Chapter 1298 The Final Battle (12)

• “With your kind of fame, you’re basically one of a kind. But fame is worthless if you don’t cash it in. If you want to quit showbiz and enjoy retirement, that’s fine. Still, while the hype is hot, it’s smart to make more money and build a cushion.”
• Belinda Hayes listened, smiled, and shook her head. “For me, even leaving now feels too late. I have zero freedom. It’s just my decision, yet it drags so many people along and then all those people push back on me. Honestly, this kind of life should’ve ended long ago.”
• No one could talk Belinda into changing her mind. She ignored all the noise online. For her, once it’s over, it’s over. She had more important things to do. Fans forget fast. Today they’ll scream for their stance; tomorrow a new star shows up and they’ll chase the next shiny idol. The company moved quick: they rode the wave, hired someone to bang out a script, shot a movie, and anyone with eyes could tell the lead was modeled on Belinda. Only the female lead wasn’t Belinda—she was a fresh face the company had just signed, sweet-looking and obedient by nature. Word was the company planned to pour a fortune into her and prop her up. They wanted her to hit the same peak Belinda once owned. The movie got roasted—people said it was pure clout-chasing and totally missed Belinda’s vibe—but it still made the company a killing. In a way, that was Belinda’s last little contribution after she left.