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Translator: 549690339
Volume One
§§§Chapter 1 I am Pregnant
"I am pregnant."
Hallie Morgan took a deep breath, finally mustering the courage to bluntly state the reason for her sudden appearance.
"What did you say?"
The man before her, who was already full of impatience, suddenly raised his eyes in disbelief merged with gradually rising anger, coating his normally perfect face with fury.
"Didn't you take the pill?"
"I-I didn't have any experience...It was my first time." Hallie's tentative face shrunk with fear; she was afraid he would reach across the table and strangle her.
Just one month ago, it had been inconceivable that she was going to have a child; and the father of this child is none other than Dylan Collins, the CEO of Collins Corporation, feared and respected by all in Wallam as the 'Wealthy God.'
The most terrifying thing was, a month ago, they were complete strangers.
All because she entered the wrong room...
"You think I believe that excuse?" He stared intently at the regretful face of the woman in front of him, his mind completely occupied by those four words.
She is pregnant, pregnant with his child?
"A month ago, I made it clear to you—I didn't want to see you here again. Now, you tell me you're pregnant and even dare to come find me— what are you after? Do you want me to marry you? Ha, you're pretty bold."
"No, of course not. I wouldn't expect you to marry me." She hurriedly explained, "I knew you had a girlfriend. This is all my fault. I know I shouldn't be asking you for this. I want to have an abortion but I have no money. I had no other choice but to…"
The black pupils of Dylan Collins' eyes twitched slightly. He looked at the anxious girl in front of him.
"So, you're here for money?" Seemingly enlightened, he sneered and rested his hand on the glass table in front of him. "What makes you think that you can ask me for money? That time a month ago…that was entirely your fault."
"I know, I understand... it's all my fault." Unable to retort, Hallie closes her eyes tightly, overwhelmed with a strong sense of guilt.
A month ago, she woke up from bed to find that the man beside her was not her boyfriend, but the infamous CEO Dylan Collins, with whom she had celebrated her birthday.
Caught off guard and totally confused, she was greatly surprised.
Why was he in her room?
Until she saw the birthday surprise on the table.
It read, "Happy Birthday, Ally Berg."
Everyone knew that the superstar Ally Berg had been dating Dylan Collins for several years.
So, Dylan Collins was preparing a birthday surprise for Ally Berg in the hotel, but unexpectedly, she ruined it completely?
"A month ago, you got lucky and escaped before I could have you thrown into the river. And now you dare to approach me for money. Haven't you heard about me?"
Hallie Morgan and the chair she sat on withdrew backward. She wished she could kneel and beg for forgiveness. "I'm sorry. I will find a way to get the abortion money myself. I assure you I will never appear before you again. You can be assured!"
Hallie retreated about a meter, hurriedly got up, turned, and started to run.
"Come back here."
Dylan Collins clenched his fist, his face pale. He called her back, then without sparing her a glance, took a card out of his wallet.
"Abortion money. You have till the end of the day to get rid of what's in your stomach. Otherwise, when I come to take care of it, I may end up dealing with you as well."
§§§Chapter 2 Boyfriend Disappears
He was willing to pay?
Hallie Morgan looked back in doubt, glanced at the card on the table with disbelief, picked up the card in a gingerly manner, and directly ran out.
"Shit." Dylan's fist hit the table hard as he felt a throbbing headache induced by this stupid woman.
As Hallie left with the money, she felt deeply regretful and foolish for approaching Dylan Collins in a moment of stupidity.
However, after discovering her pregnancy, she was also very astonished and didn't know what to do, especially since she was currently penniless and homeless.
She took out her cell phone and dialed Elijah Moore's number again.
The voice coming from the phone was still that emotionless female voice.
"The number you have dialed is temporarily unavailable."
A month ago, she meticulously prepared a birthday surprise for Elijah Moore, planning to give him her precious first time, but he didn't go to the hotel.
As soon as she left the hotel, she dialed his number, but his mother, Madam Moore, answered the phone.
"You are nothing more than a bastard adopted by the Morgan family in your childhood. Your status is not compatible with my son Elijah at all. You even dare to lure my son into a hotel room. You shameless harlot, there's absolutely no way I would approve of your entry into the Moore family. Elijah knows his mistake now and will never contact you again. Just give up on this."
Madam Moore was sarcastic and asked her to leave Elijah. And not only that, she also told the Morgans, saying that the daughter they raised was hooking up with men in a hotel.
When she returned home, Daphne Allen beat her severely. If it weren't for her adoptive father pleading for mercy, Daphne could have broken her leg on the spot.
She was locked up at home for a whole month and just got secretly released by her adoptive father.
So where did she find the time to take birth control pills?
Just as she hung up the phone, she noticed the time. She was going to be late for her audition!
"Evelyn, I'm sorry, something came up on my way and made me late."
Hallie Morgan arrived at the film set and quickly caught up with Evelyn Olsen.
Evelyn didn't even glance at Hallie and coldly scoffed, "You disappear for a whole month and end up being late when you return. Fine, your role is already gone."
"Evelyn, I beg you to give me another chance. I really love this show. No matter what role you give me, I can accept it as long as I can participate in the show."
Hallie followed closely behind Evelyn. She knew she was in the wrong and admitted her mistake.
For the past month, her biggest concern was not offending Dylan Collins, but the genuine role she got the opportunity to play and was taken away and confined at home.
After she broke free, she found out that the show had already started shooting, and her part had been given to someone else.
But she also heard that just these couple of days, an actor had to quit the crew because of an accident, so she immediately came to the film set, trying to get the possibly remaining role.
"You're really willing to play any role?" At this moment, another voice came from behind.
Linda Collins came forward from behind and looked at Hallie Randall who was in front of her.
It's her.
Linda Collins was an artist from her company and also, Hallie knew, she was her boyfriend Elijah's ex-girlfriend.
She's here too.
§§§Chapter 3: Being Her Stand-in
She looked at Hallie and smiled at Evelyn, "Evelyn, the maid who was supposed to act got sick, and we immediately need a stand-in for a scene. Why don't you let her try?" She looked at Hallie with a face full of smiles.
Hallie could see the malice in her eyes and the mockery of looking down on her.
The hand by her side slowly clenched.
Acting was her childhood dream. She always thought that someday she could be a star, standing in front of the camera, recognized and liked by more people.
She knew she was not the flesh and blood of the Morgan family. She was an orphan and was only brought back to the Morgan house because Daphne Allen was unable to conceive at the time. But a year later, Daphne became pregnant.
Daphne couldn't get rid of her and had to reluctantly raise her.
If she became a star, standing in a place where everyone could see her, wouldn't her biological parents be able to find her?
So even though she had no background or money, the journey might be difficult, but she wanted to strive for any chance she got.
Now that she had just escaped from home, broke and penniless, she could stay in the crew, she has something to eat and a place to stay. If she lost this opportunity, she might even have to leave the company.
"What, don't you want to act? Hallie Morgan, if that's the case, Evelyn, it seems inappropriate to let irrelevant people stay in the crew." Linda Collins looked down and chuckled.
She gritted her teeth slightly and, against Linda's triumphant smile, "No, don't kick me out. I'll act."
Evelyn was very surprised for a moment, she didn't expect Hallie to agree.
She looked deeply at Linda Collins.
"Fine, then go change your clothes."
Linda Collins looked at her, a smile slowly deepening.
This Hallie Morgan actually dared to come forward by herself.
