She Took My Contract, I Won the National Award

Chapter 2

David Mercer had appeared at the doorway without anyone noticing.

He stepped forward quickly, positioning himself protectively behind Lina and placing his body firmly between her and Jasper.

He looked at the intruder with chilling sharpness, a stark contrast to his usual gentle demeanor.

"Leave immediately. This is a formal business setting."

"David!" Lina clung to his sleeve like a drowning person grasping a lifeline, trembling as she hid behind him.

Seeing this made Jasper even more furious.

He pointed directly at David and shouted, "Don't act so noble! You're just a guy who makes movies for money! She was tricked by your reputation!" He tried to push past David to get to Lina.

The scene descended into chaos. David shielded Lina while blocking Jasper's advances, and the situation only calmed when security finally arrived to drag the man away.

David spoke softly to comfort the shaken Lina, but his gaze happened to fall upon my backpack, which had been knocked over during the commotion.

Attached to the strap was a hand-woven charm I had made myself, an intricate butterfly shape crafted from deep red thread, possessing a simple yet stubborn charm.

His eyes rested on the charm for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly in confusion.

"That knot... I feel like I have seen it somewhere before..."

His voice was quiet, but Lina, pressed close to his side, heard every word.

She stiffened violently, following his gaze to the charm on my bag.

A wave of overwhelming panic washed over her.

In her past life, it was this substitute, someone she had never even considered worthy of notice, who eventually took everything from her, including David.

"David, let's go now!" Lina practically screamed, interrupting his thoughts.

She tugged hard at his arm, desperate to sever any possible connection or attention he might direct toward me.

The comments section, which had paused during the disturbance, began scrolling wildly again.

A: [Oh my god, that rapper is terrifying! Run, Lina, run!]

B: [Director David is such a hero! Total protector mode!]

C: [Wait a second... did David just look at Elena's bag? And say the charm looked familiar? Did they know each other before?]

D: [Impossible! She definitely saw Lina sign that big contract and is now using cheap tricks to get David's attention! How shameless!]

'Trying to get his attention? How ridiculous.'

I picked up my bag without expression, untied the woven charm, and dropped it into the trash bin.

Then, under the mixed looks of pity and disdain from everyone else, I straightened my back and walked out of the conference room.

The path for me was never going to be paved with handouts, nor would it be built by stealing what belonged to others.

With the contract signed and settled, the atmosphere inside the Morgan mansion became noticeably tense.

Lina was now the center of the family's world. The prestige of her exclusive contract with Apex had transformed all her past reckless behavior into signs of a free spirit and true character.

Mr. and Mrs. Morgan wore their happiest smiles in months, looking at their daughter with pure pride.

"Lina, you have truly brought honor to this family!" Mr. Morgan patted her shoulder. "That contract is exactly what a daughter of the Morgans deserves!"

"As for you, Elena..." Mrs. Morgan glanced at me, her tone dismissive and condescending, "We have fed, clothed, and educated you for years. We have given you access to resources and connections. Why must you be so disappointing? I hate to say it, but looking at Lina and then looking at you... the difference in quality is simply natural."

Mr. Morgan frowned with impatience. "I suppose if you aren't born a Morgan, you lack that certain spark. I thought that after raising you for so long, you might amount to something, but look at the result. Signing a basic contract? What kind of future does that offer?"

"Father, Mother!" Lina stepped in, wrapping her arm affectionately around her mother's waist. "Please don't be so hard on Elena. A standard contract isn't so bad. It's perfect for someone who is happy playing small roles and living a quiet, stable life."

The superiority in her words was sharp and piercing.

The comments section flooded with messages.

A: [Haha! Finally, the Morgans see the fake daughter for what she really is!]

B: [A beginner contract suits her perfectly. She belongs in the background! The family would be better off keeping a pet than her!]

I listened in silence.

A standard contract might be a low starting point, but it was certainly not a dead end.

