Backstage at Imperial TV, Serena Vance sat in the VIP lounge, waiting for her variety show taping. Her assistant, Sophie, fussed with her hair.
"Ouch!" Serena's eyes bulged. "What the hell? Are you blind? You just ripped my hair! Was your mother disabled to spawn a moron like you?!"
Sophie bit her lip, mute. Working for Serena meant enduring daily abuse, but the verbal lashings never got easier.
Her manager, Zachary, whispered: "Serena, keep it down. The station's full of people. We just got you off that Hartwell trending topic—you want another scandal?"
Serena rolled her eyes. That trending still pissed her off. Clara Morgan, that cheap slut, had somehow gotten Sebastian Hartwell to buy her a trending topic. Hartwell Enterprises even released security footage of Serena slapping Clara, fueling another wave of online hate.
Serena's reputation in showbiz had tanked. Her diva attitude and disrespect for staff had burned too many bridges. Meanwhile, up-and-comers like Vivian Sterling—loaded, gorgeous, talented, and actually likeable—stole her endorsements and roles. No matter; once she bagged Sebastian, acting wouldn't matter. The Vance family would be set.
Problem was, Sebastian had ignored her advances for three years. When she'd finally used his elders to weasel an introduction, he'd called security. I'll make that man mine, she thought. No one rejects Serena Vance.
Vivian Sterling strode into the lounge with her manager, Amanda. A string of curses poured from a VIP room.
"Amanda, who's in there? Sounds like they're torturing their assistant."
Amanda frowned. "Who else? Serena Vance. Name a crew member she hasn't berated."
Tina, Vivian's assistant, chimed in: "She's notorious in the assistant group. Once she poured scalding water on a assistant's head for serving it too hot."
Vivian had always been a knight in shining armor—how she'd rescued Clara all those years ago. Hearing this, plus remembering Clara's slapped face, she saw red.
"Amanda, are these lounges assigned or first-come?"
"First-come. You're the lead guest today, but Serena probably grabbed the best one."
Vivian wasn't usually petty, but Serena had crossed her. "This lounge is mine." She pushed open the door.
Zachary jumped up at the sight of Vivian. "Ms. Sterling." He couldn't afford to offend the A-lister and Sterling heiress.
Serena eyed Vivian warily. They'd never interacted—why the visit?
Vivian turned to Tina: "This couch looks comfy. Let's wait here."
"You got it, Viv."
Serena exploded: "Hey! Can't you see someone's here?"
Vivian scanned the room. "I see two people standing, but no one sitting."
Sophie hid a smile.
Vivian added to Tina: "Hand out the lattes we bought. Everyone gets a drink in my lounge… well, everyone who's human, anyway."
Tina offered cups to Zachary and Sophie. "Ms. Sterling's treat."
Sophie hesitated. "Oh, no, I—"
"Take it."
Serena slammed the table. "Vivian Sterling! Who do you think you are? Riding your fame to bully people?" Her face flushed.
Vivian shrugged. "Look, something's standing up. Wanna join the human race? Want a coffee?"
"You bitch!" Serena swung at Vivian, who caught her wrist. "Is that the best you've got? I was playing Princess when you were still in kiddie plays."
Serena gaped, fuming. "You'll regret this!"
"Regret what? Stopping you from being a diva? Please. Sebastian Hartwell wouldn't touch you with a ten-foot pole."
Serena's eyes narrowed. So Vivian wants Sebastian too?
Vivian added, "FYI, I'm not into Sebastian. Men like him make me sick." She thought of Clara's injuries—she wanted to castrate Sebastian herself.
Cornered, Serena seethed. Vivian had youth, beauty, fame, and a bigger empire.
Vivian crossed her arms. "I'm the lead guest today; this is my lounge. Leave now, or I'll ask the director to cut your screen time."
Zachary tugged Serena: "Let's go, please."
Serena stood rooted, until Zachary and Sophie dragged her out.
Once they left, Tina gushed: "Viv! That was epic! You didn't flinch once! I should've filmed her face—it was priceless!"
Amanda shot her a look: "One and done, Viv. No more drama."
Vivian smiled. "Got it, Amanda. But no one messes with my girl."