Chapter 8

Eighteen years went by in a flash. I had long since adapted to my life as a wealthy socialite.

With my adoptive father’s connections and funding, I had successfully broken into the entertainment industry as a rising starlet.

However, the competition was fierce. There were several other young actresses debuting at the same time, and my agency's resources were limited.

Without a massive breakout hit, my popularity remained mediocre.

My current project, a drama called *Hear You*, was a villainous supporting role that I had to practically beg the producers for.

Even though Richard had poured a lot of money into my career, there was always a bigger fish in the sea.

I knew that to truly solidify my place in Hollywood, talent wasn’t enough. I needed to network with the real power players.

At the wrap party for *Hear You*, my agent, Serena, pulled me aside and whispered that the youngest heir of the Sterling family would be attending.

The Sterling Group was the primary investor in our film. They possessed unimaginable wealth and controlled half of the distribution networks in the country.

I had always been ambitious.

I knew Julian Sterling was a brilliant, incredibly handsome billionaire, and a rare catch.

Throughout the entire party, my mind was racing, trying to figure out how to make a graceful, memorable impression on him without looking desperate.

Of course, I wasn't the only one. Dozens of other starlets were lingering around, hoping for a chance to catch his eye.

But as the night dragged on and the party neared its end, the VIP guest of honor had yet to show up.

Most of the guests assumed he wasn't coming and began to leave.

I was about to head to the dressing room to change out of my gown when a sudden commotion echoed from the entrance.

A large entourage walked in, surrounding a tall, striking young man in the center.