Love in the Limelight (Astrid and Elio)
Chapter 520

"All our guests undergo a thorough medical checkup to ensure they're fit to participate in the show," Maddox reassured Baily, trying to dispel any concerns about Karin's health. "So, let's not start any rumors about her having a heart condition. I've seen her medical report myself. Or are you suggesting that you've fooled me with a fake report?" came the retort, leaving Baily momentarily at a loss for words on the other end of the line.

Deep down, Baily knew why Maddox was playing hardball. Karin was the season's rating goldmine, and her departure would be a significant blow to the show.

But Baily was worried. If things continued to deteriorate, Karin's carefully crafted public image could shatter completely.

For years, Karin had been perceived as a non-confrontational and artsy talent. If it weren't for the identity issue, Baily wouldn't hesitate to have her on this reality show. However, the moment Bernice got involved, the situation got complicated.

After a long pause, Baily spoke softly, "Mr. Maddox, would it suffice if we offered to pay double the penalty for breach of contract?"

"Double? You should read the contract again. Do you think that's going to solve anything?" Maddox hung up, handing his phone to Jack, "If he calls again, don't answer." Jack nodded, "Understood."

"Oh", someone asked Maddox curiously, "is Karin really Bernice's secret daughter?"

Maddox replied without looking up, "Focus on your work. Don't ask questions you shouldn't."

The live stream went on as scheduled.

The guests were oblivious to the storm brewing on social media, as they were cut off from their phones.

Karin was on edge, too frazzled to continue. She sat down at a corner, "Go on without me. I need a moment alone."

She had spent years fantasizing about reuniting with her biological mother. Now, it all seemed like a pipe dream.

At that moment, she wasn't even scared of the poison that was supposed to be in her system.

If it came down to it, death didn't scare her. She was tired of the struggles she had faced over the years.

Everyone saw her current glamour, but no one knew what she had endured in the past.

Astrid had sailed smoothly into the entertainment industry, landing top-tier opportunities simply because of her powerful background.

Karin could have had it all too. But because of one decision by the Brooke family, she was left an orphan.

She wanted to expose Astrid's true identity countless times, but Bernice forbade it, arguing that it would only inflate Astrid's value and make it harder to take her down.

The Brooke family commanded vast resources and connections. With Elio's protection, it was indeed tough to touch Astrid.

But the live stream was a different arena.

This time, Karin was determined to bring Astrid down and out of the spotlight for good.

Clyde approached her, noticing her tears, and said gently, "Don't be like this. We're a team, and we won't abandon you."

"Clyde, I've asked for some peace," Karin said coldly, her gaze chilling Clyde into silence.

"Astrid, you've taken everything from me," Karin declared, leaving not only Astrid but also the audience in shock.

The comments exploded with confusion.

[What's going on? What does this have to do with Astar?]

[What did Astar do? Steal her drink?]

[So her drink is everything to her? She's the one who poured the rest of it anyway, not Astar!]

[My Astar is just on a reality show. Why can't these guests chill out and let Astar have her adventure and love life in peace?]

[If anyone is to blame, isn't it Parrish who startled her with the snake and caused her to drop the photo?]