The Billionaire's Maid Bride novel Chapter 644

Just a few days into shooting, and boom, the PR machine's already cranking out stories about some hot new showmance. Throwing shade at Allison's looks? Seriously? Everyone knows Allison's a natural beauty, stunning whether she's all dolled up or rocking a fresh face. Valeria's PR move is so obvious—blurring out Allison's face in those pics? That's just insecure.

Valeria's got a reputation, right? Every movie, every show, she stirs up some romance rumor with her co-star, whether he's into it or not. Now she's trying to rope Aaron into it. But come on, everyone's aware Aaron's not into that kind of drama. The guy's a powerhouse actor, a decade in the industry with zero scandals, and his trophy shelf is practically groaning. Does he really need a showmance to stay relevant?

Give it a rest, Valeria. @Valeria @TeamValeria

There's no way people don't see right through this PR stunt, right?

Aaron's fans were already a bit ticked off seeing him share the spotlight with newbie Allison. After all, Allison's just starting out, and Aaron's a seasoned A-lister. His fans were a bit prickly towards Allison, just a few sparks flying between the fandoms. Allison's fans, being the polite bunch they are, wouldn't dream of dissing Aaron. They're all hopeful he'll mentor Allison.

But today? Oh, today, both fan camps have united against a common enemy: Valeria.

And Valeria? She never saw it coming. Just business as usual for her, but suddenly it's like she's public enemy number one.

In the back of her SUV.

Valeria's frowning, scrolling through the trending topics, which are pretty much a roast fest with her name on it.

She and her manager, Sandy, are dumbstruck. This was not the plan.

Valeria's routine is tried and true: every project, stir up a little romance with her male co-star, reap the rewards of shipping fans. She's built a following off those 'will-they-won't-they' narratives, marketing her on-screen chemistry, playing up the unrequited love angle. A lot of her fans came aboard the ship, so to speak.

And now, getting the chance to work with Aaron? She'd have to be crazy not to milk it for all it's worth.

Inside the industry, everyone knows Aaron's a class act—polite, composed, the guy keeps his distance.

"Team Valeria, cut the crap, will ya? Stop buying trends. Stop the showmance. My bro's not gonna play that game with you, so can the one-romance-per-role routine."

"Is there anyone left who doesn't know about Valeria's little showmance shtick? Six years in the game, dozens of roles, and every single time, it's the same old song and dance. Feast your eyes on this."

Someone's gone and compiled a gallery of Valeria's showmance PR from over the years—more than a dozen pics in a row.

Valeria's fuming, white as a ghost, fingers itching to hit delete, but Sandy's quick to stop her.

"Don't you dare," Sandy warns. "You'll only fan the flames with these fans!"

Valeria's got her own supporters, sure, but they're outnumbered. And with her history of supporting roles in big productions and leads in smaller ones, her breakout moments are few. Her fans' comments are barely making a dent. Scroll through Team Valeria's Twitter, and it's a wall of Aaron and Allison fans, letting her have it.