A Film Queen

Chapter 382

On the opposing front, the scene was far removed from warmth and comfort.

Stephanie, Hannah, and their companions stood steadfast by the blustery sea, deliberating ceaselessly for hours without resolution. Eventually, Hannah, succumbing to the chill, proposed seeking refuge amidst the woodland, where they endured the entire night.

None of their possessions were practical for survival, making their predicament nothing short of a disaster.

The trio of young women, ensnared by pursuits of fashion, had laden their luggage solely with garments and cosmetics. Matthew, though well-intentioned, possessed but a single suitcase and lacked the acumen of wilderness survival, neglecting many essentials.

Cuddled together in misery, they failed even to conjure a match, subsisting on meagre crusts of dry bread under the biting gusts.

Stephanie nestled into Matthew’s embrace, seizing the moment to subtly impugn Milly

once more.

“I’m genuinely concerned about Milly and William. This place is utterly unfamiliar-anything could happen. Do you think they have enough to eat? If they were here, we could at least share our bread with them.”

Upon concluding, Stephanie promptly feigned tears, her visage an artful blend of compassion and concern.

Observing her thus, Matthew’s compassion swelled. He consoled her with a gentle stroke of her head, reminiscent of an elder brother comforting his younger sibling. “Steph, your kindness knows no bounds. Don’t blame yourself. You warned her just now, but she’s too stubborn to heed your counsel. It’s not your fault. Don’t be disheartened.”

Stephanie’s countenance remained solemn, yet her upturned lips betrayed her true emotions. She prided herself on her peerless histrionic skills, having deftly wielded such stratagems on numerous occasions.

Surely, the audience would view her as benevolent and sincere, while painting Milly as self-centred and divisive. They would surely censure her!

achieved with a single

the waning audience of the livestream, stirred by Stephanie’s

trying to make herself look like the

her? No, no, no. You’re the most pitiable of

your pity. They had a hot meal and are now

clear. You guys refused to follow her. Now you’re freezing,

even have any survival tools, and they

feels so much like a

knew she was off. She’s been trying to

pity poor Ms. Hannah. She’s suffering with Stephanie. She’s so kind. If she’d gone with Milly,

of comments with smiles so broad their eyes nearly vanished within the folds of

was precisely the spectacle they had hoped for! Conflict begat drama, and

The following morn.

awoke to find Charlie already risen, his countenance oddly shaded

when people wake him before

her attention was drawn to William sprawled upon the other bed, serenely ensconced amidst a great heap of verdant blades. Along the fringe of this mound, scarce space for one was discernible, hinting starkly that Charlie had endured the

the cause of his sullen

we’ll set up shelter today and make some beds.

early. Get some more sleep. I’ll make breakfast

cast a glance her way upon her awakening, softly intoning, “Hmm,” his mien softening gently. “No

thought, a drowsy voice issued forth from behind, “Ah, good morning, boss. What was that about breakfast?

towards them. Ere he neared,

“Wash your hands!”

“Yes…”