Chapter 5 Anderson
After the party ended, Lily went home and stared at the leader's pin in her hand, unable to resist rubbing it as she fell into deep thought.
David's taste hadn't changed; he still liked simple designs like this.
Just then, her phone rang, interrupting her reverie. Seeing the caller ID, Lily quickly answered.
"Hey, Grandma..."
"Emily... why'd you send me money again? I don't need it, and there's nowhere to spend it here."
Hearing her grandmother's concerned yet reproachful voice, Lily responded with a smile, "Just keep it, Grandma. You can save it for me."
After a brief chat, Lily updated her grandmother on Chase's recent situation. She had planned to bring her grandmother to stay with her once she was less busy, but her current workload was overwhelming. She promised herself to visit her grandmother back home as soon as she had some free time.
After all, Lily only had this one relative left.
Just as she was about to hang up, her grandmother suddenly spoke, "Emily... even though your father abandoned us, I still hope you can forgive him. As for your uncle, he was really out of line and did hurt you, but he's still your uncle. He came home a few days ago and asked about you..."
Her grandmother trailed off, knowing full well what her sons had done.
"Grandma, please don't worry about these things, okay?" Lily's voice trembled slightly.
When she was very young, her parents' relationship was still decent, but everything changed when Kai unexpectedly won the lottery.
He started seeing other women, disregarding her mother's feelings, until he met Mia's mother. Kai fell in love again, took all the family's assets, and left the Johnson family with a huge debt. Her mother passed away from overwork.
As for her uncle Eli, Lily didn't want to remember him at all. She only recalled that he was a gambling addict who would hide whenever he lost money. When he won, he would buy her some treats, but when he hid, he would leave her at her grandparents' house.
She was indeed raised by her grandparents.
"I know, Grandma," she said gently.
But these were just comforting words for the elders. Lily had no intention of bringing up Eli, let alone contacting him, even though they lived in the same city.
After hanging up, Lily placed the leader's pin in a sealed package and stored it carefully.
There were still six episodes left of "Love Unlocked," and she had every opportunity to give the pin to David.
Rushing to the set, Ella greeted Lily with a hint of exasperation, "Lily, just a heads-up. You're being watched right now. Even though you're being paired with Joshua for publicity, don't forget your main sponsor is still Andrew Anderson! Andrew's got a temper, so keep your distance from other men."
Lily was puzzled. What had she done to upset Andrew this time?
Ella pulled out a few photos, showing Lily bumping into David at the hotel last night and their brief exchange.
"That was just an accident. The person in the photo is David. We just ran into each other," Lily responded calmly.
"Mr. Anderson doesn't care who it is," Ella said, knowing Lily's struggles but unable to do much about it. Andrew was notorious, constantly in the headlines, and changing girlfriends faster than he changed his outfits. Even those who didn't follow gossip knew his name.
Not to mention, the Anderson Group dominated print, digital, and official media. As times changed, they quickly adapted their business model and secured a place in the entertainment industry. The Anderson family had two sons: the low-key and steady Sawyer Anderson, who rarely made the news, and Andrew, who was always in the spotlight. Andrew was a wild and arrogant character who, after graduation, chose the entertainment industry over the family business.
With his looks and the Anderson family's backing, he became a hot star.
But his true identity was Lily's benefactor. Years ago, her uncle Eli, deep in debt, had sold Lily to him.
"Don't make him angry again," Ella advised, her brow furrowing at the mention of Andrew. "He's spoiled and unruly. Once you pay him back, cut ties completely."
Understanding what Lily had been through, Ella patted her shoulder, her tone more comforting.
Lily nodded solemnly, "I understand. Thank you."
"It wasn't your fault back then, but we can't afford to cross the Anderson family. Be good, Lily," Ella said, her voice softening with sympathy for the fragile Lily before her.
"I'll have dinner with Chase tonight. We'll talk more then. For now, focus on recording the show and don't worry about anything else."
Lily nodded. No matter what, she couldn't let work slip.
After the recording, she was about to head to the hospital to see Chase when she received a call from an unknown number.
It had been so long since Andrew had called her that she answered without checking the caller ID.
"Come to the Azure Palace Hotel tonight," his commanding voice came through.
"Mr. Anderson," Lily said, her spine tingling with fear as memories flooded back. "Is there something you need?"
What was the Azure Palace Hotel? Why did he want her there?
"Yes, I want to discuss the seven million dollars you still owe me," Andrew said. "Your contract has over a year left, right? Do you think you can pay it off?"
Lily's mind went blank, unsure of what to say.
"So we need to talk about your future plans. You still need to be my money-making machine."
"Okay," she agreed, though nervous. Was Andrew tricking her, or was he just looking to vent his anger? "But why the Azure Palace Hotel? I don't know where that is. Why not meet at the office, Mr. Anderson?"
"Do you think you're someone important?" Andrew sneered. "Should I pick you up in a Bentley? I'm busy and only in Emerald City for a few days. If you want to talk, come. If not, whatever. Your contract renews automatically. As long as you owe me, you'll keep working for me."
Her current agency was fully owned by the Anderson family.
"You're no angel," Andrew's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Not everyone wants to sleep with you."
Lily gripped her phone, feeling her blood run cold.
"Do you even remember what you used to look like? What makes you think anyone would want you? Your age? Your lack of brains? You weren't that attractive before, and without our makeover, you're nothing. I've seen all kinds of women. Do you think just because you're healthier and prettier now, you can do whatever you want?"