Before I was scheduled to begin filming, I registered for the National Young Actors Competition and also took a part-time job as a production assistant near the film studio.

Every morning, while Lina was still asleep to preserve her beauty, I was already working hard on set.

Every evening, while she enjoyed her parents' affection and shared in Apex's premium resources, I dragged my exhausted body home, ate a cold meal quickly, and spent hours practicing my performance in front of a mirror.

The mockery in the comments section never ceased.

A: [Look at that, the fake daughter thinks she's working hard. Enjoy being a production assistant!]

B: [Pretending to practice acting? Does she think she's a legendary actress reincarnated?]

C: [Experience life at the bottom while you can. You'd better get used to it.]

A few days later, the Morgans held a grand celebration banquet to mark Lina's signing with Apex.

Almost every notable figure in the entertainment industry attended, offering congratulations to Lina and her parents.

"Mr. and Mrs. Morgan, congratulations! For your daughter to join Apex... like father, like daughter, truly remarkable!"

"Miss Lina has a brilliant future ahead. The Morgan legacy is in good hands!"

Mr. and Mrs. Morgan glowed with happiness.

Lina, dressed in a top-season designer gown, stood like a princess surrounded by admirers, accepting praise with poise and pride.

Then, a guest asked curiously, "Mr. Morgan, I believe you have two daughters? Why do we not see the other young lady here tonight?"

Mr. Morgan's smile stiffened slightly, and he answered with deliberate casualness. "Oh, you mean Elena? Don't bring her up. She signed a very basic contract. She simply cannot compare to Lina. She probably felt it would be inappropriate for her to appear at an event of this caliber."

Mrs. Morgan quickly added, "Exactly. Since she isn't our biological child, it is only natural that her talents are limited. She likely felt ashamed to show her face, so she stayed away."

Just as Mr. and Mrs. Morgan were busy explaining and Lina was soaking in the compliments, a loud commotion broke out near the entrance.

The family butler rushed in, his voice trembling with excitement. "Sir! Madam! The Chairman of Apex Media has arrived! And he has brought several world-famous directors with him!"

The crowd was stunned.

'The Chairman of Apex? International directors?' I thought.

"They must be here for Miss Lina! Plenty of people sign exclusive contracts, but how many get the Chairman himself to visit? She is truly incredible!"

Mr. and Mrs. Morgan were shocked and delighted, hastily straightening their clothes.

Lina stood taller, putting on her most perfect smile to receive this great honor.

The group walked into the banquet hall, carrying an air of distinction.

Leading them was Robert Thompson, Chairman of Apex Media.

Behind him followed several internationally acclaimed directors, all heavyweights in the industry.

Mr. Morgan, his voice shaking with excitement, hurried forward to greet them. "Chairman Thompson, honored directors! What an unexpected pleasure! You have made our home shine just by stepping inside!"

Chairman Thompson grabbed Mr. Morgan's hand firmly, his voice loud and full of emotion. "Mr. Morgan, you have raised such a magnificent daughter! You have truly discovered a rare talent for the performing arts!"

Mr. Morgan was confused. He glanced instinctively toward Lina and said, "Chairman Thompson, you flatter us. My daughter Lina is honored to work with Apex, but she has not yet..."

"Lina?" Chairman Thompson paused, his tone becoming noticeably distant. "Oh, your younger daughter. I heard she signed an exclusive contract? That is fine, very good indeed." He nodded absently, his eyes scanning the room urgently, as if searching for a precious treasure.

The guests looked at one another, realizing instantly that these important people had not come for Lina at all.

Lina, who had been standing ready to greet them with a beaming smile, froze in place, her face turning ashen.

At that moment, Chairman Thompson's gaze locked onto a corner of the room...

Onto me.

I was wearing a simple T-shirt and still had the grey armbands from my shift as a production assistant.

His eyes lit up instantly. A wide, enthusiastic smile spread across his face as he pushed through the crowd and strode directly toward me.

"At last, I have found you, Miss Elena Reed…"