Chapter 370 The Final Chapter

Chapter 370 The Final Chapter

In October, Eric came back to the States. The first thing he did when he got back to the company was announce the production of a sci-fi movie. This film, adapted from the hottest sci-fi novel around, tells the story of a future world where Earth's resources are depleted, and humanity tries to build a planetary engine to take Earth into space in search of a new home. With a planned investment of five billion dollars, the budget was so huge that they decided to team up with the old-school film company, Majestic Pictures.

As the leading actress at Starlight Entertainment, Victoria was naturally picked to star in the movie. If she remembered right, this film would become the first successful sci-fi blockbuster in Aerion's history, topping the domestic box office that year and ushering in a new era. Victoria felt incredibly lucky to be part of such a project. In her previous life, she couldn't even dream of being involved in something like this, so she didn't remember that it was Eric who had started it all.

Also, this month, Samuel and Teresa were getting married. Luckily, the movie was still in the planning stages, so Victoria could attend the wedding. Watching Samuel and Teresa happily embrace on stage, Victoria felt a bit emotional. The two had been in love for a long time, but it had taken them years to finally come together, turning Samuel into an older bachelor, much to Diana's worry. As the bride and groom kissed, Victoria glanced at Ethan, sitting not far away. He looked back and mouthed, "When we get married, it'll be just like this." Victoria rolled her eyes playfully at him and turned her attention back to the stage.

Ethan had been transferred back to Sunhaven last month. This detour from the career path Finnegan had planned for him had earned him a stern talking-to, but the transfer order was final, and Finnegan had to accept that Ethan, now grown, had his own ideas. Despite his busy work schedule, Ethan managed to find time to go on dates with Victoria once or twice a month, and their relationship was growing stronger.

In November, the film festival took place, and the movie Victoria had starred in last year, "The Person in the Painting," was nominated for Best Picture. Victoria was also up for Best Actress. As Victoria walked the red carpet in her glamorous attire, Ella was boarding a flight to Rexdonia. Watching Victoria shine on her phone screen, Ella's hatred deepened. She wouldn't give up easily. If legal means didn't work, she didn't mind resorting to illegal ones, especially since she was heading to Rexdonia, where Aerion's police couldn't touch her.

That night, Victoria won the Best Actress award, becoming the new Best Actress! Standing on the podium, she delivered her acceptance speech with a confident smile, her slender arm holding the trophy showcasing her healthy, elegant beauty. This scene further agitated Ella, who couldn't sleep even with an eye mask on, and ended up ordering a large bottle of whiskey from the flight attendant. She took several swigs and cursed Victoria in her drunkenness before finally passing out under the influence of alcohol.

After winning Best Actress, Victoria turned down several movie collaboration offers. She had already promised Eric to keep her schedule open for his sci-fi blockbuster. She also cut back on her participation in events, only attending the most important ones. 

Tonight's GQ Fashion Gala was one such event, a major occasion in the fashion world attended by top celebrities and luxury brand directors. Victoria wore a champagne-colored fitted gown, a new design by Valentino. Many designers and directors approached her for conversation, and Victoria responded politely.Halfway through the gala, a waiter accidentally bumped into Victoria, spilling red wine on her shoes. The waiter quickly lowered his head to apologize. 

Victoria noticed a hint of red hair peeking out from under his cap, indicating he was likely a temporary hire, as the hotel staff weren't allowed to dye their hair such colors. Victoria waved it off, saying, "It's fine. I'll just go to the restroom. You all continue."

In the restroom, she cleaned her shoes, thankful that the wine had only stained the surface, making it easy to clean. If it had spilled on her gown, she would have had to pay for the damages. When she returned to the gala, the red-haired waiter eagerly offered champagne and red wine. Victoria gave him a faint smile and chose the champagne, though she didn't drink it, holding the glass in her hand. 

She noticed the waiter seemed particularly attentive to her, frequently appearing nearby and eyeing her glass. Suspicious, she discreetly poured half the champagne into a flower vase when he wasn't looking. Sure enough, the waiter smiled with satisfaction upon seeing the half-empty glass and quickly disappeared from the hall.

Victoria called security to investigate the red-haired waiter and found him making an international call, addressing the person on the other end as "Ms. Scott." She immediately suspected Ella and sent the remaining champagne to the hospital for testing. 

The next day, the results confirmed that the drink had been spiked with an aphrodisiac. The waiter was captured and confessed that Ella had instructed him to drug Victoria and had arranged a hotel room with eight men for her. Fortunately, Victoria hadn't drunk the champagne, and the men waited in vain all night.

Learning the truth, Victoria sneered. She hadn't pursued Ella relentlessly, yet Ella had fled abroad and still wouldn't let her go. She promptly logged into the dark web, which she hadn't used in a long time, and posted a secret task.

Three days later, Ella, who was drinking heavily on a foreign street, was robbed by a gang. The thugs not only took all her cash and jewelry but also hit her with their car. When Brian and Joan arrived, Ella was in intensive care, her body covered in tubes. The doctor regretfully informed them, "Ella's spine is severely damaged. Even if she survives, she may never wake up and could remain in a vegetative state for life."

They angrily demanded the police catch the culprits, but the officers claimed it would be difficult as the street's surveillance cameras were broken. In reality, the police were colluding with the gang and wouldn't risk offending them for a foreigner with little money. The Scott family might be prestigious in Silvervale, but abroad, the police didn't care about them.

Upon receiving a photo of Ella's diagnosis, Victoria was satisfied and paid the remaining fee. She had once been a righteous and kind person, but now she didn't hesitate to use dirty means to protect herself. If the opponent played dirty, she would be even dirtier to stay undefeated. Publicly, she remained the glamorous superstar, cool yet approachable, with an excellent reputation in the industry.

After finishing the sci-fi film, Victoria announced her relationship with Ethan. They were engaged and planned to marry in six months, hoping for everyone's blessings. 

Though many fans lamented, they couldn't complain upon discovering that Victoria's fiancé was not only incredibly handsome but also a high-ranking public official. Ethan was the ideal son-in-law for most, with impeccable family background, looks, and a promising career.

Fans could only wish Victoria well: "We hope your future is filled with happiness, harmony, and even greater career success."