'Damn, with those acting skills. What a waste if she doesn't become an actress,' I thought bitterly.

"It's fine. I'm tough and not afraid of rain. I'm glad you're okay." When I was done with the pretense, I walked around my desk to start working.

My response caught Helen off guard. She turned to Richard. "Richard, this is my fault. Sophia went through all that trouble for me. Can we invite her to have breakfast with us as an apology?"

I...

Richard had been sitting there, completely ignoring me. But hearing Helen's words, he set down the hairdryer and looked my way. "Come eat."

His tone was emotionless and cold.

Did it hurt? I was used to it!

When it came to Richard, I could never coldly refuse him.

Despite my conflicted feelings, I managed a soft smile. "Thank you." I sat at the far end of the sofa.

"Sophia, try this burger. It's our favorite. Richard always lines up to buy it whenever we're together." Helen offered me one.

I stared at the burger. To me, it wasn't just food—it was their way of flaunting their relationship. I held it but didn't take a bite.

Noticing my reaction, Helen became slightly annoyed. She turned to Richard with a smile. "Richard, if I get the film role, you'll have to buy me these burgers when you visit."

Richard tensed momentarily. The mention of the film reminded him why he'd come. He glared at me. "Cancel Sherry's contract immediately."

"You said company operations were under my control." Despite fearing his intimidating presence, I had to protect the company's interests. How could I just terminate our newly signed lead actress?

Sherry was among the top four actresses currently. She had looks and talent.

Most importantly, any male lead who worked with her instantly gained popularity.

"The Biography of Empress Anna" was meant to be our year's blockbuster. I was counting on Sherry's star power to boost our male actors' careers.

"Sophia, don't be mad at Richard. It's my fault. Since my debut, I haven't acted because I hadn't found the right role. When I heard about 'The Biography of Empress Anna,' I told Richard I wanted the lead. I didn't know you'd already signed someone."

Helen looked ashamed again, appearing terrified and guilt-ridden!

"It's not your fault. Just eat." Richard gently stroked her hair.

Turning to me, his demeanor instantly chilled. His voice rose: "Remember, Nectarine Entertainment exists for Helen. Everything follows her wishes."

His tone was absolute.

He was right. Nectarine Entertainment did exist for Helen.

Three years ago, when Richard married me, Helen had thrown a massive fit. To appease her, Richard bought her a film company, naming it Nectarine Entertainment. Its sole purpose was to support Helen.

Perhaps to let Helen vent her anger, Richard had transferred me to manage the company.

If I was the thorn in Richard's heart, then Nectarine Entertainment was his arrow, stabbing deep into my heart to avenge Helen. For three years, Helen hadn't acted. Besides clinging to Richard, she'd only created problems for me.

Daily, I watched them display their affection and trample my dignity, while handling Helen's endless troubles.

I worked tirelessly spending money and effort to keep Helen, who did nothing, trending and relevant. Meanwhile, under my management, the company thrived. Several projects I'd invested in became hits. Multiple young talents in our company rose to stardom.

"The contract's signed. Termination penalty is ten times the original amount." I stated facts. Sherry's schedule was packed. We'd offered top industry rates to secure her.

"That's your problem!" Richard stood, ready to leave with Helen.

"Richard." Seeing him about to leave again, I called out.