Chapter 7

David Wilson pushed open the door to find Ethan Smith reclining on the hospital bed, reviewing documents.

"Shouldn't you be in a meeting right now?" Ethan closed the folder, arching a brow.

David pulled up a chair. "Emily fell down the stairs. She's in a room downstairs." He studied his friend's expression. "How are you feeling?" Last night, when he'd received the news of the accident, his phone had slipped from his grasp in shock.

Even the doctors called it a medical miracle—such a severe crash, yet only minor injuries.

Ethan touched the red cord around his neck. "Much better. Is Emily alright?"

He knew better than anyone that his rapid recovery was entirely due to that mysterious talisman from last night.

"Fractured. She'll need time to heal." David couldn't help unloading the day's events. "You should've seen it—when that talisman burned..." He rubbed his arms. "I never believed in this stuff before."

Ethan's gaze flickered. "The person who gave it to you—she's a Starlight Entertainment artist?"

"Yeah, Lucy White." David pulled out his phone and scrolled. "She had a breakout role in an idol drama last year, then faded into obscurity."

Ethan had already opened Twitter. The hashtag #LucyWhiteLeaveTheIndustry glared at him from the trending list.

"She's being targeted?" Ethan frowned.

David shrugged. "She said she can handle it."

Ethan tapped the screen lightly. "Any upcoming schedules for her?"

"She's filming Strawberry TV's new variety show next week." David's eyes widened. "Wait—don't tell me you're..."

"Arrange it for me." Ethan set his phone down. "I'm joining."

David nearly leapt from his chair. "You? On a variety show?"

This was the same man who couldn't be bothered to walk red carpets at international film festivals.

"Mhm." A faint smile curved Ethan's lips. "Consider it returning a favor."

David suddenly understood. "You're doing this for—"

"Is Ian Stone free lately?" Ethan cut him off.

"You want Ian to mentor her?" David sucked in a breath. "He's our company's ace agent!"

Ethan traced the edge of his watch. "He owes me."

David shook his head, chuckling. "Classic you."

After chatting a while longer, David checked the time and stood to leave.

Meanwhile, Lucy was being enthusiastically clasped by Mrs. Wilson's hands.

From the hospital bed, Emily beamed. "You're even prettier in person than on TV!"

She'd never seen someone so beautiful—like a noblewoman stepped out of an ancient painting, every smile carrying an indescribable grace.