The Billionaire's Maid Bride novel Chapter 697

Bullied and betrayed, the role that was meant for her suddenly went to Penelope. She must be hurting, and Lucian felt a sting in his chest too. He never imagined the drama he invested in, the cast he had set, would change its leading lady so abruptly, especially right before shooting was scheduled to start.

But what he hadn't expected was the way she smiled at him now—a smile devoid of any real emotion, just a mask.

No wonder she had looked so uncomfortable the other day when he asked why she wasn't considering that particular role.

It turned out his own mother had made the call to replace the lead actress.

And nobody from Epic Entertainment had bothered to inform him about the change.

Now, as he watched her forced smile, a wave of discomfort washed over him, more unsettling than seeing her outright angry.

Lucian approached and sat beside her on the couch, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her lightly. Allison didn't pull away. It was business as usual, but Lucian's heart was in turmoil, his voice hoarse as he whispered apologies against her cheek, "I'm sorry, I didn't know about the role being recast."

"You don't need to keep track, Luc. You've got the Lindberg Corporation to run. A role switch is trivial, and I didn't plan on telling you."

"Allison, from now on, you can tell me anything. You don't have to face it alone," he said, disliking the compliant yet distant manner she had adopted. He could tell she was upset; he could feel her discomfort. "I'm sorry, it's my fault."

Lucian had rarely said sorry in his life.

Her self-deprecating tone clenched Lucian's fists. "Who says I won't stand up for you?"

"So, you'd reject your fiancée to help a mistress?" Allison challenged.

"How do you know I wouldn't?" His voice was tense and rough, his gaze locked on her emotionless face, her lips curved in a cold smile. Allison replied, "Alright, if something like this happens again, I'll tell you."

She said it so casually, then leaned back against him to continue watching TV.

But Lucian, looking into her eyes, saw no trust, as if she didn't want to argue, didn't believe in him, and had just offered a dismissive response.