Linda Collins had long been disdainful of Hallie. She, a wild seed of the Morgan family, actually became Elijah Moore's girlfriend and was even being cultivated by the company for a while.
A month ago, she suddenly disappeared, completely missing this opportunity. At the same time, Linda Collins heard that she was dumped by Elijah Moore and discarded by the Moore family.
By coming here at this time, isn't she just asking for trouble?
...
Hallie Morgan was wearing a maidservant's grey long dress with only a thin slip underneath. In the cold winter weather, she was shivering and currently had to kneel on the paving stones, her face sunk in submission and almost crawling.
In front of her, Linda Collins moved closer with a wicked smile on her face.
With a "smack", the back of a hand landed on Hallie Morgan's face.
Hallie Morgan's head was buzzing, and her cheek was visibly swollen.
She actually hit her, and did it with all her might.
"Well, you cheap wench, dare to look me in the eye? You're not submissive yet?" she finished speaking and there was another slap, landed in the same place.
Hallie Morgan swayed and supported herself with one hand on the ground, her head feeling as if it was filled with lead.
"Oh my, the director, I messed up." Linda Collins shrieked with her hand over her mouth, "I got too into it and when I saw her defiant gaze, I accidentally hit her again. Let's start over."
The director nonchalantly glanced at the person on the ground and frowned, "Start over."
"What?"
Hallie Morgan lifted her head, glaring at Linda Collins.
She did it on purpose.
Linda Collins smiled slyly, "What's wrong, you don't want to act anymore? Well, suit yourself, there are lots of people outside looking for such roles. If you don't want to perform, you can leave now."
§§§ Chapter 4 She Fainted
Hallie Morgan's eyelashes trembled slightly, and her hand on the ground, clenched once again.
She bit her dry bottom lip and looked at Linda Collins, "Keep going... let's continue."
She can't give up. She can't go back home now and was about to get an abortion soon. She desperately needed a job, this was her chance to stay in the filming crew.
"Smack."
"Smack."
"Smack."
Linda Collins continued to mess up, one time after the other.
"Keep going."
"Keep going."
Hallie Morgan's face was completely swollen.
She stared at Linda Collins who was still looking at her menacingly.
Initially, she had been chasing Elijah Moore for a long time, but unexpectedly Elijah Moore ended up with Hallie Morgan. She was just an adopted daughter of the Morgan family, what made her better than herself?
Filled with hatred, she glared at the weak and powerless Hallie Morgan on the ground. Her face was pale, and her body seemed light as a feather, like she was going to faint at any moment. She sneered; Hallie Morgan thought she could fight her? Now that she was ordered to kneel, she had to kneel, and when told to take a slap, she didn't even dare to make a sound.
"Wait a moment." Hallie Morgan felt like she was going to throw up, she quickly held her chest, not wanting to lose her composure.
The director turned his head again.
"What's going on, can we continue filming or not? If we can't, change the actress immediately and don't waste everyone's time here."
Hallie Morgan quickly shook her head, recomposed herself, and looked at Linda Collins standing there, "We can continue filming, carry on."
Linda Collins reached out her hand, and with a smack...
Hallie Morgan fell straight to the ground, her senses blurry, and seemed to hear gasps of shock from the people around her.
"What happened?"
"Doctor, doctor, come quick."
"What's going on, who recruited this extra, she is such a bad luck."
Hallie Morgan woke up in the hospital.
On the side, Evelyn Olsen glared at her angrily, "How dare you get pregnant and not tell me. Huh? You can seek death if you want, but don't drag me with you."
"I..." Hallie Morgan grabbed her arm, her voice pleading, "Evelyn, I'll abort the child soon, please don't kick me out."
"Enough, I let you into the crew because you seemed honest and innocent. But who knew you have such loose morals behind that facade? The sort of artist that can blow up in one's face at any moment, I won't have it. I've been kind and fair to you by bringing you here, you're on your own from now on."
"It's not like that, this child was an accident."
"I'm not interested in hearing about your riveting personal life."
She forcefully shook off Hallie Morgan who had clutched her arm. Hallie was pulled from the bed to the floor.
Feeling a bout of dizziness, Evelyn's face contorted in surprise, her voice high and shrill, "If you want to die, go somewhere else to do it, don't die here, go away!"
Just as she was about to kick her, several formally dressed men in black suddenly appeared at the hospital entrance, blocking the room completely. The domineering bodyguards, tall and expressionless, led by a middle-aged man in his forties, came through the door. He glanced at the person on the ground and his expression stiffened.
Evelyn felt a chill run through her body and the hair stood up at the back of her.
She had seen and experienced a lot, but even she could tell something was unusual about these men. What did they want with Hallie Morgan?
Wasn't Hallie Morgan just the illegitimate child of the Morgan family? When did she mix with such people?
Startled, Hallie Morgan raised her head to look at these people standing before her.
Who were they?
§§§Chapter 5: She was taken back to the Collins Mansion
Dylan Collins drove at a breakneck speed, but the words of that woman kept echoing in his brain.
A stranger was pregnant, pregnant with his child.
He, Dylan Collins, had inexplicably slept with a baffling woman due to an accident, and was now, against all odds, becoming a father.
"Shit." His hand smacked the steering wheel forcefully. That's when he noticed an incoming call from Ally Berg.
His pupils flashed, but he didn't answer. Then the incoming call changed to one from his assistant, Ben Myers.
"CEO Collins, it's bad news. Old man Collins has taken Hallie Morgan away."
What?
A chill ran down Dylan Collins's spine as a possibility flashed in his mind. He made a sharp turn, the screech of the brakes piercing the air. His expression grew even colder. Tightening his lips, he drove straight to the Old Collins' Mansion.
Sitting in the living room, numerous servants immediately surrounded Hallie, adjusting her seat and lining up a number of cushions behind her. The table before her was soon filled with an impressive array of tonics.
The opulent living room echoed with the slightest words spoken.
This was Hallie's first experience of a truly powerful and affluent family. It was staggeringly grand.
An elderly man dressed in a traditional suit looked at her affectionately, incessantly smiling. His jagged eyes twinkled.
Hallie found it hard to believe that this was Logan Collins, the decisive and ruthless old chairman of the Collins Group, who was usually only seen in various news reports.
The main door of the living room was suddenly pushed open.
"Grandpa." A frosty Dylan Collins walked in, his gaze landed on Hallie, sitting primly on the couch, wearing an awkward smile.
His sharp eyes intensely observed her face. He went straight to Logan Collins.
"How could you take it upon yourself to bring her here without consulting me!"
"Enough, I already know. Hallie is carrying your child. This is fantastic news for our Collins family, you even kept this news from us, and you left Hallie alone in the hospital. This is outrageous."
"What happened between us was an accident. You can't possibly want to keep this child. If you want a grandchild, I can give you one, but I don't even know her, this child can't possibly stay."
"Rascal." Logan Collins jabbed his cane onto the floor, causing a deafening sound, "This is the Collins family's flesh and blood. I won't let you casually abort it. And this poor girl has been violated by you, don't you think you should bear responsibility?"
Violated?
He violated her?
All of this was obviously her fault!
Dylan Collins shot Hallie an icy glance.
"You say it yourself, who violated whom!"
Hallie recoiled in fear.
"It's all my fault that I messed up, Grandpa Collins, as I said earlier, this was all an accident, and it has nothing to do with CEO Collins. It was all caused by me alone,"
"Dylan Collins!" Logan Collins's eyebrows knitted in stern disapproval. The cane in his hand again hit the ground with a weight that suggested he might smash it to bits.
