When sisters meet on a narrow path

"What do you mean?" Zoey's arrogance grew even more. "Can't you understand?

Fine, let me spell it out for you. Your lamp might not be broken; it just ran out of power."

"Out of power?"

"Yeah, because Mr. Smith told me to turn off the circuit breaker! This time, last time, every time he comes home, he insists the power must be off."

Zoey's face was filled with smug satisfaction as she spoke.

"Why?" Julia Avery was puzzled.

"Why? You're asking me why? Mr. Smith doesn't want to see you! To him, you're just a tool for his desires.

Your face disgusts him; how could he even bring himself to touch you?"

The words were harsh, but Julia Avery felt there had to be another reason. Although she wasn't exceptionally beautiful, as a drama student, she certainly wasn't unattractive.

Zoey looked at Julia Avery with a triumphant grin. "And another thing, Mr. Smith said that when you're on set, you must be on call at all times, ready for his needs!"

Julia Avery felt her whole body trembling...

"You're nothing more than a blow-up doll.

Stop thinking of yourself as the lady of the house. Honestly, you're worse than a blow-up doll.

At least the owner knows to inflate and clean it regularly. And you? You have to do everything yourself!"

Julia Avery was so furious that she felt a chill run through her entire body. She grabbed her suitcase and left quickly.

Zoey made a mocking face at her, feeling particularly pleased with herself. Maybe soon, she could replace this so-called lady of the house.

Thinking of this, she quickly picked up the piece of paper Julia Avery had dropped. It turned out to be a WeChat number.

She immediately opened her WeChat app and searched for the number, then sent a friend request.

Julia Avery boarded the bus heading to Swan City Film Base, resting her head against the window. Zoey's words echoed in her mind.

"You're nothing more than a blow-up doll!"

"A blow-up doll!"

"A blow-up doll!"

Julia closed her eyes in pain. Was that man's sudden appearance just to use her for his own desires?

Why did he disappear for a whole year after they got married, only to show up now and treat her like a tool?

Her heart ached terribly.

They were already married, and she felt helpless, thinking only of divorce.

But if she divorced him, he would surely demand the one million dollars from a year ago. Where could she possibly find that kind of money?

The bus bumped along for over an hour before arriving at Swan City Film Base. Julia grabbed her luggage and headed to the hotel designated by the film crew.

The crew was stationed here for filming, and the hotel was almost entirely booked by them. As the third female lead, she naturally had a place to stay.

If the entertainment industry was a big circle, then a film crew was a small one. Even staying at a hotel involved its own set of complexities.

The first female lead, the first male lead, and the director naturally stayed in the best rooms, which were the suites.

The second female lead, the second male lead, and other actors with significant roles, as well as some of the assistant directors and key crew members, stayed in slightly less luxurious rooms.

The rest of the crew had to settle for less luxurious rooms, and those with minor roles might even have to share a room with two or three people.

The rooms were pre-assigned by the logistics team, so upon arriving at the hotel front desk, all they had to do was give their name to receive their room key card.

Julia Avery pulled her suitcase to the hotel front desk, gave her name, and was promptly handed a room key card. Room 302.

Receiving the key card, Julia couldn't help but feel excited. This was her first time officially acting in a TV series. She eagerly pulled her suitcase and headed to room 302.

When she opened the door, she saw a young girl sitting on the bed, applying makeup with a small mirror.

Julia was taken aback. It was a double room?

The girl seemed to have anticipated someone coming in, but she didn't look up and continued with her makeup.

Though a bit disappointed, Julia thought it might be nice to have a roommate for company. She began to unpack her things.

The girl on the bed finally seemed satisfied with her makeup. She had striking features, large eyes, and a delicate face.

"Hey, I'm Unaiza. You can call me Unaiza. I play Georgia's personal maid in the show!"

Unaiza's voice was sharp and high-pitched, and she spoke with pride about her role in the series.

