Spotlight Shadows: When Fame Betrayed Love

Monday, Conference Room

STYLE Magazine's editorial department was holding their regular meeting. Today's topic: the eighth anniversary special issue.

"We still have one celebrity interview left..." Editor-in-Chief Helena Hart tapped her pen lightly on the desk, scanning everyone in the conference room. "Hailey Rivers, it's yours."

Hailey Rivers slowly raised her head. All eyes had already gathered on her. Before she could speak, Helena had already stood up. "All assignments are distributed. Everyone get to work. We only have two weeks to prepare for this special issue."

With that, Helena grabbed her phone and notebook and walked out of the conference room. The others quickly packed up and left.

"This parachuted-in employee is really something. What kind of connections does she have?"

"I always thought the editor-in-chief was impartial. Didn't expect..."

Just as Hailey reached the conference room door, she overheard her colleagues gossiping. She was caught in a dilemma—unable to go out or turn back.

"What are you doing? Hurry up and get to work." Josie Zorn, following behind Hailey, said deliberately loud.

Only then did her colleagues reluctantly disperse. Josie and Hailey walked back to their desks together.

Josie habitually took out snacks from her cabinet and offered them to Hailey, who didn't look too happy. "Don't overthink it. If there's any problem that can't be solved with one round of snacks, have another round."

Hailey smiled at Josie's words but didn't take the snacks. "You eat them."

Josie moved a bit closer. "Hailey, you're going to interview Justin Lane. Aren't you excited?"

Hailey glanced at Josie. "You like him?"

Josie giggled. "He's the hottest star right now. Is there anyone who doesn't like him?"

Hailey smiled. "Then I'll take you with me to the interview."

In the photo studio, the photoshoot for STYLE Magazine's eighth anniversary special issue was in full swing. Rising star and award-winning actor Justin Lane had just finished shooting in casual wear and entered the changing room for the next outfit. Hailey sat in front of the computer reviewing the photos with the photographer, who repeatedly expressed admiration. Hailey was quite satisfied as well. The theme for this special issue was noble elegance with warmth, and Justin had perfectly embodied these characteristics.

Josie walked over with two cups of coffee, handing one to Hailey. "Take a break."

Hailey accepted the coffee and followed Josie to chairs in the corner. Since entering the studio at seven in the morning, Hailey had been working intensely for nearly twelve hours—only now having a moment to catch her breath.

"You look exhausted," Josie said, looking at Hailey's pale face.

Hailey smiled. "It's my first time working on a special issue and I don't know anything, so it's natural to be tired."

Josie glanced at Hailey. "There are many people with loose tongues in the editorial department. Don't take those idle remarks to heart."

Hailey lowered her head with a smile. She hadn't been in the editorial department long, and the most important task of the special issue—the exclusive interview—had been assigned to her. It was perfectly normal for senior colleagues to have opinions, so she could only work twice as hard to complete her tasks.

Josie munched on snacks, her expression somewhat displeased. "But your boyfriend is really too much. So many photographers wanted to shoot for our magazine's special issue, and you managed to get him the opportunity with great difficulty, but then he goes off to some theater tour..."

Yohan Zandt had canceled at the last minute, and the current photographer was found with Josie's help. Hailey didn't know what to say, so she just lowered her head with a smile. "Thank you so much for your help this time. When Yohan comes back, we'll treat you to dinner together."

Josie didn't answer, so Hailey looked up at her. Josie's mouth was hanging open, and she'd even stopped eating her favorite snack. Hailey followed Josie's gaze toward the dressing room entrance. Justin Lane had already changed into formal attire and was walking toward the shooting area.

"He's so handsome, like a god descended from heaven," Josie couldn't help saying.