Hallie paled along with his words.
But Logan Collins's face softened. He turned to Hallie and said, "Hallie, did I scare you? Don't be afraid, I'm not angry with you."
He turned his head and glared sharply at Dylan. "What are you doing, how dare you threaten Hallie in front of me."
§§§CHAPTER 6 Drop the Act
His voice took on a heavy tone. "If you were capable of giving me a successor, you would have already done so. You and that Ally have been together for so many years already and you haven't produced anything. And now with this child, you need to break up with Ally and treat Hallie and her unborn child properly."
"Grandpa, do you want me to break up with Ally and be with her? I don't even know who she is, I'm not a tool for reproduction!"
Hmm... Logan Collins's face suddenly tightened, his voice dropped several degrees. "You don't want to be a tool of the Collins family. There are plenty of others willing to take your place. Are you sure you want to give that opportunity away?"
Dylan's eyes were deeply dark, his voice suddenly stopping
"Grandpa, are you threatening me with my inheritance rights for the sake of a child?" Dylan looked incredulously at Logan Collins.
"The Collins family has always valued our lineage, I'm doing this for the Collins bloodline! When I was your age I could already fill a jar with my kids, look at you, you useless thing, no children at your age. Do you know how many eyes are watching your position now? And you are still messing around with Ally. Even with you being like this, you still want to inherit the Collins family business? Our line has been a direct male inheritance for three generations, and I don't want it to end with you! Have you forgotten how your uncle mocked me that I have no one to succeed me?"
The Collins family has over three hundred years of history and has always been a noble bloodline - a prominent family that has always valued heritage. The fact that Logan Collins only has one son and one grandson has led to much mockery. This has been the only failure in his otherwise successful business life.
Logan Collins's expression was firm and his words held no jest. "If you dare to get rid of this child, I will replace you immediately!"
"You..."
Dylan's face sank with his words.
His rosy lips were tightly pursed, and his jaw was stretched to the extreme.
However, Logan Collins merely lifted the teacup from the table edge, took a glance at him, and sipped it lightly. His tone was unhurried. "If you don't want this child, then from now on, Hallie will be my granddaughter and I will raise her!"
"You... You're simply..."
Dylan was too angry to speak, his chest heaving, causing Hallie to worry about his heart health. At that moment, his icy eyes, filled with rage, bore directly into her, as if he wanted to strangle her, the root of his troubles.
Hallie hurriedly lowered her head. She didn't dare step into this top-level prominent family dispute. Any person in this room could make her disappear from Wallam, right?
However, what Dylan said next completely overturned Hallie's world.
"Fine, fine, I'll keep it."
"Really?" Logan Collins was surprised and delighted.
"Ha, without my consent, you wouldn't be able to keep this child, would you?"
Logan Collins's expression relaxed. "You are indeed my grandson, always so smart."
What?
Had he just agreed to let the child come into the world?
Hallie looked incredulously at this sudden turn of events. She hadn't even agreed, yet.
Logan Collins's face softened instantly. He turned around and spoke kindly to her, "Hallie, you're carrying my lovely great-grandchild. If you dare to upset her in any way, you will answer to me first. Hallie, don't be afraid of him, you have your grandpa to stand up for you. Just take good care of your pregnancy."
But... she really didn't want to give birth...
She looked silently at the old man, unable to utter a word.
"Dylan Collins."
Dylan, with a cold expression on his face, quickly left the large living room. Hallie hurriedly followed.
He turned a livid face towards her, staring at her speechless face. His voice held a barely suppressed rage.
"Now everything is as you wished, are you satisfied?"
What did that have to do with her?
"I didn't even know your grandfather would go to the hospital. I was inexplicably brought to the villa."
"Seems like you're not a child anymore. You're an adult, don't you know to take your medicine? You say after a month that you forgot your medicine and now you're pregnant. Do you find that believable?"
"I..."
"That's enough. Now that the old man is here backing you up, there's no need for pretense,"
"Ben Myers, take her back to the Collins' house."
§§§ Chapter 7: Vomiting All Over Him
"..."
Hallie Morgan looked at him, gritting her teeth in anger. What kind of person was he? He completely ignored her explanations and apologies, placing all the blame on her.
He caught the collar of her clothes in a grip and warned viciously, "After the child is born, you can leave. Don't ever think of having this child stay in the Collins family. Do you hear me?"
"You think I want to stay in the Collins family? All I want is the abortion money. How could you decide to keep this child without my consent... I..."
Hallie Morgan's chest was heaving as she looked at this ferocious man, only to feel a wave of sickness in her stomach.
Suddenly, she clamped a hand over her mouth and vomited.
Caught off guard, Dylan Collins hurriedly backed away to see her squatting in front of him, dry-heaving, unable to vomit any more. The only thing that came out was a mouthful of sour fluid, which splashed on his white shirt.
His face flushed with a repressed shout, "Hallie Morgan, this is intentional, isn't it!"
But Hallie Morgan seemed so weak that she might fall down at any moment. Dylan Collins took a deep breath and cursed quietly, and then picked up Hallie Morgan's limp body and put her in the car.
This woman must have been sent by heaven to punish him, right?
Dylan Collins's home, slightly smaller than the Collins' old mansion, was decorated luxuriously. The dark color theme reflected the house owner's personality - cold and gloomy.
Sitting on the bed, Hallie Morgan waited as the doctor came in. After examining her, he sighed and told Dylan Collins heavily, "Sir, this lady is very weak, and the fetal heartbeat is unstable. She should avoid any emotional upheaval in the near future. Otherwise, it's easy for something to happen. With her weak condition, it's not just the child's life at stake, even the adult might not make it."
It's that serious?
"And this lady, I want to ask you, this swelling on your face.... Did you get beaten up?"
Hallie Morgan reached out to touch her own face.
Those were the marks left by Linda Collins slapping her more than ten times.
Was it that noticeable?
"This, this injury is nothing." Hallie Morgan said.
Dylan Collins's eyes flickered with a dark light as he finally noticed the unusual reddish swelling on her face.
Red handprints were clearly visible on that white cheek. Upon thinking, he realized they were prints of slapped hands.
His eyebrows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
Had this woman been slapped many times outside?
Who had beaten her up?
Seeing that she kept mum, the doctor could only prescribe some more medicine for her and said to Dylan Collins, "Apply the medicine on time, and it'll get better soon."
After the doctor left, Hallie Morgan raised her head, only to meet Dylan Collins's deep gaze.
His look seemed to say that he could kill her at any moment. She felt increasingly guilty and quickly offered an explanation.
"Don't stare at me like that. I genuinely didn't know why the Collins family came to me. Not everyone wants to have a child for you. I have a boyfriend. I don't want to have a child for a man I've never seen. How could you agree so easily? I won't have this child."
"You..."
Dylan Collins caught his breath.
What a wronged look in her eyes, as if having his child was doing her an injustice?
"Do you think you can easily abort this child now?" He looked down at her, "The Collins family won't let go of the child in your belly."
"I..." Hallie Morgan looked up, "What should I do then? I don't want a child. And I haven't become Katharine Hepburn yet. I still want to continue acting. This is the prime of my life now. An actor can't act forever. I've already wasted so much time; I can't keep doing that."
§§§ Chapter 8: Signing an Agreement
Dylan Collins glanced at her, and chuckled, "You want to be an actress?"