She knew the rules about hotel accommodations. Those in double rooms were usually minor characters.

However, her role as the personal maid to the second female lead, Georgia, meant she was in almost every scene with Georgia, which was something to be proud of.

Julia smiled at her. "I'm Julia Avery. I play Tiffany."

"Tiffany?!" Unaiza's eyes widened in surprise. "Isn't that the third female lead?"

Julia Avery nodded.

"But why are you staying here? If you can't get the best room, at least you should have a single room!" Unaiza exclaimed.

Honestly, Julia Avery didn't understand the rules here. She paused for a moment, then continued unpacking her luggage.

Unaiza wanted to say more, but she opened her mouth and then closed it again, swallowing her words. She knew the answer already.

Julia was a new face, with no connections or backing. Unlike Bailey Avery, who played the second female lead and got the best room.

Why? Because she had Harry Edwards from Artis International behind her. Of course, she got the best room.

Room assignments not only depended on the importance of the role but also on who was backing you.

The two didn't talk much after that and focused on their own tasks.

After unpacking, Julia Avery took a few photos around the hotel and posted them on her social media.

She was a content person, satisfied even with a room that didn't follow the usual rules.

For her, this was a new beginning.

She posted the photos with the caption: "A new beginning. Julia, you can do it!"

That evening, Unaiza, feeling bored, invited Julia Avery to go out for a walk and get familiar with the surroundings.

Through their conversation, Julia learned that Unaiza was a professionally trained actress, only twenty years old, and still a sophomore in college.

As soon as they stepped out, they heard laughter and chatter not far away. Curious by nature, Unaiza looked towards the source of the sound and immediately spotted Bailey Avery.

Bailey Avery was surrounded by a group of young girls.

Julia Avery's excitement surged as she waved energetically at Bailey. "Sister Bailey!"

Julia found herself in a dilemma. If she went over, it might expose the complicated relationship she had with Bailey. But if she didn't, it would seem like she wasn't fitting in.

Having just joined the crew, Julia didn't want to give off the impression that she was antisocial. So, she mustered up her courage and walked over with Unaiza.

Seeing Julia Avery here, Bailey Avery was genuinely startled.

Julia noticed Bailey's expression, which looked like she had just swallowed a fly. She could pretty much guess who was behind the incident during her last audition.

In fact, she had her suspicions afterward. After all, as a newcomer who had never shown her face, it was impossible for her to offend anyone or make anyone feel threatened.

Thinking along those lines, Bailey Avery was the only possibility, and coincidentally, she had seen Bailey that day.

"Sister, it seems we really are fated to meet!" Bailey suddenly beamed with a bright smile.

The word "sister" made everyone exchange puzzled glances, not knowing how to react.

Bailey smiled and said, "You all might not know, but this is my sister. I hope you all can take good care of her in the future."

The word "care" was dripping with sarcasm, as Julia could clearly hear.

All the girls knew that Bailey was the future boss lady of Artis International. Naturally, they were eager to curry favor with her from day one.

A round-faced girl named Isla asked excitedly, "Sister Bailey, you have a sister?

What kind of sister is she? A cousin? A half-sister? Or...?"

Bailey, calm and composed, slowly said, "My real sister."

The girls became even more excited. Bailey Avery actually had a real sister. However, something seemed off.

Bailey was dressed in designer clothes from head to toe, while Julia's outfit and shoes looked like they came from a thrift store.

Julia Avery couldn't stand Bailey Avery's condescending attitude.

"Yes, I am Bailey Avery's older sister, but only half-sister. You all didn't know that, did you? I also have a younger brother, a full sibling, unlike Bailey."

The girls around them were left speechless, staring at the two sisters in shock.

Julia's revelation was clear as day: Bailey's mother was either a mistress or an extramarital affair.

Bailey's face turned pale and then flushed red. This was her most sensitive secret, and Julia had just blurted it out in front of everyone, especially those girls who admired and wanted to befriend her.

