Rebirth, Behind the Top Star

Yevana Cruz and I had been secretly in a relationship for three years. Behind the scenes, I funneled family resources to help her rise to fame, transforming her into a rising star in the entertainment world.

However, just as she reached the top, she turned on me, clinging to top actors while branding me as a twisted stalker.

Blinded by her lies, her fanatic fans despised me. One of them even ran me down on my way home, ending my life in an instant.

After I was reborn, I made a firm decision. I decided to withdraw every investment and cut all ties with her.

Over the next five years, relying on memories from her past life and the powerful support of her new boyfriend, Lucan Raye, Yevana starred in countless blockbusters and climbed to the pinnacle of showbiz.

At a lavish industry dinner, she arrived hand-in-hand with Lucan, flaunting their success and drawing envious stares from everyone in the room.

Spotting me quietly seated in a dim corner, she walked over with a sneer.

"Stefan Lorrimer, seeing where I am now, you must be gnashing your teeth with regret. Too bad there's no medicine for that."

I said nothing. I simply reached out and pulled Serene Queenia, who was currently the most sought-after actress, into a kiss right in front of her.

The flashing lights from the cameras made Yevana’s face go ghostly pale.

"Stefan! How could you fall for someone else?"

——

After parting ways with Yevana, I had no interest in wasting the experience I had gained from my previous life. So, I took full control of my family's entertainment empire.

Now, when boredom strikes, I occasionally appear as a background actor just for fun under the guise of being the company’s big boss.

I had just come off the set and was rushed straight to the banquet hall by the driver before I even had a chance to change out of my costume.

After spending the entire day playing a security guard, I was so hungry that I felt lightheaded. So I skipped getting changed, slipped into a quiet corner and focused on getting some food into my stomach.

I did not even notice Yevana walking arm-in-arm with Lucan, glowing like the moon surrounded by stars.

"Miss Cruz has only been in the entertainment industry a few years and already she has bagged three more trophies at this film festival. She’s basically a legend in domestic entertainment!"

"That’s right! She’s been trending nonstop for three months straight! Her name’s practically glued to the hot search rankings!"

"And that’s not even the craziest part. From what I’ve heard, the number of international brands lining up to work with Miss Cruz is too many to count on both hands. Just imagine the fortune that must be pouring in! Even a sliver from her pinky would be enough to feed the rest of us for years."

Although Yevana was used to this kind of flattery, she was still young and I could not help but notice the slight smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Just then, one of the reporters grinned and said teasingly, "We all can see that Miss Cruz and Mr. Raye’s relationship is rock-solid. So, when are the wedding bells ringing?"

Lucan gave a dramatic shrug and smirked. "That’s not up to me. You’ll have to ask Miss Cruz when she’s willing to finally marry me."

With just that one line, he gave Yevana all the spotlight and she practically lit up with joy.

"Haha, don’t worry. Once the date is set, I’ll make sure everyone knows."

Then someone asked, "Hey, Yevana, isn’t that your ex-boyfriend over there?"

Lucan was the first to spot me with his sharp eyes. The crowd, sensing the whiff of gossip in the air, turned to look in my direction one by one.

"I heard that before her debut, Miss Cruz had a first love. I heard it was some guy who dumped her because she was poor and he was chasing wealth. Turns out it was him!"

"What a shallow man. He clearly didn’t expect Miss Cruz to rise to stardom. He must be kicking himself with regret now!"

"That’s why we’re lucky to have Mr. Raye. He had the vision to stay by Miss Cruz’s side all the way to the top!"

Yevana raised her brows proudly.

Lucan masked the satisfaction in his eyes and responded with a modest smile.

"Well, that’s all in the past. Some men just want to reap the rewards without enduring the struggle. I guess it’s just human nature. No need to be too harsh."

Though his tone was magnanimous, the glance he threw at me was laced with bitterness and disdain.