"Yes." She looked up at him, "That's why I really can't afford to have this child. You're rich and powerful. There must be a way you can handle this better than me."
Dylan Collins stared tightly at her grape-like, dark eyes, which were slightly moist. He could not detect any traces of falsehood.
Of course, she might be a good actress, and all of this was her acting.
He raised an eyebrow, shifting the conversation, "Fine, here's an agreement you can sign. We can pretend, for now, to plan on having your baby, which should put my grandfather at ease. Once he's less vigilant, I can secretly help get you out of North City and get your pregnancy terminated overseas."
Hope sparked in Hallie's eyes.
He then placed a seemingly well-prepared agreement in front of her.
He was ready all along?
So he was just testing her before?
She lifted her head to look deeply into the expressionless face of this man. "No wonder he is a shrewd businessman," she thought resignedly.
She lowered her head to look at the agreement. It stated that she couldn't publicly announce her pregnancy or leave to give birth in secret. She was also not allowed to disclose the terms of the contract to anyone else, otherwise she would face unbearable consequences.
Below, he had added a provision: if she terminates the pregnancy, he would compensate her with a hundred million yuan.
Hundred million?
She paused, looking surprised at him.
How generous!
No wonder he was the wealthy God; he hands out billions.
After giving it some thought, Hallie realized she had hit rock bottom. If she escaped now, she might not even have enough for an abortion. Moreover, Logan Collins seemed genuinely interested in keeping the baby. How could she, alone, stand against the Collins family?
"Alright, I agree."
She had no choice but to sign her name on the agreement.
Noticing this, he hummed, and grabbed the agreement with her name neatly written. He picked up the contract and didn't want to spend another moment here.
"You will be staying here for a while. But let me warn you; my room, my bedroom, you're not allowed in. I made a mistake last time; otherwise, I would never touch you. Don't even think of climbing into my bed again. Otherwise, you can look up online what happens to the people who cross me. Hopefully, you would get a bit of self-awareness."
"Hey, what are you implying?! Sure, you've got some money, but you could check online too and would find that there are plenty of men out there. You're not the only heartthrob around! I mistook you for my boyfriend, who is, in my opinion, the best man!"
A gleam flashed across Dylan Collins' dark eyes, his entire persona seemingly growing colder.
Hallie swallowed hard and quickly tried to placate him with a smile, "Of course, of all the men I've met, you're the most handsome and suave, noble and kind, with an expansive heart. But my heart already belongs to someone, so rest assured, I won't take any interest in you."
Weighed down by frustration, she momentarily forgot that the man in front of her was Dylan Collins, who could destroy her with a flick of his hand.
Dylan scoffed at the woman who was able to lie through her teeth without batting an eye.
She even had the audacity to flatter so shamelessly.
"Heh, I hope what you say is true. Ensure not a single strand of your hair gets into my room!"
Dylan waved over a servant, "Give her this room and bring some tonic soup."
§§§ Chapter 9: Are you trying to run away?
Hallie looked up to see the man who had suddenly shown kindness.
In the end, he looked over at her impatiently, "You have a week to fatten her up, I don't want to see her sitting here looking sickly anymore, it would make it seem like I'm abusing her."
So he wasn't so kind-hearted...
Conveniently, the servants brought in food, drinks, and other necessities.
She breathed a sigh of relief. Now that she was out of the Morgan family, all she had was the abortion money he had given her; she didn't have anywhere to live.
Dylan's arrival meant she could stay off the streets for a while, and that was a relief in some way.
She marveled at the Collins' manner of decoration. In the following two days, the Collins family repeatedly shattered Hallie's understanding of the word 'lavish.'
Under the methodical care of the nutritionist, her physical condition improved significantly in just two days.
Then she saw a notification on Instagram about a crew hiring actors. The director was Cameron Cromwell, collaborating with her current company.
Why wasn't she informed?
As she strolled, she dialed Evelyn Olsen's number.
"Evelyn, I saw Director Cromwell is casting. Why wasn't I informed?"
"Hallie, aren't you enjoying a leisurely life after getting pregnant and moving with a wealthy family? Leave these good opportunities to others."
"...Evelyn, you've misunderstood. I'm going to get rid of the baby soon. I can't afford to miss this opportunity. Can you save a role for me? I'm okay with any role!"
Cromwell's film, which he makes once every few years, usually becomes a huge hit. She didn't expect that this time, he would choose to collaborate with their company.
She had already missed an opportunity because she was confined by the Morgan family. She couldn't afford to miss this one.
"Alright, I'll tell you the truth; the roles have already been pre-determined. The casting is just a formality. It's not that I don't want to promote you, but I'm helpless. Moreover, Aria Morgan is participating in the film. Are you sure you want to join?"
"Evelyn..."
But she had already hung up the phone.
Aria was also going.
Aria Morgan, her younger sister, the little princess of the Morgan Family. If they saw her, she would definitely tell the Morgan family. Who knows if they would cause her trouble.
But that's Cromwell...
Hallie gritted her teeth and got up to change her clothes. While searching for the recruited actor information and script, she walked out.
Within moments, Dylan Collins received news that Hallie was leaving the house.
He rubbed his temples forcefully, cursedly wondering what stunt this woman was trying to pull now.
"Hallie, ha, you can't keep up the act after just a few days and are planning to run away, huh?"
At the entrance, Hallie, who was about to escape, was instantly grabbed by Dylan Collins by the collar of her dress. He pulled her back like he was lifting a chicken.
"Dylan Collins! What are you doing? I have an urgent matter to attend to. I need to go out."
Out of desperation, Hallie cursed.
Dylan Collins' expression grew stern, his aloof gaze completely filled his eyes.
"What are you going out for? Are you planning to secretly leave and have the child?"
"Impossible! Haven't I signed a contract?"
"A child from the Collins family is worth you taking the risk," he said, looking at her with a nonchalant and confident expression.
So arrogant that it made one sigh in disbelief.
Seeing time go by every second, Hallie wished to give up on her life out of anger.
§§§Chapter 10 - He's Practically a Tyrant
She really wouldn't be able to make it in time.
"I'm going for an audition. Director Cromwell is creating a film and I have always admired his work. I want to be in his film, so I want to try out for a role. Today is the last day, I need to get there immediately. Can you let me go? I absolutely won't leave. You can have someone monitor me..."
Audition?
He didn't expect that as an answer. He stared at the woman in front of him doubtfully.
She wanted to be an actress, was she serious?
Upon closer examination, Hallie was indeed good-looking.
Her white and fair face, her bright and clear doe eyes, her defined brows, and her radiant beauty. Her overly skinny body looked as light as a feather but displayed perseverance. The long neck, linked to distinct collarbones displayed a certain beauty of bones.
In comparison to Ally Berg's clear and charming face, her face carried an indescribable purity that made one reluctant to look away, reminding him of a phrase.
Innocent and desirable.
After a moment, he shifted his gaze.
"The money I gave you is sufficient for you to live a comfortable life. You shouldn't keep troubling yourself. Now, go back to your room."
"It's not about the money. I've dreamed of being a good actress since I was a child. I studied for three years in school. I started filming without graduating. Although I've been an extra since I was 14 and never had a decent role. I never cared. I won't give up everything because you gave me money. What would all my previous hard work count for then? You may look down on actors because you have some money, but you can't stop me from being one."
Dylan Collins' long eyebrows squeezed together tightly. His eyes, as though dipped in ink, stared at her intensely, making one's heart shudder.