However, Bailey's expression only lasted for five seconds before she forced a smile back onto her face. "Oh, so our brother is still alive? I thought he was dead!"

Julia clenched her fists. "How dare you say that!"

Growing up together meant they knew each other's weak spots all too well.

"Sister," Bailey glanced at the room Julia had just exited, "you're staying in room 302?

That's for minor roles, and it's on the shady side. Given your health, why not move in with me? I have a suite, and it's too big for just one person."

Julia shot Bailey a fierce glare. "I don't need your fake concern!"

"How am I being fake? If it weren't for me, would you even be in this cast?" Bailey tilted her head, feigning innocence.

"My being in the cast has nothing to do with you..." "Sis, my mom told me to help you out more. I had to say a lot of good things to the director to get you this role, so you better make the most of it."

"Bailey."

As soon as Bailey Avery said this, everyone understood how Julia Avery, a complete nobody, managed to land such an important role as the third female lead in her first film.

It was all thanks to Bailey Avery's help. Julia Avery knew she couldn't outmatch Bailey Avery.

Nowadays, Bailey was becoming more and more arrogant. "I can't be bothered to argue with you!"

With that, she stomped back to her room.

Bailey Avery sighed and shook her head.

"Actually, my sister is quite pitiful. My mom and dad were childhood sweethearts, but just before they were about to get married, my sister's mother swooped in and stole him away.

That woman was a real seductress, but in the end, my dad realized my mom was the best and couldn't bear to leave her."

Bailey then spun a tragic love story, painting her mother, who was actually the other woman, in a beautiful light.

"You all don't know this, but my mom has always pitied my sister and my brother. But those two are so ungrateful. They go around slandering my mom, calling her a homewrecker. I've helped her so much, but you can see how she treats me."

"Sister Bailey, why do you even bother helping such ungrateful people?" Isla quickly chimed in. "Having a sister like you is such a blessing, and she doesn't even appreciate it."

"Exactly, exactly! She's just an ungrateful wretch. Sister Bailey, don't be mad!" added Vera, who had a sharp chin.

Unaiza, feeling awkward since she shared a room with Julia Avery, also chimed in, "The first time I saw her, I knew she was no good.

Turns out she's really an ungrateful wretch!"

Hearing everyone say this, Bailey Avery felt reassured.

They all went to Bailey Avery's suite, where she had her assistant Celeste distribute the royal face masks she had brought. As it got late, everyone dispersed.

Bailey Avery picked up a cup from the table and smashed it on the floor. Celeste jumped in fright and stood frozen, not daring to make a sound.

"Didn't I tell you to take her somewhere secluded and only let her out after the audition was over?" Bailey Avery roared at Celeste.

Celeste shrugged her shoulders and hung her head, nervously twisting the hem of her shirt.

"Sister Bailey, I did have her locked up, and it was in the basement conference room. That place was empty all day with no one going there. I just... forgot about it later. I don't know when she got out..."

"Idiot!" Bailey Avery slumped onto the couch and gulped down some water from another cup. "She actually got the third female lead"

Celeste immediately stepped forward.

"Sister Bailey, it's not that big of a deal, right? The third female lead has way fewer scenes than you.

Plus, your character, Georgia, is much more likable and versatile."

"What do you know?" Bailey Avery shot Celeste a sideways glance. "Julia Avery is a professionally trained actress with excellent grades. Landing a third female lead role right out of the gate is just the start of her rise to fame!"

"But, Sister Bailey, she doesn't even have a signed agency. How could she possibly compare to you, the future lady of Artis International? These days, it's not just about talent."

Bailey Avery's eyes narrowed as she thought. "Well, this could work in our favor.

Keeping her close means we can keep an eye on her and make her life difficult."

"Exactly, exactly. Artis International has investments in this project. Even Director Blithe has to show you respect."

"Julia Avery, you chose to go against me. Don't blame me for being ruthless!"