“As much as you’re concerned, I’ll do my best.”

As usual, So Yeon responded appropriately, and Min Jung, with a coy smile, clinked champagne glasses with her acquaintances as if she had never been angry.

There are levels to being an actor. Veterans who have built recognition through consistent work. Newcomers who became stars overnight. But only a few of them were granted longevity.

Even those who reached great heights were not immune to sudden falls due to unforeseen storms.

This was the hidden danger behind the glamour.

But what about Tae Seo Jun, who seemed to have effortlessly surpassed all these challenges? He was like the sole sun above the stars, dominating both in looks and acting ability.

Then there was Oh Min Jung, a newly risen star. She was merely a fledgling compared to Seo Jun. Being cast alongside him was a stroke of luck for her. But such an opportunity would not have existed without Eom So Yeon.

Initially, there was no chance Seo Jun would join that drama. But it was made possible by Gu Won Hoo, and Seo Jun was moved because of Eom So Yeon.

Unaware of this context, Min Jung arrogantly assumed she had achieved it all on her own.

“Without a good lineup for supporting roles, what can you do? I’m the only actress fit to be Tae Seo Jun’s lead.”

“The scriptwriter is Kwon Eun Young, and the director is Yoon Ji Wan, right?”

“With Tae Seo Jun, the guaranteed hit-maker, it would be strange if it didn’t succeed!”

The acquaintances, familiar with , added their comments to Min Jung’s conversation.

“Look at this? Why am I left out, the ratings killer?”

Agitated again, Min Jung glanced sideways at So Yeon and grumbled.

“……Just look at her. Tsk!”

Soyeon heard Min Jung’s clicking tongue but didn’t understand the meaning and just ignored it.

“A parachuter?”

“Literally. She got the supporting role thanks to her agency.”

But how could she ignore the voices that reached her unintentionally?

“……?”

Me, a parachuter?

What does that mean?

Soyeon’s heart raced, a flutter of a very different kind than excitement. She had believed she earned the role through her own strength and effort.
But if that’s not the case, isn’t it a display of ignorance and shame?

Feeling the need to understand what was happening, So Yeon’s only thought was to meet President Gu as quickly as possible.

Suppressing the emotions welling up inside her, she left the banquet hall and, turning the corner to the restroom, took off her shoes. Holding them in her hands, she proceeded barefoot. Her feet were hurting, and her long, flowing dress had almost caused her to trip several times, proving to be quite cumbersome.

Lifting the hem of her dress with one hand, So Yeon sat down on a secluded bench and took out her phone from her clutch bag.

As she was about to press the call button, a message just received floated up on the screen.

It was a text from Gu Won Hoo, whose whereabouts had been uncertain.

She tried calling him, but the long ringing never led to a conversation. Confused and not understanding the situation, So Yeon eventually got into the elevator.

Stepping out on the VIP floor, where she had been four years ago, her heart seemed to drop to her toes. Her palms were sweaty and clammy.

Ha, I never thought I’d be back here again…

Soyeon had an ominous premonition.