoted her involvement, almost as if she were the lead.

This upset Ella. She confronted Joan and Brian. "Didn't you say Victoria wouldn't be involved?"

Joan replied, "She promised not to take your role. We don't know what happened."

Ella rolled her eyes. "She didn't take my lead role. She's just a guest star. But her presence overshadows mine. It's ridiculous." With Victoria in the same show, her fans would undoubtedly mock Ella, saying she wasn't as beautiful as Victoria. 

As the lead, Ella should have the best styling and be the most beautiful woman in the show. But with Victoria's high status, she wouldn't agree to look less attractive, especially since Quiana's character was supposed to be the most beautiful.

Joan, not understanding the industry, was pleased. "We asked her to support you, and now she's in your show, using her fame to boost it. As the lead, you'll get the credit if the show does well."