"Have you forgotten about our contract? You're pregnant now. If grandpa finds out you're causing a ruckus outside and delaying my plan, how will you compensate me!"
Her throat tightened as she looked at him, her heart filled with anxiety.
She hadn't wanted to be pregnant in the first place!
"Right, the Collins family values its lineage highly. So do my dreams not matter? This child isn't just mine. Why should I sacrifice my dreams to fulfill yours."
""Hallie Morgan, you're quite bold!"
He grabbed her clothes and began to pull her into the room.
His demeanor was entirely that of an autocrat.
"Let me go, let go!" Hallie burst out angrily, suddenly remembering something. Her expression shifted as she made a retching face.
"Dylan Collins, I'm going to throw up…"
Dylan Collins froze, his face darkening. He recalled the last time she vomited all over him, making him feel weak. He was disgusted and wanted to throw the woman in front of him out immediately.
Hallie felt her neck loosen and without a glance back, she ran out.
"Hallie Morgan!"
She dared to trick him? He was tricked?
Watching her figure as she disappeared, Dylan Collins felt a tightness in his chest. For the first time, he wondered what kind of sin he committed to stumble upon such a woman.
Hallie knew that once she returned, it was over for her.
However, at this time she had no other choice. If she didn't make it to the audition, she was willing to make a clean break, even if it meant death.
The audition location was at her company, Starshine International.
Hallie arrived at the location and saw that she still had an hour, which finally gave her some relief.
"Hallie Morgan."
Evelyn Olsen was followed by Linda Collins, who had just finished her audition.
§§§Chapter 11: Obstruction
As soon as she saw Hallie Morgan, Evelyn quickly walked over, pulling Hallie aside and snapping, "Who told you to come here? You don't listen to a word I say. Have you grown wings? I can't manage you anymore?"
Hallie paid no mind to Linda Collins behind her and tugged at Evelyn Olsen, "Evelyn, give me a chance, I really like Cameron Cromwell. I will not give up, please."
At that moment, Linda Collins sneered from behind, "Nowadays, it seems like anyone, even a cat or a dog, can just look in the mirror, think they can be a star, and dare to squeeze into this circle. Do you think the entertainment industry is a garbage dump, accepting anything and everything?"
She looked at Evelyn Olsen, "Evelyn, having someone like her in our company is simply bringing down your standards. What were you thinking when you signed her?"
"Yes, indeed." Evelyn Olsen quickly appeased with a laugh.
Hallie didn't want to waste her breath talking. She glanced at Linda Collins and turned to Evelyn Olsen, "Evelyn, I've always listened to you. Whatever you ask me to do, I do. I don't need anything else, I just ask for a chance. Let me go in and try. If the audition is unsuccessful, I'll leave without any complaints."
Evelyn Olsen didn't want to offend Linda Collins. She didn't expect Hallie to be so persistent and stubborn to the point of leaving her speechless. With an impatient look in her eyes, she said, "Alright, Hallie, the company has many other projects now. You can't always be fixated on Cameron Cromwell. How about this, you go back first. I'm going to send you to the crew of 'Law Firm Beauty'. That show is planned for a major release. I'll give you an opening, don't say I didn't do you any favors."
She had obviously heard of 'Law Firm Beauty'.
She looked at Evelyn Olsen and gave a bitter laugh, "Isn't that a low-budget rural drama funded by the company itself? Evelyn, are you joking with me?"
The smile faded from Evelyn Olsen's face.
Linda Collins laughed lightly, as if she had heard a great joke, her voice sharp and sarcastic, "Do you even dare to sneer at a rural drama? Huh, a maid dreams of being a lady? You're actually seeing yourself as a person. Evelyn, you should find some roles for her, something like a prostitute or adulteress might be more suitable for her."
"Linda Collins." Hallie had endured enough. She looked at Linda Collins standing aside, "Don't push your luck. It's just because Elijah Moore chose me over you that you're bothering me everywhere. So what if your family has invested in you so much? You're also just a D-list celebrity. Do you think you're something special?"
"You…you..." Hallie dared to bring up this matter in front of everyone. Linda Collins' eyes were filled with venom, her gaze sharp as a knife, and smoke seemed to come out from her seven orifices, "That's right, my family has money to spend on me, while you have nothing. I'll tell you what - as long as I'm here, you'll be nothing more than a dog at my feet for the rest of your life. You will only beg for food under my feet, and don't even think about getting any proper roles, huh!"
Hallie bit her lip, watching Linda's triumphant expression, "The entertainment industry is not owned by your family. Do you think you can cover the sky with one hand?"
"To you, this wild dog, I can indeed cover the sky with one hand. You, a lowly thing, dream of being a star. Keep dreaming!"
After she finished saying that, she turned to Evelyn Olsen, "Evelyn, this dirty thing has tarnished our company. Kick her out as far as possible. Her presence annoys me."
"Why... why are you getting angry with her?"
Evelyn Olsen looked dumbfounded at the frail woman standing there, her eyes swollen and red, looking truly pitiful. She sighed to herself, "I did already give you a chance, but you just had to offend Linda Collins. You should have thought about your background."
She knew that Hallie had the ability, having played supporting roles for several years. There were probably no other actors who had as much experience as her. Moreover, her features were striking, making it hard to ignore her. Evelyn did want to give her chances, but, unfortunately…
Hallie bit her lip tightly, holding back the tears.
What did Linda Collins mean to her? Did she really think she was the one who ran the show in Wallam?
Right now, she was the one carrying the Collins' treasured heir. It was the Collins family that was truly on top in Wallam!
Picking up her phone, her gaze immediately went towards Dylan Collins' name.
§§§Chapter 12 Help Me
Dylan Collins immediately recognized it when he saw the unfamiliar number. It was Hallie Morgan's phone number.
She dares to call him?
Dylan's eyes looked cold, with a chilling smile appearing on his lips. He picked up his phone.
"Hallie, who gave you the nerve to call me?"
"Dylan..."
A sudden sobbing voice came from the other end, making Dylan pause.
Was she crying?
She had left well and good, why did she start crying all of a sudden?
"Where are you?" he asks, his brow furrowing slightly.
"You told me you'd give me one billion, is it possible for me to get it in advance?"
"In advance?" Dylan laughed in annoyance, "How do you want it in advance? What are you planning to do with it?"
"I want to destroy Linda Collins with money, tell her that she can't rule the Entertainment Industry alone. I want her to watch me become a celebrity, watch her beg for food at my feet!"
Talking about it, Hallie couldn't help but sob. These days, she had endured so much humiliation just to act. No matter what they said, she was willing to bear it.
All of these were for her dream.
But today, they want to ruin all her future prospects, and once again destroy her hope.
Dylan gave a faint smile, changed his posture, and leaned back in his large office chair, "No one in Wallam has ever dared to claim they rule everything… You didn't pass the audition?"
"No… Linda Collins won't let me audition." Hallie sniffled softly, her voice weak.
Dylan asks, "Want me to help you?"
"Yes...I know I made you angry this morning, it's my fault. But among the people I know, only you are the richest. You are Wallam's Wealthy God; just a flick of your finger and you can crush that little bitch called Linda Collins. After all, I'm somewhat affiliated with you, right? She can bully me, okay, but even the dog also has an owner, right..."
Dylan was laugh out by what Hallie had said.
It was his first time seeing such a shameless woman, who begs without any dignity.
He was thinking, was there something she wouldn't dare say?
