Breaking Free to Stardom

Elaine's body trembled faintly, her fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, barely holding her composure.

Tatiana sipped her coffee calmly and smiled. "Miss Willis, let's be frank. I know about your relationship with the Andrews heir. If you leave him voluntarily and promise never to interfere with him and Alina again, I'll give you three million."

She slid a prepared check across the table with a dismissive flourish.

Her condescending demeanor and patronizing tone merged with memories of that alluring woman from years ago.

Eight years of suppressed hatred, humiliation, and resentment erupted, shattering Elaine's restraint and facade.

She ignored the check, locking eyes with Tatiana, her voice sharp. "Three million? Ms. Russell, you took three hundred million from my family back then. Is three million supposed to settle that debt?"

Tatiana's smile froze, a flash of shock crossing her face.

Elaine leaned forward, her gaze cutting like a blade, each word deliberate. "All these years, spending money stained with my mother's tears—don't you ever have nightmares? Doesn't your conscience ever stir?"

"You… you're talking nonsense!" Tatiana slammed the table and stood.

"Nonsense? Back then, I couldn't touch you because I had no leverage. But things are different now…"

Elaine's laugh was bleak, her eyes filled with resolve. "Your daughter, Alina, is a celebrated star. What if I expose her background? Tell everyone how her elegant, refined mother was a mistress who stole a fortune from the original wife, indirectly driving her to death… Would Alina's pure image hold up? Would the Andrews family accept a daughter-in-law with such a family?"

Tatiana panicked, pointing at Elaine, her voice shrill. "You wouldn't dare!"

"Why wouldn't I?" Elaine stood, towering over her. "I've got nothing left to lose. Tatiana, this is what you owe my mother and me!"

Without another glance at Tatiana's vile face, Elaine turned and left.

She took a cab straight to the old Willis house, frantically searching through her mother's belongings.

At last, she found it.

A kraft envelope containing faded photos, clear evidence of her father's affair with Tatiana.

Staring at her father's infatuated expression and Tatiana's youthful allure in the images, Elaine's tears spilled over.

She pulled out her phone and opened her social media account.

She would go live. She would tear off the polished mask of Tatiana and her daughter in front of everyone.

But just as she was about to hit the live button, a strong hand reached from behind and snatched her phone.

Elaine spun around in shock, meeting Dylan's fathomless eyes.