I dug out my ID card and placed it on the table.

I looked at him expectantly. "Can I?"

Emilio averted his gaze and said flatly, "Just go."

Overjoyed, I didn't even care about his curt tone as I headed for the door.

But before I could touch the doorknob, hurried footsteps sounded behind me.

The next second, I was pressed against the door by Emilio.

He was gripping my hand tightly, his breathing ragged and uneven.

He asked. "Your real name is Tracy James?"

I was thoroughly confused. "Yeah, so what?"

His lips trembled as he took a step back.

He muttered, "No, it can't be. He was supposed to be a man."

"Mr. Warren, are you alright?" I asked.

Seeing his lost, bewildered expression, I was having trouble wrapping my head around what was happening.

My phone buzzed. It was probably a nagging message from Tia.

I said, "Mr. Warren, I'm going to head out now. We can talk about this when I get back."

Seeing no response from Emilio, I pushed down my lingering doubts and left.

Arriving on set, I dressed up and sat in the corner flipping through the script.

"Well, if it isn't our big star Aileen," came a sneering voice.

I immediately recognized who it was.

Amber Petty was a popular young actress who skyrocketed to fame this year thanks to a web drama.

We were from the same agency, and the rivalry and competition between us were no secret.

I didn't bother responding, just running through my scenes for the day in my head.

Amber stood in front of me, tapping her high heels.

She said, "I thought you might not even show up today."

I looked up at her and gave a slight smile. "Looks like you're disappointed."

She said, "Aileen, we're both from Joy Entertainment after all. Seeing you struggling so much, even offending Emilio, I can introduce you to a few directors. If you keep them company at night, maybe someone will be willing to take you under their wing."

I said, "Don't trouble yourself with my affairs."

I stood up, meeting her gaze. "After all, not everyone is like you, able to get cozy with every director."

"Aileen, what are you implying?" Her face darkened.

I said, "Take it as you will. What, can't even understand plain speech now?"

The tension between us was palpable.

Her assistant came over timidly. "Amber, the director is calling for you."

Amber said, "Aileen, don't get too cocky."

She regained her cool and sneered, "Just wait and see, your good days are numbered."