What was even more shocking was that the assistant was not a part of Maggie's regular entourage but another actress. Maggie had taken umbrage at this newcomer for the audacity of wearing a dress similar to hers, albeit a less expensive version, on her very first day of the filming. Maggie perceived it as an affront, a diminishment of her prestige, and subsequently, the novice actress found herself subjected to Maggie's pettiness and whims.

Due to the newcomer's lack of influential connections, she swallowed the indignation and put up with Maggie's tyranny, even functioning as an ad-hoc assistant. The director, keenly aware of Maggie's influential lineage, chose the path of discretion over valor.

The exposure of this video sent shockwaves through the industry and fanbase.

Maggie, who had meticulously crafted a public persona of grace and humility, was now unmasked. The chasm between her public facade and private reality stunned many. The fallout was swift and damning.

In a startlingly short span, Maggie saw a precipitous drop in her follower count. Brands that had previously clamored for her endorsement were now rethinking their association, wary of the reputational risks. Contractual negotiations went south, and many existing agreements were annulled, some even demanding compensation for potential breaches.

Lilah deduced that this was Gerard's subtle intervention.

A second misstep by Maggie might spell the end of her public career!

Recognizing the precariousness of the situation, the Lewis family refrained from their usual damage control tactics. Opting instead for a more conciliatory approach, they orchestrated a public apology from Maggie. This was soon followed by a rebranding effort, positing Maggie as a young woman coddled since birth, leading to occasional bouts of entitlement. Yet, they asserted, at her core, she was good-hearted. Over time, this narrative managed to dial down the online furor.

Despite their efforts at damage control, Maggie's reputation was significantly tarnished. She began to maintain a low profile, acutely aware of the importance of every move she made in the public eye.

On the other hand, life was smooth sailing for Lilah.

As the month came to a close, the Hughes family's design submissions were due.

Lilah had arrived to collect the designs, but was met with a myriad of excuses from the designers.

"Miss Phillips, I apologize, but I've hit a creative block..."

“Miss Phillips, I'm uncertain about the quality of my designs."

“Miss Phillips, could I perhaps get an extension of two days?”

Of all the designers, only Phoebe and a handful of others had handed in their work. A significant number appeared to feel entitled to withhold their designs, with Nevaeh being notably absent among the submissions.

Lilah was incredulous. "Do you all assume that when the representatives from the Hughes family arrive, I'll be left empty-handed and face repercussions from Mr. Merritt?"

The room grew tense as she laid bare their hidden agenda.

Nevaeh, clearly irritated by Lilah's forthrightness, retorted, “Why are you acting so superior, Lilah? You've only just taken on the role of director. Isn't it evident that you lack the leadership skills to motivate the designers? Isn't that why many haven't turned in their designs?"

Without missing a beat, Lilah countered, "To provide guidance, I need something to work with. What guidance should I offer when you've submitted nothing? Or are you expecting me to shoulder the task and design on your behalf?"

Her pointed remarks left the room in an uneasy hush.

Lilah, having made her point, concluded, "Mrs. Hughes is scheduled to be here this afternoon. You have until then. Make the most of it."

With that, she retreated to her office.

The designers, gripped by anxiety, huddled around Nevaeh. Yet, Nevaeh seemed unperturbed. "She's merely deflecting her responsibility. As the director, she should be accountable for this. Why are you all so worked up? Moreover, do you genuinely believe you can create designs in just a few hours?"