Free Web NovelChapter 1331: Chapter 1328: Legendary Business Figure, First Time Admitting Upcoming Wedding
"Sis, I want to start working. Do you have any connections?" Chloe Winston stated her main purpose for the day; her bank savings wouldn’t last more than a few months.
"I asked around when you last called. It’s not that I don’t want to help you," Sally replied somewhat awkwardly. "My agent said you’ve offended someone powerful, and the blacklist in the industry hasn’t been lifted. No agency dares to sign you."
Sally found out from her agent, which explained why someone with Chloe’s looks and talent hadn’t risen to fame. She had been shelved and blacklisted for years. Only two years ago did Director Gu dare to work with Chloe, thanks to Delphine Carter’s strong backing. But Director Gu only made one film, and after that, Chloe was completely iced out in the industry.
"Who exactly did you offend? Why have you been blacklisted for all these years?" Sally asked.
Chloe didn’t know how to answer. Constantine Stewart was possessive, not allowing anyone else to touch or even glance at what was his. He blacklisted her in the past to keep her away from public attention; now, it seemed he didn’t want her in his sight at all.
When they first got married, Constantine Stewart’s desires were overwhelming. As a wealthy businessman with countless assets, his time was flexible. Sometimes he’d spend entire days at home indulging in physical activity, leaving Chloe achy and bedridden for days. Eventually, she grew fearful. Moreover, Constantine’s control over her material life was also strong. While she lacked nothing, she had no pocket money and had to ask him for everything.
Constantine had all sorts of reasons to ’educate’ her, which Chloe couldn’t endure. So, she pleaded for a chance to act in the entertainment sector—partly to reduce the frequency of intimacy and partly to earn some independence.
As a young woman who hadn’t graduated, there was no way to work except for occasional acting gigs.
Constantine agreed but didn’t let her sign with an agency. Instead, he placated her with occasional small roles. With those few small roles, Chloe had her moment of fame, but then he grew unhappy and issued a blacklist, blocking all industry resources from her.
Sally saw her silence, sensing something unspeakable, and suggested, "Weren’t you in a film by Director Gu before? Why not ask her for help? Delphine Carter has strong connections that most can’t match."
"Delphine has already left the industry," Chloe said softly. Earlier this year, Delphine was diagnosed with a pregnancy, and Ignatius Leclair, overjoyed, took her to the United Kingdom to rest. It was said that her phone was confiscated to avoid straining her eyes during pregnancy.
In her current state, how could Chloe burden someone as kind as Delphine?
Back in the days with Constantine Stewart, Chloe’s circles overlapped with Delphine’s, but now, with nothing, she shouldn’t long for anything in the elite social circles.
She had long woken up from that dream.
"That’s really a pity," Sally sighed, noting Chloe, though much thinner, had grown more striking over the years. Even barefaced, her beauty was evident, her bright black eyes filled with spirit. Sally had seen her act and knew Chloe was born for this industry. It would be a shame for her talents to go unseen.
Growing up in the same orphanage, their bond wasn’t particularly close, but after witnessing more darkness in society, Sally had come to cherish these relationships.
"Hold on a bit. Even if you’re blacklisted and can’t sign with an agency, you might still find work doing roles where you’re not seen, like being a stand-in. It’s a way to make a living and earn some money."
Chloe nodded. She really just wanted to be a stand-in to make ends meet, not seeking the spotlight.
Sally went to the balcony and made several calls, then returned with a smile. "Chloe, you’re in luck. A production is looking for a stand-in. The previous stand-in had to have emergency surgery for appendicitis and is in the hospital, but you’ll need to interview."
"The interview is no problem," Chloe responded quickly. "Thank you, Sally."
"No need to be formal with me. We came from the same orphanage. Just remember to help me out when you make it big," Sally joked, not taking it seriously. Given Chloe’s current situation, she didn’t expect Chloe to help her.
They tidied up and headed to the production set Sally mentioned. On the way, Sally filled Chloe in on the shooting details. It was a remake of a classic martial arts series, featuring many beautiful actresses and numerous fight scenes, creating a high demand for stand-ins, especially in martial arts. Sally had tried out for a role but was rejected. Still, no matter how bad things got, she wouldn’t consider being a stand-in actor.
The role Chloe was interviewing for was a stand-in for the second female lead. When they arrived at the set, Sally worked her charm on the assistant director, pestering him sweetly. In a good mood, the assistant director said, "Wait here, and once Director Zhan finishes this film, I’ll put in a good word for you."
So they stood outside the set and waited.
The recent snowfall in Imperial City hadn’t fully melted, and standing in the wind was bone-chilling.
Sally noticed Chloe shivering uncontrollably, her coat thin against the cold. Seeing a nearby newsstand, she pulled Chloe over to shield them from the wind.
"Oh my gosh, this issue’s financial feature is on Mr. Ji," Sally exclaimed, her eyes gleaming at the finance cover story. After paying the vendor, she purchased a copy.
At the mention of "Mr. Ji," Chloe shivered more fiercely. On the cover, Constantine Stewart appeared as refined and scholarly as ever, lauded as a "gentleman businessman" within the industry. But Chloe knew the world was deceived by Constantine Stewart.
"Do you know Mr. Ji? He’s a legendary bachelor idolized in the elite circles. Ever since Major General Richard Shaw announced his impending marriage last year, Constantine Stewart became the most sought-after in those circles. But you wouldn’t understand even if I told you," Sally said excitedly, recounting what she heard from her current wealthy boyfriend.
Despite her ambitions, Sally’s current sugar daddy could only look up to figures like Richard Shaw and Constantine Stewart.
Sally, ambitious as always, couldn’t break into those circles but often gathered information about them.
Chloe listened, her mind drifting, nodding absentmindedly. Constantine Stewart had married three years ago, though it was a hidden marriage. Now he was labeled a bachelor because they were already divorced.
When Chloe couldn’t stand him, she’d often threatened divorce, but she never expected it to happen swiftly, efficiently—the divorce finalized in an hour without any loose ends. She left empty-handed, and Constantine didn’t even appear at the divorce proceedings.
Sally, excitedly sharing what little information she had with Chloe, opened the finance magazine. But seeing the bold headline, her expression changed drastically, and she fell silent.
Noting Sally’s shift, Chloe couldn’t help but look at the feature. There, in bold letters, it read: "Business Legend Constantine Stewart, Admits Nearing Marriage for the First Time."
