Freya's POV
The following day.
My Twitter account, Starry, had not been updated for half a month, so I decided to inspect it manually.
There were thousands of messages, mostly demanding more content, but I also came across several private messages from disgruntled fans, many of whom were Tracy's supporters.
It was true that ever since the success of Mystery Lover, I had inadvertently overshadowed Tracy in the movie.
Initially, I had no intention of participating in the fight scene as Tracy's understudy because I wanted to limit my interactions with her.
However, the crew persistently approached me, offering a substantial sum of money. At the time, I was occupied with preparing birthday gifts for Kingsley and needed the additional funds, so I eventually accepted the role.
I used to endure those criticisms, but when I discovered that Kingsley had facilitated Tracy's acquisition of the Luna role in The Legend, a part that rightfully belonged to me, the onslaught of criticisms now became unbearable.
"Why should I tolerate these people?" I thought.
With pursed lips, I forwarded screenshots of the offensive private messages to Novia and exclaimed, "I am going to sue these individuals!"
Novia replied, "I told you to sue them. Otherwise, these internet trolls will perceive you as weak and continue to harass and humiliate you!"
I responded nonchalantly, "I don't mind spending more money. Help me find the best lawyer."
Novia said, "Luckily, I know a reputable lawyer. I will contact him on your behalf."
A few moments later, Novia's call connected, and I answered, "Hello?"
"Freya, I have arranged an appointment for you. Are you available today? The lawyer wishes to discuss something with you in person."
"So soon?" I expressed my surprise.
"Obtaining an appointment with the best lawyer in the industry shouldn't be so easy," I mused to myself.
"This lawyer was recommended by my friend. He specializes in reputation disputes and happens to be available today. If you are free, we can schedule the meeting."
I didn't have any prior commitments for the day, except for an event I had to attend with Kingsley in the evening.
"I am available during the day," I replied.
"Then I shall inquire there and inform you of the details later," Novia said before disconnecting the phone call.
With determination in my heart, I started to dress up.
Descending the stairs, I discovered that Kingsley had yet to depart and was indulging in a leisurely breakfast.
A perplexed expression adorned his countenance upon catching sight of me.
Kingsley cast a curious glance in my direction and queried, "Where are you headed? Remember, you have an engagement today."
A slight twitch at the corner of my mouth betrayed a hint of amusement. "I am meeting a friend for a morning shopping expedition."
"In the morning? What sort of shopping warrants such an early hour?" Kingsley inquired, his lips pursed in contemplation.
"Shopping is shopping, regardless of the hour," I retorted dismissively.
Kingsley pondered for a moment before speaking again, "What is it that you seek to purchase?"
Impatience tinged my voice as I replied, "Why does it concern you what I buy? Do you intend to pay for me?"
Kingsley cast a disdainful glance at my way and threw a credit card at me. "Exercise discernment, lest you return with some cheap trinkets that bring shame upon me!"
Quickly adopting a conciliatory demeanor, I offered a sycophantic smile, seizing the card he had thrown at me.
Playfully twirling it between my fingertips, I assured him, "Worry not, I shall indulge in only the most extravagant purchases!"
Taking a few steps forward, I abruptly turned back, lowering my voice to a hushed tone, and spoke with an air of mystery, "This paltry sum shouldn't count in my vast fortune, right?"
Kingsley's gaze met mine, demanding, "You think?"
The smile that had adorned my face vanished instantaneously as I donned my sunglasses, muttering under my breath, "Stingy miser!"
And with that, I exited the premises.
Following the address provided by Novia, I swiftly arrived at the designated coffee shop.
Stepping inside, I removed my sunglasses and surveyed the surroundings.
There were many young individuals in their early twenties in the coffee shop, though one figure stood out for appearing slightly more mature.
Occupying a window seat, his back was turned towards me. Notably, he sported a light-colored striped shirt, his hair meticulously groomed and held in place with hairspray.
Clasping the coffee cup handle delicately with bony fingers, the person elegantly shook it, preventing any spillage, a true connoisseur of the beverage.
His gaze remained fixated on the tablet computer before him.
"Looks like he's the lawyer," I thought.
I strolled over, and the man in the khaki striped shirt glanced up in my direction.
In the next instant, my eyes widened in surprise.
How could it be him?
Finley seemed taken aback as well, but then a smile formed on his face.
"Hello, Starry, what a coincidence."
I, too, marveled at the incredible chance of encountering him three times in just a few days.
I replied somewhat awkwardly, "Yes, what a coincidence indeed."
"No need to be so nervous," Finley's voice was gentle. "Let's discuss the case first."
I felt relieved and nodded repeatedly.
Once we exchanged contact information on WhatsApp, I sent Finley the screenshots I had collected earlier.
Finley furrowed his brow as he examined the unpleasant screenshots, then used his tablet to access Twitter and review the comments.
Finley wasted no time in saving the screenshots and inquired, "What sort of punishment do you desire for these individuals?"
I froze momentarily, "Isn't this a civil case? If we win, the most we can achieve is getting them to delete their posts and publicly apologize, right?"
Finley chuckled, "A reputation dispute is indeed a civil case, and the severest penalty would be compensatory damages. However, if you want them to face more severe consequences, we can sue for defamation. Defamation is a criminal offense, and it would leave a record that could hinder their future professional endeavors."
I fell into silence, contemplating within myself whether this price was too steep.
"I understand your concerns, but I believe that the law exists to protect people's rights, and those despicable creatures hiding behind human facades on the internet cannot be considered true human beings," Finley murmured.
I remained silent for a moment and raised my gaze, "Then let's proceed with the defamation lawsuit."
"Starry, do you have time later?"
Finley lifted his eyes and inquired.
"Are there any further questions?" I asked with confusion.
"No," Finley's smile vanished, "I just want to ask you for a meal with me."
I was actually eager to hurry up and leave here, but since he took the initiative to mention having dinner together, I couldn't refuse outright.
"Yes, but I insist on treating you. Considering you've been busy all morning and helped me the last time, it's my way of expressing gratitude."
Finley didn't resist either, maintaining a smile as he asked, "What would you like to eat?"
"I'll treat you, so whatever you prefer is fine. I'm not a picky eater, so anything works."
Finley pondered for a moment and suggested, "Then let's go to a place known for its specialties."
"Sure."
Finley was a very assertive person, perhaps influenced by his profession. Once I gave up on choosing a restaurant, he quickly devised a new plan and promptly put it into action.
The restaurant he was taking me to was just a block away near university town. However, parking was scarce in that area, so we decided to walk instead.
"It's mealtime, so it might be a bit crowded, and we may have to wait."
Finley glanced down and asked, "The food here is excellent, but the ambiance is rather ordinary. Is that alright with you? If not, there's another place nearby with a better atmosphere."
I looked back, shook my head, and chuckled, "It's fine. I used to eat here when I was in school. I never thought you would choose this place."
The afternoon sun was warm, casting its rays on us as we stood in line at the restaurant's entrance. The sunlight slanted over, hitting me directly.
My skin appeared fair, my cheeks flushed, and a tiny bead of sweat formed on my nose.
Suddenly, Finley reached for my hand and, with a gentle tug, switched places with me.
His figure created a shadow that covered me completely.
I was stunned.
Finley appeared at ease and softly asked, "May I order an iced drink for you?"
I turned to him, smiling, and replied, "Of course."
"See, some people could never grasp the art of subtlety, while others were simply born with it," I wondered in my heart, suddenly thinking of Kingsley.