Love in the Limelight (Astrid and Elio)
Chapter 519

Karin's heart skipped a beat as she snatched the photograph from her bag and shoved it into her pocket.

But the camera had already captured the image.

Screenshots were flying across social media like wildfire.

[Whoa, what's that? What's she hiding in her bag?]

[It's a photo I couldn't see clearly, but it's her with another woman.]

[Why's she so freaked out over a picture with a lady?]

[Holy smokes, I wish I could upload pictures in the comments. Guys, it's a snap of Karin and Bernice!]

[If they're not mother and daughter, I swear I'll jump off the 30th floor of my building!]

[What's wrong with you all? Does a photo make them family?]

[But legend has it Bernice only had a son, where did this mystery daughter pop out from?]

[Thank the heavens for my quick reflexes. Let me tell you, that's an old photo of Bernice and Karin in matching outfits, probably from Karin's birthday. Why else wear matching outfits if they aren't related?] Just like that, the gossip spread like wildfire, and soon the scandal of Karin being Bernice's secret daughter was trending.

Bernice pulled every string she could to bury the story, but Robb and Chad had dug deep into their pockets, ensuring the rumor not only stuck around but also flourished.

Bernice was livid.

Trembling, with tears welling up in her eyes, Karin glared at Parrish and yelled, "What have you done?"

Parrish, taken aback by her outburst, replied defensively, "What did I do? I just warned you about the snake. Chill out, will you? Besides, it's just a picture. I didn't even get a good look at it. Why the meltdown?' With her lips quivering, Karin could no longer hold back the tears.

Upon her arrival, Bernice had promised that if Karin pulled off this gig, she would acknowledge her as her daughter and go public with their relationship.

But now, not only had Karin botched the job, but she had also inadvertently exposed their secret.

Having been in showbiz for so long, Karin knew all too well the power of the internet mob. By now, the photo was probably viral.

That picture was from her eighteenth birthday, the only birthday Bernice had ever celebrated with her. She had secretly recorded it at home and taken snapshots from the footage.

It was after all these years that Bernice had finally offered recognition. But now...

Watching Karin cry, Parrish was perplexed, unable to see where he had gone wrong.

If he hadn't warned her about the snake, she would have been bitten for sure. He had saved her, and yet she was the one feeling wronged?

The production team noticed the photo scandal trending and soon received a call from Karin's agent, Baily.

The assistant Jack, holding his phone, approached Maddox, "Mr. Maddox, it's Karin's agent."

"Hand it over," Maddox said, taking the phone. "Hello?"

Baily sounded desperate, "Mr. Maddox, this situation with Karin is unexpected. The internet is buzzing with stories about her parentage, and she has a heart condition. I'm worried about the stress on her. I'd like her to withdraw from the show."

Maddox let out a derisive chuckle, "Baily, are you kidding me? You begged to sign the contract, and now, after a day or two, you want to pull out?"

Baily could sense Maddox's irritation and was even more submissive, "Mr. Maddox, under the circumstances, Karin isn't fit for a live show like this. We're willing to pay the penalty clause. Can you please let her leave the show?"