Chapter 6

As one of the nation's top film and television companies, Starlight Media Group had numerous departments—screenwriting, development, publicity, artist management, distribution, and more. The office environment was bright, open, and beautifully designed.

Walking beside Ellington, Cordelia took in the familiar surroundings, feeling an unexpected sense of nostalgia.

In her past life, she'd joined Starlight Media Group right after graduation. She'd grown in the screenwriting department, rising from a nobody to a seasoned lead writer capable of handling major projects on her own.

It could be said that her career, her youth—most of it had been spent at Starlight Media Group.

Even though Yvaine and the Sforza family had leeched off her, making life unbearable, the time she'd spent fighting for her dreams here was still something Cordelia cherished.

Lost in her memories, Cordelia didn't notice the well-defined hand waving in front of her face.

She looked up and met Ellington's teasing gaze.

"What are you thinking about? You were so lost in thought, you didn't hear a word I just said."

Realizing she'd been rude, Cordelia quickly apologized. "I'm sorry. I spaced out. If you don't mind, could you repeat what you just said?"

Ellington raised an eyebrow, suddenly in the mood to tease her. "I mind."

With that, he turned and walked off, though the smile tugging at his lips was impossible to suppress.

Cordelia was momentarily stunned. Then, snapping out of it, she hurried after him, following him into the screenwriting department.

The department was bustling. Everyone was busy, keyboards clicking constantly, people walking briskly from one place to another.

"Everyone, take a quick break from your work—" Ellington clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "This is Ms. Cordelia Windsor. She's our new screenwriter. Let's give her a warm welcome."

At the sound of Ellington's voice, everyone turned to look at Cordelia standing beside him.

Mr. Clifford brought her in personally?

What's her background?

Could she be… Mr. Clifford's girlfriend?

Everyone's thoughts varied. The gazes landing on Cordelia carried a mix of curiosity, enthusiasm, jealousy, and scrutiny.

But on the surface, everyone wore friendly smiles.

"Great! The screenwriting department finally has some fresh blood!"

"Finally, a new teammate! Our team dinners are going to be even livelier now!"

"Ms. Windsor, if there's anything you don't understand, just ask. I'm happy to help."

Cordelia looked calmly at the faces around her—men and women, young and old—all familiar from her past life.

Among them were close allies who'd helped her through tough times, as well as toxic leeches who'd kicked her while she was down when Yvaine framed her and she was cyberbullied—people who'd stolen her work.

"Hello, everyone! I'm Cordelia. I'm new here, so I hope all of you seniors will guide me."

No matter whether their words were sincere or not, Cordelia accepted them calmly.

But this time around, she would never let those snakes hurt her again.

The head of the screenwriting department, Linda Brooks, walked over with a smile and shook Cordelia's hand. "Hello, Ms. Windsor. Welcome to the screenwriting department."

Ellington glanced at his watch. "I've got a meeting. I need to go."

He grabbed a sticky note and pen from a nearby desk, scribbled down his phone number, and pressed it into Cordelia's hand. "This is my private number. Call me if you need anything."

With a slight nod to Linda, he turned and left the department.

Cordelia held the sticky note. It still seemed to carry Ellington's warmth.

After a moment's thought, she tucked it into her bag.

Linda watched the exchange, her eyes darkening briefly.

"Ms. Windsor, please come to my office." When Linda looked up again, the darkness in her eyes had vanished. "I've read your script. I'd like to discuss your creative direction moving forward."

"Sure." Cordelia smiled and followed Linda into her office.

The moment the office door closed, the department erupted into whispers.

"What's her background? She actually got Mr. Clifford's attention! Is she his girlfriend?"

"Does she even deserve to be Mr. Clifford's girlfriend? She should take a good look in the mirror!"

"I heard that viral script 'Late Summer' was written by her. Maybe Mr. Clifford just appreciates talent?"

"'Late Summer'? That script wasn't even that great. The details were rough. She probably paid for marketing to make it blow up. Or she just got lucky."

"Come on, sour grapes much? If you're so good, why don't you write something like that yourself?"

"Are you saying I'm jealous of Cordelia? What does she have that I'd be jealous of? I think you're—"

Just as an argument was about to break out, the assistant director of the screenwriting department, David Hughes, walked in with a big smile. "Are we fighting over plot points now? I know everyone's passionate about their work, but let's not let it hurt our relationships."

Realizing David was giving them an out, the two who'd been about to argue quickly backed down, looking sheepish.

"It's hot out. Tempers run high—it's natural." David said warmly. "I ordered coffee and cold drinks for everyone. They'll be here soon. Should help cool everyone down."

The team was naturally pleased to have their boss treat them. Compliments flew, and the atmosphere in the office lightened considerably.

Half an hour later, Cordelia emerged from the director's office. The moment she stepped out, she noticed a cup of coffee sitting on her desk.

She picked it up and looked around, unsure who'd left it for her.

"Our assistant director treated everyone to coffee. You weren't here, so I grabbed one for you."

Hearing the familiar voice, Cordelia turned and saw a familiar face smiling at her—warm and friendly.

Niamh?

Niamh Jenkins?

In her past life, Niamh had been her most capable subordinate in the screenwriting department, her best friend, and the person who'd stayed with her until the very end, offering her endless warmth.

"What's wrong? Don't you like this flavor?" Niamh waved her hand in front of Cordelia's face, her tone tentative.

Cordelia snapped out of it, lowering her head to hide her emotions.

When she looked up again, her face wore a warm, genuine smile.

"No, I love it." Cordelia looked at Niamh, her eyes full of affection. "Thank you for thinking of me."

"Of course!" Niamh grinned. "I'm Niamh Jenkins. You have no idea—I absolutely loved 'Late Summer'! Meeting my idol today has me over the moon!"

Niamh had said the same thing in her past life. She was still as sincere as ever.

Cordelia smiled and started chatting with her about scriptwriting. The more they talked, the more they clicked. Just as they reached a key point in their conversation, a commotion erupted outside.

"Our company just signed a new actress—Yvaine Sforza. I'm showing her around."