Chapter 2The Golden Cage

The camera light was blinding, like an interrogation lamp. They were looking for any crack in my expression.

The director urged me, "Vivian, rules are rules. The whole country is watching."

My acting skills are floor-level, but I had to protect my meal ticket.

I straightened up, put on a polite smile, and spoke into the phone.

"The dog probably peed on the bed because he misses me. Uncle Ju, just wash the sheets and remember to walk him."

Silence on the other end for two seconds.

Then, a mix of shock and rage: "Vivian Chen, are you treating me like a maid? Do you know who the boss is?"

My heart was trembling.

I calmly ended the conversation. "Okay, I won't keep you. I'll be back in seven days. Bye."

Before he could respond, I hung up. Click.

First time hanging up on Julian in my life. It felt... exhilarating.

The director took my burner phone and left on a boat.

I went back to the campsite. My two teammates looked ready to eat me alive.

Kyle, a former boy band idol wearing a khaki windbreaker, asked tentatively, "Vivian, are you saying that tomorrow at 5 AM, Team 3 has to go fishing without makeup or breakfast, wearing headlamps?"

I smiled at him. "Yep."

The new "IT girl" actress, Layla, wrapped in a blanket, looked pissed. "Didn't we all hand in our phones before coming to the island? How did you get caught with one?"

I smiled at her too. "I had a spare."

Layla sneered. "The rules said no phones. You did this on purpose, didn't you?"