The Billionaire's Maid Bride novel Chapter 699

Allison slowly closed her eyes, her head resting gently on his lap, her breathing becoming steady and even. She had drifted off to sleep.

At that moment, the TV show came back from a commercial break, and a new episode began. The first image on the screen was Penelope's face. Or more accurately, it was Allison's face. He glanced at the TV for a few seconds, feeling a sudden tightness in his chest, like it was stuffed with cotton.

Being an understudy, performing but never getting the credit—that’s a special kind of hurt.

Lucian bent down, lifting her gently, and carried her back to the bedroom. She felt light as a feather. She was already slim, but since joining showbiz and sticking to a strict diet, she seemed even more delicate. So delicate that he felt like he might hurt her just by touching her.

He lay down beside her, tucking the covers around her, softly brushing the stray hairs from her face, and watched her sleep. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly. Lucian reached out and softly patted her back. In that moment, she seemed like a fragile porcelain doll. He was afraid of breaking her.

His gaze fell on her hands. Lucian noticed she wasn’t wearing the ring he had given her. She had been so happy when he gave it to her, her eyes sparkling with joy. But now, it was absent. Deep down, he felt he hadn’t truly reached her heart. She had too much on her mind, too much to bear. He loved her vibrant and radiant nature; he didn’t want to see her smile at him with a mask on.

“Allison, when will I truly enter your heart?”

---

Allison was still asleep. Lucian’s phone rang. He stepped out onto the patio to take the call. Shawn’s voice came through, “It was a week ago. Miranda called Andrew, asking for the lead in 'Day Zero'. That very day, Miss Allison’s role was recast. 'Day Zero' has started filming, and Penelope has joined the cast.”

Lucian leaned against the patio railing. He knew all too well. Miranda had never involved herself with Epic Entertainment, especially not with its projects. How had she suddenly requested 'Day Zero'? It must have been Penelope who went to Miranda, orchestrating this move. Once Miranda had spoken, the part was as good as secured.

Lucian hadn’t expected Penelope to go to such lengths for a role, especially targeting Allison’s opportunity. He wouldn’t believe it was anything but intentional.

“Epic Entertainment doesn’t need parasites like Andrew and Hudson. Dig up all their dirty dealings, make them public, and find a new, capable president for Epic Entertainment as soon as possible. Make them remember, Epic Entertainment is a Lucian enterprise.”

“Understood.”

---

Life for Allison and Lucian returned to its usual rhythm. She still smiled at him, and he often came over in the evenings. But each time he visited, he brought her a gift. Sometimes it wasn’t expensive, just a delicate little trinket or a miniature figurine. Other times, it was an extravagant, limited-edition accessory.

Allison had thought, after a night of brief coldness from him, that he might find her ungrateful and grow distant. She knew she had been somewhat capricious that night. But to her surprise, he turned out to be unexpectedly understanding.

News came from Epic Entertainment too. They had reported to the police, and an investigation was underway. Andrew was suspected of embezzlement, Hudson of assault; both were detained, awaiting their fate behind bars. But all this was conducted in secrecy, with few in the know. Apart from Allison, none of the other artists at Epic Entertainment had any idea.