The Tower Reversed: Back to 18 (Venus) novel Chapter 44

**TITLE: One Step Changes Everything**
**By Ruby Parker**
**Chapter 44: Ms. Oracle Meets a Starlet**

The atmosphere in the studio was electric, a buzz of excitement mingling with the scent of makeup and hairspray. The makeup artist rushed over to Neoma, her hands deftly moving to touch up the actress’s face. As she applied more powder to Neoma’s pale, grayish complexion, she couldn’t help but voice her concern. “Neoma, have you not been sleeping well lately? You really don’t look your best.”

Neoma let out a dry, humorless laugh, the sound echoing with a hint of fatigue. “Yeah, just a bit of insomnia. Sorry, could you just layer on a little more powder?” Her voice was strained, as if each word required an effort she could barely muster.

Once the makeup was completed to the artist’s satisfaction, the filming resumed. Neoma picked up the branded drink as per the script, raising it toward her lips with a practiced grace. But then, from the corner of her eye, she noticed a flicker—something small and black darting past her.

“Ah!” The startled scream erupted from her lips, a visceral reaction that propelled her two steps back in shock.

The drink slipped from her trembling fingers, shattering against her foot, but the pain was the least of her concerns. Her eyes widened, frozen in a state of sheer terror, locked onto a sight that seemed invisible to everyone else around her.

The director, a man known for his unwavering focus, frowned deeply. “Neoma, you just became famous a few months ago. Acting like a diva already? Really?” His voice was a mix of irritation and disbelief, but Neoma barely registered his words.

She stood there, trembling, her gaze fixated on the director’s back where a tiny, shriveled spirit clung, its twisted face a grotesque mask of malice. A chill coursed through her veins, freezing her blood as fear gripped her heart. She struggled to form coherent words, her mind racing with panic.

Elaine, ever perceptive, sensed the shift in the air. She hurried over, bowing slightly as she apologized profusely to both the director and the sponsor. “I’m so sorry! Neoma’s not feeling well today… Really, I apologize for this.”

Without hesitation, she rushed to Neoma’s side, reaching out to support her. But the moment her hand made contact, she recoiled in shock. “Neoma, your hand is ice cold! What’s going on?” Her voice was laced with concern, eyes wide with worry.

Neoma’s lips were nearly white, a stark contrast to her usual vibrant self. It took an eternity for her to force out a few shaky words. “Get… get me out of here… now.”

Elaine didn’t dare to ask questions. She quickly helped Neoma off the set and into the sanctuary of the makeup room, where the chaos of the shoot faded into the background.

“My phone… Give me my phone…” Neoma’s voice was a whisper, barely audible.

Once she had it in her grasp, her hands shook so violently that she could barely type. After what felt like an eternity, she finally managed to open Reddit and pull up her DMs. The protective sigil that Venus had sent her glowed on the screen, and without a moment’s hesitation, she began reciting the words she had memorized.

With the first repetition, she felt the icy grip on her body begin to loosen. A warm current surged through her, pushing out the oppressive cold that had settled deep in her bones.

Finally, she took a deep breath, and the floodgates opened as tears streamed down her cheeks. “It actually worked…” she sobbed, relief washing over her.

Memories of the tormenting spirit haunted her thoughts, and she couldn’t bear the thought of waiting until morning. The fear of something even worse happening if she delayed propelled her to send Venus her location immediately.

Upon receiving the message, Venus sprang into action. She grabbed her gear, hopped onto her motorized tricycle, and sped off without a moment’s hesitation.

Florian, ever curious, trailed behind her after catching wind of the address. “That’s an ad agency. They do tons of shoots there. I had a magazine shoot at that place once. Whoever called you must be a model or an actress.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify