1 The film crew had just finished shooting at my ancestral manor for a new interactive game. I never expected the game to go viral. Soon, I saw videos of tourists lining up for blocks. Frowning, I called my boyfriend Franklin. His voice was cautious. "Willow, the producers are good friends. I couldn't say no. After the holiday, the estate won't be bothered again." I didn't argue, just reminded him to ensure tight security. Returning from a business trip, I stopped by the manor and found it swarmed. As I pushed through the crowd, someone grabbed my arm, yelling about "cutting in line." I tried to explain, but was met with laughter. "Everyone knows Mr. Anthony gave this manor to Aria! How else could they film here?" I froze. Aria Lin was the game's lead actress. As insults grew louder, a cold smile touched my lips. If this was how things were, there was no point waiting in line at all. … "Hey guys, welcome back to the stream! I'm live at the entrance to Willow's Peak Manor, and as you can see, the line is absolutely insane today." The man standing behind me held his phone up, narrating for his audience. "I heard that Aria Lin, the star of The Gilded Throne, is actually inside the manor today. Lucky fans might even get to meet her! No wonder it's so packed." He was on his tiptoes, craning his neck, chattering nonstop. The line suddenly lurched forward, and in the chaos, someone stomped on my foot twice. After a sixteen-hour flight, the throbbing pain in my temples intensified. I took a deep breath and addressed the two girls in front of me, who had been particularly rude. "I'm going to say this one last time. This is my home. I'm just here to pick something up." The girl with pink hair rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh my god, seriously? Did the loony bin let out for the holidays or something? Lady, has standing in line melted your brain?" My brow furrowed. "I'm going to ask you to be respectful. This is a private residence, and I have every right to have all of you removed." This time, others in the line chimed in. "What's that supposed to mean? We all paid for tickets." "Just ignore her. She's crazy. Pretty face, but not a whole lot going on upstairs." My frown deepened. I turned to the man who had just spoken. "You're saying you had to buy tickets to get in?" Franklin had explicitly told me it was a free event for a few lucky fans, a favor to the production company. The pink-haired girl seized on my question, her voice rising to a shrill taunt. "So not only are you a line-jumper, you didn't even buy a ticket? Trying to sneak in for free? A ticket is only thirty bucks. Are you that broke?" Her constant jabs were making my head pound. I glanced at the massive, snaking line of people. Thirty dollars a ticket… that was a significant amount of money. So where was it all going? I had no interest in arguing with them. I took out my phone and dialed Franklin’s number again. It rang and rang, but he didn't pick up. The pink-haired girl, Trish, crossed her arms. "I can't stand cheapskates like you. No money, but all the nerve in the world." A bitter laugh escaped me. The clothes I was wearing were custom-tailored. How on earth did I look like a "cheapskate" to her? I had only agreed to let people visit the manor as a favor to Franklin. Now, it was clear that favor had been abused. My expression hardened. "Where is the head of security? Tell him to come see me. Now." The sudden shift in my tone must have startled her. Trish flinched. Other tourists turned to stare, and the livestreamer swiveled his camera to focus on our confrontation. A man in the crowd snickered. "What's the big deal? It's just a line. Hey sweetheart, you call me 'daddy,' and you can come stand with me. I'll even buy your ticket." The crowd erupted in laughter. I met their leering gazes, my fists clenching. Franklin, what the hell have you done behind my back? Just then, a girl in an elegant, flowing gown, like something from the game, spoke up. "We're all here because we love The Gilded Throne. We're all fans. There's no need to be so mean." She then turned to me. "But you really shouldn't have cut the line and then lied about it. We all know this manor belongs to Aria." There was her name again. Aria Lin. The Gilded Throne was a new interactive game from FireStorm Studios, using live actors for its story. Franklin had mentioned it a few times, and my company, Apex Group, had even invested a small amount in it. That was the only reason I’d reluctantly agreed to let them film at the manor. But since when did my home, Willow Reed’s home, suddenly belong to someone else? As if on cue, a man in a security uniform pushed his way through the crowd. "What's all the noise about?" I stared at him, stunned. When had the security staff been replaced? 2 The new guard was a stranger, tall and broad-shouldered, with an impatient scowl on his face. He scanned me dismissively. "What's all the shouting for? Can't you see everyone's in line? If you're here for the tour, get in line. If not, get lost!" A hot surge of anger flared in my chest. I had specifically told Franklin to ensure security was tight, and this was the kind of person he hired? I forced my anger down, trying to keep my voice even. "Are you new? Where is Captain Miller?" Captain Miller had been in charge of the manor's security for years. He would never speak to me this way. The guard’s eyes darted away for a second before he puffed out his chest, his tone growing even more hostile. "Captain who? I'm in charge here now! Who do you think you are, ordering people around?" He paused, then sneered. "Oh, I get it. You must be Miller's little piece on the side. Well, he pissed off Ms. Lin. Got himself fired." He gave me a lewd, appraising look that made my skin crawl. Trish, who was enjoying the show, howled with laughter. "And here I thought you were someone important. Turns out your big shot connection is a fired security guard." The new guard stepped closer, his voice dropping to a greasy whisper in my ear. "You're a real looker, though. How about you stick with me instead? I'll get you inside, no line. What do you say?" To be humiliated like this, so brazenly… I was trembling with rage. How could the manor’s security fall into the hands of someone like this? I spoke each word slowly and clearly. "I am Willow Reed. The owner of this estate." The crowd went silent for a beat, then erupted in an even louder wave of ridicule. "Hahaha, she's really committed to the role!" "What a drama queen!" "Hey, security! Get her out of here! She's holding up the line!" Trish was doubled over, laughing so hard she could barely speak into the livestream camera. "You guys, you have to see this! A live-action case of delusional grandeur! She actually thinks this manor is hers! I'm dying!" The camera was practically shoved in my face, the chat comments scrolling by in a blur. The guard’s face hardened. He waved a hand at me as if shooing away a fly. "You hear that? Get lost! If you don't move now, I won't be so nice!" He took a step forward, his hand raising as if to shove me. The exhaustion from a sixteen-hour flight, the sting of baseless insults, the anxiety from Franklin’s unanswered calls, and the sheer absurdity of the situation—it all crashed together, pushing me to my breaking point. I sidestepped his hand in a swift, sharp movement, my gaze turning to ice. "Not so nice? And how, exactly, would that be?" "You replace my security staff without my permission, allow trespassers onto my private property, have the audacity to charge an admission fee, and now… you're going to lay a hand on the owner?" With every accusation, I took a step forward. The air of authority I usually kept suppressed, the kind of command that comes from years at the top, was now on full display. It was enough to make the guard instinctively take a half-step back. "Wh-what are you talking about? What fee? What owner?" I gave a cold laugh and took out my phone again. This time, I wasn't calling Franklin. I was calling the property manager of the entire exclusive community. My estate had its own security team, led by Captain Miller, but the management company had all their contact information and records on file. The phone connected almost immediately. A hesitant, troubled voice answered. "Ms. Reed? But… Mr. Anthony terminated our company's service contract last month." My heart sank into a cold, dark pit. Seeing my expression, the guard smirked. "Done with your little act? Just be a good girl, and I'll get you inside." I took a deep breath, done with explanations. If even the property management had been changed, I had to see for myself what had become of my home. I pushed through the crowd and walked toward the main gate. 3 Perhaps it was the look on my face, but the jeering crowd fell silent, parting to let me through. Trish hesitated for a moment before following, along with the livestreamer, who quickly told his audience, "Uh... okay, looks like she's making a move. I'm gonna follow her and see what happens." I walked straight to the front of the line. The people waiting there started to protest. "Hey, who do you think you are, cutting in front of everyone?" I ignored them, pulled out my key card, swiped it, and the gate clicked open. I stepped inside. A stunned silence fell over the crowd behind me. Then, the whispers started. "No way… she actually has a key card?" "Who is she? I've never seen her before." I walked past the ornate entrance corridor and stopped dead. The wall here used to hold a masterpiece by a renowned artist, a scroll I had won at auction years ago. It was gone. In its place hung a massive, grinning Labubu pop-art figure, its garish colors a jarring insult to the serene, classical style of my manor. Behind me, I heard Trish gasp in delight. "It's a Labubu! Aria said in an interview that they're her favorite!" I walked further in. The water lilies in the pond had been ripped out. The stone table and benches were now covered with tacky, oversized Louis Vuitton print cushions, as if to scream to the world that the new occupant was a tasteless nouveau riche. The entire estate was littered with fan signs and posters, all bearing the face of that actress, Aria Lin. Tourists were gathered around them, taking selfies. My temples were pounding. I pushed open the doors to the main courtyard. Just as I suspected, my master bedroom and study were filled with things that didn't belong to me. Suddenly, a shriek of excitement came from behind me. I turned to see Trish rushing forward. There, sitting in my favorite wicker armchair, was Aria Lin, dressed in a delicate, hand-embroidered gown. She was surrounded by several burly, black-suited security guards who were keeping a crowd of adoring fans at bay. I looked closer. The rare celadon tea set she was casually using was a priceless antique I had acquired for three million dollars. The book lying on the table beside her, its corner carelessly bent, was a one-of-a-kind