Love's New Bloom by Simone Hastings

Chapter 140 Case Solved

The next morning. reporters surrounded the studio. Since Erin’s news made it to the top of the trending

topics, all major websites sent reporters overnight to follow the developments of the case closely. The

local authorities fell the pressure from public opinion and couldn’t afford to slack off with so many media

outlets watching.

At 8 am, five police cars entered the studio. It was reported that the suspect had turned himself in,

confessing to the crime and the sequence of events. When Erin received this news, she happened to

be in the hotel, and Roman had informed her about it over the phone.

He mentioned that the culprit was either a local resident of Fleuverton or a supporting actor on the set.

The investigators had found the

costumes and animal masks worn by the suspect in his rented house. Everything matched the

description provided by Erin.

The case was quickly solved, disappointing many media outlets that had come to Fleuverton thinking

they could get a sensational story.

Little did they expect it to be resolved so quickly.

The potential scoop of the year became an ordinary criminal case.

However, after this incident, the female actors in the crew became more cautious when going out, and

they often traveled in groups.

By 1 pm, filming resumed in the studio, and all the actors gradually returned to the set.

Following this incident, the staff in the studio and the production crew made a unanimous decision that

everyone entering or leaving the set must present valid identification. Those without identification would

not be allowed in even if they were accompanied by someone familiar. Even all the extras in the crew

obtained temporary actor certificates, which were processed overnight by the production staff.

Rumor had it that it was an order from a big shot. Erin naturally had no idea that this decision was

made due to Chandler putting pressure

on the CEO of the studio.

Originally, Chandler wanted to see Erin personally, but he received urgent news that his grandfather,

Gaston, had suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. Therefore, Chandler took a helicopter back to the

city at 10 am.

Before leaving, he didn’t even make a phone call to Erin. He wanted to see her, but he didn’t dare call

her. He was afraid that he wouldn’t be

able to leave after hearing her voice. He couldn’t afford to stay there any longer as his grandfather’s

condition was quite severe.

Erin also didn’t contact Chandler. She didn’t dare tell him about that incident. On one hand, she didn’t

want him to worry, and on the other

hand, she felt that it was too embarrassing and not worth mentioning. But since the news was already

known to everyone, Erin was

somewhat disappointed that Chandler didn’t call her to show concern.

As her lawyer, Simon had already represented her in dealing with the investigators. Roman even had

Ken contact a bodyguard company, saying that they would assign someone to protect her. Meanwhile,

her boyfriend, Chandler remained silent. Erin felt that he didn’t care

about her, but she didn’t want to dwell on those negative and subjective emotions.

Feeling guilty about delaying the filming progress, Erin was determined to make up for the loss to the

production crew with her diligence. When she returned to the set, many people passing by would

intentionally or unintentionally look at her. She instantly became the center of attention, overshadowing

even the leading actors in the movie. It was difficult for people not to notice her.

As she had expected, there was a group of Internet users criticizing her online. They accused her of

shamelessly orchestrating and exploiting the incident for publicity, and they even voiced suspicions that

the arrested criminal might be her accomplice.

Of course, these comments were all anonymous. The trolls wouldn’t dare use their real accounts for

fear of overstepping legal boundaries. Currently, netizens weren’t required to register for accounts

using their real names, so they were still free to make irresponsible comments

without any moral restraint.

As Erin walked down a corridor wearing oversized sunglasses and a hat, she overheard two extras

playing palace maids talking about her.

“Why would any guy want to pursue Erin? Isn’t the lead actress, Megan, more beautiful?”

“Haven’t you seen the news online? It’s likely just an unscrupulous marketing stunt!”

“Really? That’s so disgusting!”

“It’s nothing special. Nowadays, people who want fame will do anything-”

“Erin actually looks pretty good and seems reserved. She should’ve just gotten ahead using her looks

to gain favor with the directors or

producers. Why did she have to create this kind of lousy scandal and ruin her own reputation?”

“Whatever. It has nothing to do with us. Let’s focus on our acting. Who knows, we might become

famous after a few years!”

“You’re right. Who would dare openly cause trouble on the set anyway?”

“It doesn’t matter. Erin has gained her lifteen minutes of fame one way or another.”

“It’s a pity that people like us care too much about our reputation. Otherwise, we might have had a

chance to become famous too.”

“Well. C’est la vie. That’s how life is.”

Listening to their malicious slandering, Erin was infuriated to the point of almost confronting them. But

then she realized that she didn’t even know these two extras, and they didn’t know her either. Why

should she bother reasoning with people who loved to gossip and didn’t know her at all? If they had

even an ounce of sensibility, they wouldn’t be gossiping behind someone’s back like this.

In the end, Erin held back her grievances and swallowed them. She should have known that when she

made the decision to report the

incident, she would have to bear the negative impact that came with it.

At that moment, a man’s voice sounded from behind her. “Erin!”

This shout made the two extras in front of her turn around, and their expressions instantly became

awkward and strained when they saw

Erin. They smiled at Erin gingerly and turned around to leave.

With a cold expression on her face, Erin turned around and looked at the man behind her.

“You’re quite proactive in returning to the set, aren’t you?” Percival was dressed casually and hadn’t

changed into his costume yet. He’d

just come back to the set. A young male assistant trailed after him.

Erin didn’t have a good impression of Percival, Whenever she thought about his affair with Megan, she

felt a little disgusted and looked down on him. Unexpectedly, Percival distanced himself from Megan

after she broke up with Simon. Erin had witnessed it twice–Megan

and Percival would cross paths and not acknowledge each other.

“You’re equally as proactive, Mr. Lowe,” Erin replied nonchalantly. She smiled faintly, nodded, and

continued walking forward.

Not taking a hint that Erin didn’t feel like talking to him. Percival took a few quick steps to catch up with

her and prattled away. “Did you know? We have a scene together tomorrow. I don’t know if you’ve

heard about it, but they say the screenwriter worked on it overnight.”