He'd never heard of Linda Collins. In Wallam, crushing someone was indeed easy for him, especially since the production that Cameron Cromwell was making has the Collins' Group's investment.
Plus, who dared to dominate in front of him?
After all, Hallie still had his child in her belly, could just anyone bully her? Did they take him for granted?
"Alright, I got it, you just want to audition right? Go in now."
"Really?"
Hallie's voice was filled with joy.
Dylan chuckled upon hearing her voice, it was just a minor matter, yet she made such a fuss about it.
She's so content with so little.
"Yes, we'll settle other accounts when you come back."
Suddenly, Hallie felt her scalp tingling.
She inevitably thought of the incident this afternoon when she lied to him about the audition and sneaked out...
A few minutes after hanging up the phone, someone came out from inside and looked at Hallie with doubt before bringing her in.
Hallie sighed inwardly, Dylan's words really worked, had everything been arranged just after a few words?
Evelyn Olsen and Linda were inside. Upon seeing Hallie walk in, their eyes almost popped out of their heads.
"How did she... how did she get in here?"
"Hallie is just an extra, how could she be allowed inside here?"
Then, the producer himself came out unexpectedly, spotted Hallie at a glance, adjusted his glasses, and directly instructed someone to bring Hallie inside.
So powerful, huh.
§§§Chapter 13 Over the Wall
Hallie Morgan did not expect Dylan Collins' call to be so effective, he sure lived up to his status as Wallam's Wealthy God indeed.
She suddenly had a feeling of having picked up a thick and powerful thigh. Under the shit-eating gazes of Linda Collins and Evelyn Olsen, she walked straight into Cameron Cromwell's office.
"I've said it already, I won't accept anyone shoehorning their way in midway. Besides, I'm still busy with casting for Ada Vanderhoof's role."
Cameron Cromwell grumbled irritably. As he raised his head, he saw Hallie.
Her long hair draped softly over her shoulders, her facial features were distinct, the glow of her gorgeous complexion apparent for all to see. Her deer-like eyes were clean and bright, free of allurement. As she lifted her gaze, her sparkling eyes seemed filled with galaxies, making them a sight to behold.
She wore a red dress with a yellow crossbody bag, exuding a fresh and tender look, yet seemingly carrying an infinite strength.
She looked up at Cameron Cromwell.
Her eyes were bright, "Director Cromwell, I'm here specifically to audition for the role of Ada Vanderhoof. I hope you can give me a chance."
Cameron Cromwell suddenly realised that her outfit made her a dead ringer for Ada Vanderhoof's character from the script.
Beautiful, tender, innocence touching the hint of allure, she was unforgettable at first glance.
"You're here to audition for Ada's role?"
"Yes."
Hallie briskly nodded, her eyes full of sincerity, transparent enough to see through everything.
Cameron Cromwell narrowed his eyes and measured her up and down with the data in his hand.
"Your name is Hallie Morgan? You deliberately dressed this way to audition for the role of Ada?"
"Exactly. I've reviewed Ada's script several times, hoping to closely match Ada you have in mind. I admire you, Director Cromwell, and I love the role of Ada too. Therefore, I hope that you can give me an opportunity."
Cameron Cromwell stared at her fixedly. After a while, he finally chuckled and said, "Alright, you are our Ada Vanderhoof. Come to report in a few days."
Hallie thought she had misheard and was unable to react for quite some time. She pinched herself hard and then realised she was not dreaming.
Cameron Cromwell really did choose her!
She would be part of a Cameron Cromwell show!
After leaving the office, Hallie still felt as if she were dreaming.
Upon seeing Evelyn Olsen approaching her, without turning her head, Hallie quickly slipped away.
"Hallie Morgan!"
Evelyn wanted to chase after her, but it was too late. She could only helplessly watch at her departing figure.
She never expected Hallie to actually succeed in the audition.
Hallie secretly climbed over the wall into the Collins' residence.
The moment Hallie raised her head, she met the gaze of Dylan Collins, his face placid but his expression exceptionally cold.
"Is it fun to climb over the Collins' wall?"
"Kind of... it's a bit... high..."
Like a predator who had been waiting for his prey for a long time, he immediately hoisted her up.
"Dylan Collins, I was wrong. I won't do it again," Hallie's scream echoe throughout the villa.
Dylan Collins looked at Hallie who immediately sat down on the floor upon entering the house.
"Dylan Collins, I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have lied to you. You should just ignore the likes of me. A busy CEO like you shouldn't waste your time getting angry with a nobody like me. To you, I'm just a tiny insignificant creature. You should just treat me as if I'm a fart, something to be disregarded once expelled. Getting angry over me is simply not worth it, you might damage your health. Your illness will be a loss to the whole of Wallam, no, to the entire Cangkat Kingdom."
Dylan laughed helplessly.
He was curious to see how many more shameless comments she could come up with.
"I don't have such a dirty fart like you!"
§§§Chapter 14 Inspection
Dylan Collins sat on the sofa, leaning his elbow on his knee and slightly leaning forward. He looked at Hallie's dirty clothes from climbing the wall. His attractive eyebrows were scrunched up, he had never seen her so unkempt before.
Do I look that vile to you?
"Just for an audition, you dared to lie to me. Do you know how high the grass on the grave is for the last person who lied to me?"
For the first time, a woman dared to lie to him.
Moreover, he even believed it!
After all, it was the first time he got someone pregnant, and he didn't understand pregnancy...
"I'm sorry! I was too anxious, it was about my dream, I had no choice but to go!" Hallie Morgan looked like she was about to cry. She shamelessly hugged Dylan Collins by the legs.
Dylan was shocked, looking down unbelievingly at the woman who had genuinely hugged his leg.
He initially thought of leg hugging as a metaphor. Who knew this woman would once again defy his thoughts, actions, and values.
Being as charming as possible, Hallie told him sadly, "With your help, I was closer to my dream for the first time. I've successfully passed my auditions. I didn't expect you, CEO Collins, to be so powerful. A single word from you allowed everyone to let me proceed. Meeting you was a turning point in my life. In the future, I will repay your kindness!"
Dylan's face fell. He tried hard to shake off her arm, but she hung onto him tenaciously, like a dog skin plaster stuck to his leg. He couldn't shake her off.
"Let go of me, let go!"
She clung to his thigh tightly. He was disgusted and pushed her off and stood up. He looked disdainfully at his wrinkled trousers which she had tugged at, then shot a fierce look at the shameless woman before turning to change his trousers.
He just left.
"I think I've mentioned that you're not allowed to touch me." Dylan grumbled angrily.
Hallie had no words to say. What did this mean…
Was it because he was disgusted that she touched him and rushed to change his clothes?
Wow, was he an OCD freak? If that was the case, her days ahead wouldn't be pleasant.
"Hallie, grandfather has come to see you."
At the door, in an obviously expensive classic tunic, was Logan Collins. His face was full of wrinkles, but he wore a blooming smile as he came in with an awkwardness.
"Grandfather... why are you here?"
Soon, a changed Dylan learned that the busybody old man was here again.
When he came out, he saw Hallie sitting on the sofa, peeling an orange for Logan, serving him tea and water, massaging his legs, and cracking jokes. She had made the influential Logan, who rarely smiled and joked around, full of smiles and laughs.
All these years, he had never seen Logan this happy before.
"Dylan, really now, I've been here for a while and I hadn't seen a glimpse of you. Take Hallie as an example, see how filial she is - she has been accompanying me for half a day now."
