Chapter 12

Aria's fingers danced across her phone screen as she swiftly responded on Starfeed. First, she tagged Adrian Foster with the caption "Looking forward to working together," then tagged Aurora Entertainment's official account with a simple "Thank you."

The post detonated like a bomb, instantly setting the fandom ablaze.

Her fans, the Starlings, erupted in celebration.

[OMG our girl is moving up in the world! Adrian Foster is the legendary agent who groomed three Best Actors!]

[Who said Aria got dumped? She was the one who ditched that useless agent!]

[LOL at the haters scrambling now. How’s that humble pie taste?]

[Grant Mercer was trash. Adrian is the real deal!]

The antis and rival stammers fell silent. Even the most vocal trolls suddenly had nothing to say.

The entertainment industry was stunned.

"Aria Bennett actually got Adrian Foster on board?"

"Aurora Entertainment is publicly backing her? Who’s pulling strings behind the scenes?"

Several variety show producers quietly scrapped their plans to exploit the drama. They needed to reassess Aria’s worth.

Meanwhile, Aria was touring an apartment with Tessa.

"This duplex has top-tier security. No paparazzi will get past it." Tessa pushed open the floor-to-ceiling windows. "Great natural lighting too."

Aria surveyed the 200-square-meter space, its minimalist decor exuding understated elegance. She nodded. "This one."

After signing the lease, Aria turned to Tessa. "I’m driving back tonight to pick up my mom and brother. Can you stock the place with essentials?"

"Leave it to me." Tessa winked. "Adrian and I will handle the online mess."

As night fell, Nolan Reed stood outside Tessa’s building, his expression stormy.

"Where’s Aria?" He blocked Tessa at the door.

She rolled her eyes. "None of your business."

"We just had a fight." His voice tightened. "Tell her I know I was wrong."

Tessa scoffed. "Too late for that."

The door slammed in his face.

In the car, his assistant ventured cautiously, "Next week’s variety show… you’ll see her there."

Nolan’s eyes lit up.

She couldn’t avoid him forever, not when work was involved.

He pulled out his phone, the trending topic #AriaBennettAdrianFoster twisting like a knife in his chest.

She’d forgive him this time… right?

His fingers hovered over their chat window, typing and deleting until only one message remained:

"We need to talk."

A red exclamation mark glared back at him.

She’d blocked him.