Chapter 7

Yvaine?

She'd joined Starlight Media Group this early?

Cordelia frowned. In her past life, Yvaine hadn't entered Starlight Media Group until after Cordelia had firmly established herself there—using Cordelia's connections to get in.

Why was it happening so much sooner this time?

Could it be someone with the same name?

Clinging to a shred of hope, Cordelia looked up—only to see Yvaine walking in behind Kaida Fisher, the director of the artist management department, wearing a radiant smile.

Cordelia's heart sank. Some things had clearly been moved up.

"Hello, everyone! I'm Yvaine Sforza, a newcomer in the artist management department. I look forward to learning from all of you seniors!"

"Another beauty? She could debut right now with that face!"

"I'm going to write a custom script just for her. No one fight me for it!"

"With your skills? I'd be way better!"

The screenwriting department erupted into chatter. Yvaine soaked in the compliments, her smile growing wider.

"Ms. Fisher, what a coincidence today!" David walked in holding coffee, teasing. "You've got a new hire, we've got a new hire—these two really are fated!"

At his words, everyone in the screenwriting department turned to look at Cordelia.

Yvaine followed their gazes. The moment she recognized who the new hire was, her eyes widened slightly.

That bitch Cordelia really did join Starlight Media Group. She just hadn't expected Cordelia to beat her here.

But it didn't matter. No matter when she arrived, Cordelia would still be her personal cash cow this lifetime!

Yvaine lowered and raised her eyes, masking the venom in her gaze. She plastered on an innocent expression and walked over to Cordelia. "Cordelia, you're at Starlight Media Group too? What a coincidence! Mom and Dad will be so happy to know we're at the same company!"

Then, seamlessly shifting her surprise to concern, she added, "By the way, where have you been all this time? You just ran away from home like that—Mom, Dad, and I have been so worried…"

Cordelia looked at her coldly, her face expressionless.

The people around them exchanged glances. Some managed to keep quiet; others started whispering.

"Cordelia, why aren't you saying anything?" Yvaine looked at her, acting timid, as if Cordelia had bullied her terribly.

"What do you want me to say?" Cordelia remained seated, her gaze sharp as she looked up at Yvaine. "Who said we're family? My last name is Windsor. Yours is Sforza. We have nothing to do with each other. Who exactly are you putting on this act for?"

Yvaine felt a knot tighten in her chest.

This bitch! She really is different from last time!

In the past life, one word from Yvaine and Cordelia would come running like a dog. Now, even after Yvaine had lowered herself like this, Cordelia still acted high and mighty. Where did she get the nerve?

Thinking back to Mason's description of the Windsor family—poor, wretched, terrible—Yvaine's confidence returned instantly.

She adjusted her expression, let out a theatrical sigh, and said, "Cordelia, I hate to say this as your younger sister, but you're being way too stubborn!"

"Mom and Dad only said a few words to you, and you packed up and ran away from home. Do you know how much that hurt them?"

"You should know—in that house, you, the adopted daughter, were treated a thousand times better than me, their real daughter!"

Yvaine deliberately emphasized "adopted daughter" and "real daughter." Sure enough, the murmurs around them grew louder.

Yvaine's lips curled ever so slightly.

'Bitch. I refuse to believe I can't handle you.'

"Yvaine, you don't need to put on a show for me." Cordelia sneered. "You know exactly what kind of person you are. And I know it even better. Don't dream that I'll ever go back to the Sforza family, and definitely don't dream that I'll become your personal supply to drain whenever you want."

Yvaine was probably still living in her fantasy. Fine—Cordelia might as well make things crystal clear and tear off the mask completely. Better than watching her play pretend.

It was disgusting.

Sure enough, Yvaine's expression shifted immediately after hearing Cordelia's words.

But impressively, even in that situation, she quickly masked her shock and replaced it with the most advantageous expression.

"Cordelia, you've misunderstood me. I would never think that way…"

As Yvaine spoke, her mind raced.

'What the hell is going on with this bitch? How does she know everything? In the last life, didn't she obey me without question? What went wrong?'

Realizing that continuing to pester Cordelia would only backfire, Yvaine decided to cut her losses.

"Cordelia, I know you're still angry with me and Mom and Dad. How about this—I'll leave for now. When you're not angry anymore, I'll come see you again."

With that, she turned and walked over to her boss, Kaida, looking pitiful as she said she was leaving.

Kaida glanced at Cordelia, her gaze heavy, but said nothing. After a quick word with David, she left the screenwriting department with Yvaine.

David smiled, casting a meaningful glance at Cordelia.

He'd heard Yvaine came from a decent background. If Cordelia was the Sforza family's adopted daughter, and judging by her attitude toward Yvaine… there was definitely a story here.

Plus, word was that Mr. Clifford had personally brought Cordelia in… Starlight Media Group was about to get interesting.

David shook his head and walked off. The moment he left, the department relaxed, and whispers erupted.

Some nosy person, seeing that Cordelia was new, shamelessly sidled up to fish for gossip—only to be met with Cordelia's cold face and a blunt "No comment."

Feeling embarrassed, the busybody muttered a few passive-aggressive remarks before turning around to badmouth Cordelia to others.

"Don't pay attention to them." Niamh scooted closer, studying Cordelia's expression carefully as she tried to comfort her. "They're like that. No real skills, but their mouths never stop running."

"I know. I'm not upset." Cordelia flashed Niamh a big smile. "They can't affect me."

She'd seen these people's tactics in her past life—gossip, rumors, making things up. Idiots, all of them.

Relieved that her idol wasn't bothered, Niamh relaxed. "It's almost lunchtime. I'll take you downstairs to eat later. There's this noodle place that's absolutely amazing—you're going to love it!"

"Sounds great!" Cordelia agreed with a smile. This little foodie—she'd been obsessed with good food in both lifetimes. "Niamh, let's exchange contact info?"

"Yes!" Thrilled to get her idol's contact, Niamh immediately pulled out her phone.

The two exchanged numbers and were about to pick up their earlier conversation when they were interrupted again—

"Which one of you is Ms. Cordelia Windsor? Director Orsini would like to see you."