Dylan glared at Hallie, who was excellent at flattering people.
He never saw it coming - she was indeed good at coaxing people.
She even had the audacity to claim she didn't have intentions of infiltrating the Collins family. He believed she was paying close attention to becoming the mistress of the Collins family.
Hallie sensed Dylan's unhappy gaze and immediately drew back.
How had she provoked him again?
"Grandfather, what brought you here?"
"What do you mean by why? I was worried about you bullying Hallie. I took the opportunity to spend more time with my precious great-grandchild."
"It's still a fertilized egg; is there a need for that?" Dylan snapped sarcastically.
Chapter 15 Falling Down
"How dare you speak of my dear great-grandchild like that! I don't have many days left to live, every extra day spent with the child is a blessing. Fine, I'll stay here tonight."
"What?" Hallie exclaimed in surprise.
That was quite a change in conversation.
Dylan's face turned gloomy, "There's no place for you to live here."
"You're living with Hallie, so I can stay in your room. There's another matter, the Cunningham Entertainment company, you've always wanted it. If I'm pleased with my stay tonight, I'll give you the company."
"..."
Cunningham Entertainment is the leading entertainment media company in the country. Although it's not much to Collins Group, its influence in the domestic film and television industry is evident.
He had refused himself opportunities several times, all for Ally Berg's gain.
Now, because of the wretched woman Hallie Morgan, he was offering his greatest opportunity on a silver platter?
Logan Collins reclined on the sofa leisurely sipping tea brewed by Hallie Morgan herself, "Why, aren't you pleased?"
"Fine, fine, you can stay."
A sarcastic smile hung on Dylan Collins's face as he sent one last venomous glance at her.
In just a moment, was the old man really going to force them into a room together?
Just you wait. I'll see if she's bold enough to crawl into my bed tonight.
If she dares, I'll show her who's boss!
Caught by his piercing gaze, Hallie Morgan was left disarrayed. Was he truly going to share a room with her tonight?
Hallie Morgan entered the room.
"Hallie Morgan, although we're sleeping in the same room, don't think it presents an opportunity to climb into my bed. Later, you sleep on the floor, and I on the bed. Also, you have to take a bath and change your clothes before coming in here. I hate when my room is dirty."
What?
She stared dumbfounded at the man before her. How dare he assume she would want to crawl into his bed?
Besides being neurotically clean, this man was also extremely narcissistic. What's more, he suggested that she stunk.
She lifted her arm and took a whiff. She didn't smell bad! She was very clean.
"With so many rooms available, you could sleep anywhere you want. Why do I have to sleep on the floor if you insist on staying here... it's such a hassle..."
The woman's nagging was endless.
He turned back to her, his menacing gaze marked every feature, "If it weren't for your senseless pregnancy, I'd still be sleeping soundly in my own room. You being here now is the result of your own actions. Dare to complain one more time!"
Understandingly, Hallie Morgan crossed her arms over her chest and frowned, "I understand... "
But causing her to sleep on the floor was rather excessive, right?
Hallie could only look resentfully at the devil before her. He glanced back with disgust, instructing her bluntly, "Go take a bath."
As she gently tried to maneuver past him, careful not to touch him through the narrow pathway, she ended up tripping and falling directly onto him.
She didn't have an opportunity to react before her body crashed against Dylan's, knocking him to the floor.
"Hallie Morgan!"
From down on the floor, he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head. The woman, sprawled across his body, had her head resting on his crotch.
Hallie Morgan slowly opened her eyes, coming face to face with Dylan's---oh.
This...this was Dylan Collins's...
§§§Chapter 16: This is...
Damn, it's big...
Lowering his gaze, he saw her staring in terror at his lower region, and her eyes well up as she swallowed painfully. The sight made him feel as if something had exploded in his head, causing him to both blush and rage.
"Hallie Morgan! What the hell are you doing?"
His thunderous roar startled her out of her trance.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't see anything; I'll get up now."
She tried to lean on something to get back up but as she did, she fell down again.
And this time, her hand landed on a soft, cushioned spot.
Dylan Collins tensed up abruptly.
Hallie Morgan too, sensed the sudden stiffness beneath her. The man beneath her had turned cold as ice—utter silence ensued.
Her lips twitched as she looked at him.
"Did you do that on purpose?" Dylan Collins roared, his chest heaving like an infuriated beast. He gripped Hallie forcefully by the collar, his forehead throbbing with strain.
Hallie was on the verge of kneeling.
She really didn't mean to!
"I really didn't mean to, it's just that I accidentally saw your...thing, and I got so nervous that I slipped!"
As Hallie Morgan looked at his gloomy, handsome face and saw the blood-red look in his oppressive eyes that seemed to say he would kill her at any moment, she quickly widened her eyes and flattered, "I've never seen anything as majestic as CEO Collins'...thing. It was so big it scared me, and that's why I fell. I shouldn't have looked, but it was so big I couldn't help but see it!"
"..."
What on earth was this woman talking about?
Dylan Collins' thoughts, actions, and values were once again thoroughly overturned by her.
"Get out!"
He called out, pushing the woman away.
Feeling like she had received a pardon, Hallie hurriedly ran into the nearby bathroom and closed the door. She really didn't want to 'bump' into his...thing. They were making it sound as though she had enjoyed it...
Well, it really was quite big...
Hallie snickered, thinking that she must be one of the rare people on earth who had 'touched' the great Dylan Collins. She couldn't help but feel a tiny sense of vanity...
She guessed that she had showered for a full hour, thinking that he should have cooled down quite a bit by then, before she dared to come out again.
Dylan Collins was standing there. To be honest, he was truly handsome with an excessively delicate face, a pair of clear black and white eyes full of deep-sea depth, stunning pupils, and a wet, moving gaze. A loosely buttoned shirt revealed his exquisitely fair collarbone enhancing his good looks, with a golden proportioned body, visibly jointed limbs, and a powerful temperament that seemed invincible.
Some parts of him seemed to be in good health.
Remembering the night she was tossed about by him in bed to the point of fainting, she sighed.
And the countless money he had.
Oh, how fortunate Ally is.
And she, who harbored all grievances upon herself, was clearly not that lucky.
He didn't even want to glance back at her, resting directly on the bed.
Hallie could only slowly move to one side. She sighed, thinking that she'd have to sleep on the floor.
Then, Logan Collins' voice came from the doorway.
"Are you going to sleep, Hallie, Dylan? I'm coming in."
Hallie was startled, but saw Dylan skillfully drag her onto the bed.
The door opened, and Logan's clever eyes scanned the two of them inside. His aging eyes were unusually bright at this moment.
Chapter 17: Sleep
"Hey, make sure you rest well. Dylan, don't you dare bully Hallie. I could come and check on you at any moment. Of course, you can choose to lock the door, but I have a key to every room in this house, hmm."
"..."
Dylan's mouth twitched coldly, "Grandpa! Might as well install a surveillance camera to keep an eye on us!"
"Hey, how can you say such a thing? You're shameless, Hallie isn't as thick-skinned as you, Hallie. Goodnight, rest well. I'm nearby. If this rascal dares to bully you, call out to grandpa immediately."
"Grandpa, rest assured, with you around, he wouldn't dare to bully me."
Hallie didn't dare to meet Dylan's eyes and quickly sweetly replied to Logan.
Dylan silently watched the door close again.
Logan called him shameless?
What on earth had Hallie fed to Logan? Was he brainwashed?