medieval manuscript. And there she sat, the center of attention, basking in the flattery and praise. The guard from the gate finally caught up, panting. He shot me a venomous glare before leaning down to whisper something to Aria. Aria smiled gently and rose, walking toward me. "Hello there. Are you a fan of mine? Thank you so much for your support, but it really wasn't right of you to cut the line and force your way in." Before I could speak, Trish jumped in. "Aria, don't waste your time on her. She's a psycho. Keeps insisting this manor is her home." She then added with a sneer, "We all know that Apex's Vice President, Mr. Anthony, gave this estate to you." Aria lowered her head, a shy, pleased smile on her face. I let out a sharp, derisive laugh. "Is that so, Ms. Lin? Is this really your home?" Aria stiffened. "What is your relationship with Franklin Anthony? Tell him to get over here right now. Who gave you permission to enter my home? Who gave you permission to charge people money to turn my home into a tourist trap?" My voice was laced with fury. The gawking crowd fell silent. After a long moment, Aria bit her lip, her expression turning wounded. "Miss, I don't know what you're talking about. You're the one who trespassed onto private property and now you're interrogating me? Everyone here today is a fan of mine. If you're not here in good faith, I'm going to have to ask you to leave." As she spoke, she gestured for her black-suited guards to close in on me. I laughed coldly. "I'd like to see you try." 4 I took over Apex Group when I was eighteen. I’ve spent years navigating the cutthroat world of business. The authority I carried was not something to be trifled with. For a moment, everyone froze, hesitant to move. "Ms. Lin," one of the guards muttered, "Mr. Anthony said we shouldn't make a scene..." Aria's face paled, as if she had been deeply wronged. She took out her phone and made a call. "Franklin... someone broke into the manor, and she's being so unreasonable. I… I want to ask her to leave. You won't think I'm being difficult, will you?" A familiar voice came through the phone, impossibly gentle. "Of course not, sweetheart. Didn't I leave you with my best guys? You don't need to bother me with little things like this. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters. I'm on my way to pick you up now." Then, he told her to put him on speaker. I heard Franklin's voice, now cold and commanding, fill the air. "Everything at the manor is to be done according to Ms. Lin's wishes. Is that understood?" The guards immediately straightened up. "Yes, sir!" Aria shot me a triumphant smile. Trish looked like she was about to swoon, her face full of envy. "Aria, Mr. Anthony is so good to you." My heart finally hit rock bottom. I had been making excuses for him, wondering if someone was using his name without his knowledge. That phone call was a slap in the face. He wouldn't answer my calls, but for this other woman, he was gentle, attentive, and would grant her every wish. He was willing to use my home to feed her vanity. By what right? The guards started to move toward me, ready to throw me out. Suddenly, a panicked voice shouted from behind the crowd. "Stop! Stop right there!" I turned. It was Captain Miller. Aria frowned. "Captain Miller? What are you doing here? If I recall correctly, I fired you." Captain Miller's face was red with anger. "This is Ms. Reed's home! You have no right to fire me! Ms. Reed trusted me to look after this estate. How could you do this?" He then turned to me, his eyes widening in recognition and then lighting up with relief. He was about to call out to me, but I gave him a subtle shake of my head, signaling him to wait. The livestream camera caught every word. I saw a flash of panic in Aria's eyes. "What are you talking about? This manor belongs to Mr. Anthony." "Captain Miller, I was being lenient with you," she said, her voice turning sharp. "I didn't call the police when you stole from the manor, I simply fired you. But if you continue to make trouble, I'll have no choice but to involve them." The honest, hardworking Captain Miller flushed with indignation. "I didn't! I didn't steal anything! You're the one who's lying! You and Mr. Anthony, behind Ms. Reed's back, you stole—" Aria cut him off, turning to the cameras and the crowd with a soft, apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry, everyone. I didn't handle this well. Please excuse the interruption." Her fans immediately rushed to her defense. "It's not your fault, Aria!" "You're just too nice!" The comments on the livestream were flying, all of them expressing disgust toward me and Captain Miller, painting us as the villains of the story. I looked at her, my gaze steady. "So, Ms. Lin, the man you were just speaking to on the phone… that was the Vice President of Apex Group, Franklin Anthony, correct?" Amidst the cheers of her fans, she blushed. I nodded slowly. "And do you know the name of this manor?" Aria paused, but someone in the crowd shouted, "It's Willow's Peak Manor!" A small, cold smile touched my lips. "It is. And do you know my name?" I looked directly into the livestream camera. "My name is Willow Reed." Just then, a shocked gasp came from the edge of the courtyard. "Willow? What are you doing back?" I turned. It was Franklin, his eyes wide with terror, his body trembling. Behind him, all the color drained from Aria Lin's face.
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