Chapter 6: The Queen Who Won’t Scandal

Mason’s voice was teasing, practically oozing mischief.

He sauntered on stage, slinging an arm around Noah’s shoulders.

Vivienne touched her lips, amused: “Mr. Grant, are you here to interrogate me?”

On impulse, I stepped forward to shield Vivienne:

“Mr. Grant, it’s my fault. I was too slow, so Vivienne had to rehearse with me first.”

Mason eyed me like he was onto some scheme.

“Not at all. If Vivienne’s busy, I’ll coach Noah myself.”

Mason grinned, clearly plotting.

Vivienne shook her head: “I knew you’d try something.”

And just like that, Noah obediently followed Mason away.

After the little drama, I remembered the $10,000 I’d just earned.

Looking at Vivienne now, she seemed like a walking ten million. I was about to get rich.

Vivienne told me to take a break while she went to grab Starbucks and boxed lunches for the crew. Honestly, she was so thoughtful—how was I supposed to keep up my hater act with someone like that?

While I was plotting my next move, Vivienne handed me a lunchbox.

The top layer was sliced oranges.

The second had grilled shrimp, steamed lobster, roasted green beans, and tangy slaw.

Four dishes! And all packed so neatly. For a Hollywood set, this was next-level fancy—almost too extra, even for a star.

I glanced at the extras picking at fried chicken. It was craft services—just fancier than usual.

Aha—scandal material:

Hollywood’s queen plays favorites! Lead gets lobster, extras get scraps!

With photo evidence, this would blow up online.

When I didn’t start eating, Vivienne nudged my hand:

“Cass, don’t you like it? It’s my first time cooking—sorry if it’s not great.”

Her eyes shone with tears, lashes fluttering. She looked so heartbreakingly earnest.

Did she really make this for me?

I was living the dream.

“I love it! You’re an amazing cook! And if you ever want to try pulled pork or braised short ribs…” I grinned, dropping a hint. Maybe we could trade recipes next.

She seemed to get it.

I shamelessly devoured the fancy meal, then switched to a burner account:

“Queen Vivienne plays favorites on set: star gets lobster, extras left sobbing over fried chicken!”

With photos attached.

But the comments flipped on me.

Extras chimed in:

“Background actor here! Vivienne let us pick our meals. I hate lobster, so I chose fried chicken and shrimp. Delicious! #LunchPic”

“Extra here! My lunch was fried chicken and lobster—so good! #LunchPic”

...

I wanted to cry—Vivienne was too considerate; everyone got to choose. Even my best trolling couldn’t drag her down.

More comments:

“Wait, is this a secret fan pretending to be a hater just to hype Vivienne?”

“I had my pitchfork out—putting it away!”

“Everyone, stan Vivienne! Hater turned real fan!”

...