Dylan angrily threw the blanket over himself and laid down, "If you touch me, I'll throw you out immediately!"
She could sleep on the bed?
Hallie's eyes brightened.
Being cautious, she stayed to one side, lost in thought.
It was the first time she had shared a bed with a man.
Ironically, this man wasn't Elijah Moore, not her lover, not her boyfriend.
It was a person she had never thought of, Dylan Collins.
In one night, Dylan Collins didn't have a quiet moment of sleep.
He had never spent so much time with a woman in the same room, let alone sharing the same bed, and this damn woman who seemed restless during the day was also loud at night. She would pounce on him frequently, and he almost suspected that she was doing it on purpose. But when he switched on the light, he could only see her sleeping like a log. It annoyed him to the point where he could only cover his head and try to sleep.
Hallie Morgan woke up rubbing her eyes, and her gaze immediately fell on Dylan Collins.
His face was visibly distraught, and the look he gave Hallie was as if she was naked.
"Dylan Collins..."
Just as she was about to ask what was going on, she saw Dylan Collins turn around, get off the bed and walk out of the room, not wanting to spare even a glance at her.
What had she done to upset him now?
What a moody tyrant he is!
At that moment, Hallie saw that Evelyn Olsen had called her.
"Oh Hallie, so you actually did make the audition, I'm quite surprised. Since you've passed the audition, I won't say much. I'm here to let you know that the booting ceremony is at noon. Make sure to get a makeover and be on time. See, Evelyn cares for you so much, I've specially prepared a dress for you, what's your address?"
The booting ceremony is at noon?
Hallie didn't dare to give her address, so she mentioned a nearby location instead. As soon as the dress arrived, she personally went to collect it.
The dress which was quite flashy fell into her sight. It would definitely accentuate her figure if she put it on, but it also resembled something a madam of a brothel would wear.
Evelyn was indeed really 'kind' to her...
Despite her anger, Hallie picked up the phone and sent a picture of the dress to Evelyn.
"Evelyn, are you sure this is the dress you want me to wear? Even rag-pickers won't wear something this horrible nowadays."
Evelyn sent a voice message in a proud tone, "Hallie, just because you've passed the audition for a small extra role, you think you're a big star now? How ambitious of you! Even if you spent all your time in Wallam, you wouldn't find a better dress than this. You're really getting too big for your boots."
What's with her attitude!
Enraged, Hallie pushed the door of Dylan's study room.
Every time Dylan saw her, he felt a headache. Moreover, who gave her the audacity to barge into his study room?
§§§Chapter 18: Departure
However, as Hallie walked in, she approached him with a mournful expression and said, "Dylan Collins... Could you help me one more time? I promise it will be the last. I really am indebted to you for your kindness, whatever you ask of me..."
He frowned, "Cut the crap, what's wrong now?"
"I have an audition at noon, but the company gave me these rags to wear. They said that with my status, I'm only fit for rubbish, and the people around me must be the same. I thought, how can the people around me be rubbish? I have you! They can insult me, but how can they insult CEO Collins!"
Ha, ha ha.
Dylan Collins put his hand on the chair next to him, watching this woman who was telling tall tales without even blushing, as if he were watching a play.
Anyway, he wouldn't believe a word this woman said.
"So?" Dylan Collins' voice was indolent.
"So... to prove that at least one person around me is a top tycoon, wealthy and lavish, I want to borrow a dress from you..."
Hallie gave a forced smile, her crescent-shaped eyes revealing endless solicitation.
He let out a scoff, "It's okay. The people around you won't know you know me. Regardless of what you wear out, It won't reflect badly on me."
"Please, look at the clothes they gave me. If you don't help me, I'll have to wear these. After all, I'm someone you've slept with. If people see that I'm in such lowly clothes, it won't be a good look for you!"
"Hallie Morgan!"
She dared to bring that up!
Dylan Collins banged his hand on the table in response.
The shock made the pure redwood table tremble slightly.
Hallie saw his face becoming even more sharp after the outburst and quickly took a step back.
At that moment, Dylan's attention turned to the dress she was holding in front of her.
The vulgar color, cheap texture, and skimpy design made him feel like even calling it garbage was being too generous for this piece of rag.
He knitted his eyebrows, casting a glance at the hideous dress.
They were really going to let Hallie Morgan wear this?
What kind of company was this?
One specifically designed to bully Hallie Morgan?
He raised an eyebrow, giving a pathetic-looking Hallie a sideways glance.
What a troublesome woman.
As soon as she noticed him standing up, she immediately followed, "Bring the red dress we took photos of last time." Dylan Collins abruptly ordered Ben Myers.
Red dress?
Ben Myers suddenly realized, wasn't that the one he had photographed specifically for proposing to Miss Ally Berg?
"Yes."
Hallie soon saw that dress, and just one look at it made her feel as if her eyes were being blinded.
It was too dazzling...
She thought to herself, it was no wonder that it was Dylan Collins, even a random dress he brought was so beautiful.
Of course, she was so full of admiration at this moment that she didn't notice Dylan's earlier words about 'taking photos' of the dress.
Hallie didn't have time to ask anything else at this point, as she was so busy looking for clothes, because the booting ceremony was about to start.
Evelyn Olsen's call arrived as expected.
"Hallie, it's almost time, why haven't you arrived yet? What's the matter, are you still unhappy with the dress? Let me tell you, if you're late because of your pettiness, and get kicked out of the crew, don't you dare cry and make a fuss."
§§§Chapter 19 Beautiful
"Evelyn, you wish I couldn't make it, don't you?"
"Hmph, I've already prepared your clothes, how could I wish for you to be late. I'm just afraid that you're getting a bit high-minded, and you wouldn't want to wear that dress. Hallie, realize what's going on, you've only got this one choice now, just humbly wear that dress and come, hmph."
Fine, I'm going now, and will blow your mind.
Hallie squeezed her fists tightly, seething with anger.
On the other hand, after hanging up, Evelyn Olsen sneered inwardly, thinking, trying to compete with me, you're still too inexperienced.
Aside from trying to please Linda Collins, this occasion was also to put Hallie Morgan in her place.
The booting ceremony started soon. Cameron Cromwell looked around the room, but didn't find Hallie Morgan who was supposed to play Ada Vanderhoof.
"Why hasn't Hallie arrived yet?"
He asked with a frown.
Behind him, Linda Collins snorted, "I really hate such unprofessional artists."
She looked at Evelyn Olsen, who guessed that Hallie might be reluctant to come in that ugly dress. Evelyn smiled and said, "She'll be here soon. I just urged her."
Luckily, the main actors' interviews were to be held first, and secondary characters like Hallie would only follow up afterward. However, suddenly, Hallie's voice came from the back.
"I am sorry for being late, there was traffic on my way."
Suddenly, several journalists gasped with astonishment.
"Who is this actress, a newbie?"
"She's so beautiful, is she the new girl from Cameron?"
"I've never seen her before. what are you waiting for, start shooting."
Cameron Cromwell raised his head and was caught off guard. His eyes were filled with an undisguised astonishment, lingering on her for several seconds.
Both Evelyn Olson and Linda Collins were left speechless in shock.
Hallie Morgan, clad in a red dress, and every corner of it was adorned with dazzling diamonds. The diamond-studded lines accentuated her perfect figure, and her sensual curves, devoid of an ounce of excess flesh, stirred one's blood.
Undoubtedly, Hallie looked stunning in red. Her pale white skin, under the red spotlight, seemed to radiate light, even though...
