When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 121: The Heiress in Disguise

Chapter 121: The Heiress in Disguise

Trish froze in her seat. Assistant director? So that was what Zinnia was. But as the words settled in, an uneasy feeling prickled at the back of her mind. Zinnia didn’t act like just an assistant. She had a presence, a confidence that suggested she belonged at the very top. The mystery surrounding her made Trish’s thoughts churn with suspicion.

Why had Zinnia been so secretive? Why hadn’t anyone mentioned her before? Trish had always believed in the values of Lopez Digital Studios, the fairness that set the company apart. But lately, everything about Zinnia made her doubt that trust.

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A few days later, Trish found herself in a voice rehearsal meeting for the new movie project. She was part of the cast, so she wasn’t surprised to be called in. But as she walked into the room, her attention snagged on Zinnia, who was standing at the front.

Zinnia held a notebook in her hands, her voice steady as she gave directions to the team. "Let’s make sure the actors have everything they need," she said. Her tone was calm but commanding, and everyone paid attention.

Trish slid into her seat, watching as Zinnia coordinated the rehearsal. She managed the production crew with ease, offering advice and solutions like a seasoned professional. The director nodded along, as if Zinnia’s word held just as much weight as his own.

Trish’s fingers tightened around her script. Zinnia wasn’t just assisting. She was leading. She carried herself like someone with power, someone who knew exactly how to command a room. The realization made Trish’s heart race.

Throughout the rehearsal, Trish tried to focus on her lines. But she couldn’t shake her discomfort. She’d been with Lopez Digital Studios long enough to know how things worked. Everyone had to fight for their place, audition for every role. But Zinnia? She seemed to bypass all that.

What made it worse was the nagging fear that their company—the place that had given Trish her big break—might be shifting away from its values. She didn’t want to believe it, but every moment she watched Zinnia act with such authority made her doubt.

Then, one day, Trish saw something that made her stomach drop.

She had just finished a tiring practice and was heading to the break room for some water when she stopped short. There, in front of their building, stood Zinnia. And beside her was none other than Samuel Lucas.

Trish’s mouth went dry. Samuel was a name she knew well, even if she had never met him in person. He was the CEO of Lucas Realty Group, a business magnate who held incredible influence. His face often graced the cover of business magazines. But here he was, in front of their studio, talking to Zinnia with a familiar smile.

Trish watched, her heart pounding as she pieced it together. Samuel Lucas wasn’t just having a casual chat. He looked at Zinnia with the kind of warmth reserved for family. It made sense now. Zinnia wasn’t just any assistant director. She was the chairman’s daughter, the future heiress of Lopez Digital Studios.

The realization crashed over Trish, making her legs feel weak. That explained everything: the privileges, the authority, the mystery. Zinnia was working at a lower level, learning the ropes from the ground up, and hiding her real identity. The company hadn’t abandoned its values. Zinnia was here to understand the industry firsthand.

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Trish stood near the window, trying to catch her breath. She watched as Zinnia and Samuel exchanged a few more words before Samuel bid her goodbye, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Zinnia smiled and nodded, then watched him leave before turning back to her work.

Trish exhaled slowly, a wave of relief washing over her. So that was it. Zinnia was the chairman’s daughter. It wasn’t about favoritism or bending the rules for connections. It was about preparing her to lead the company one day. And from what Trish had seen, Zinnia wasn’t a spoiled heiress. She was determined, hardworking, and respectful.

"Thank goodness," Trish whispered, her shoulders finally relaxing. The anxiety she had carried for days began to melt away. "Our future leader isn’t a brat. She’s actually working hard to understand us."

A soft smile crossed Trish’s lips. She thought about how much she loved this company. Lopez Digital Studios had given her a life she never dreamed possible. They’d made her dreams come true, offering her roles she once thought were out of reach. And now, seeing Zinnia put in the effort to learn, Trish felt hopeful.

"I’m sorry for doubting," she murmured, clutching her script a little tighter. She was determined now. If this company was still built on fairness, if Zinnia was truly dedicated to learning the industry, then Trish would do her part.

"I’ll give it my all," she promised herself, thinking about the upcoming movie. "I’ll do my best, and I’ll make this film something we can all be proud of."

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Zinnia pushed open the door to her office, blissfully unaware of the undercurrents of curiosity and doubt swirling around the company. All she could think about was the movie project and making sure every detail was perfect. She crossed the room in a few quick strides and dropped a thick binder onto her desk.

Her laptop screen flickered to life as she sat down, the desktop cluttered with project files, timelines, and notes. With her mind focused, Zinnia began double-checking everything. Shooting schedules, costume designs, set arrangements—she reviewed them all, making sure there were no loose ends.

The hum of the air conditioner filled the room as Zinnia worked tirelessly, her fingers flying over the keyboard. She checked off one task after another, feeling a sense of satisfaction with every small achievement. Finally, a small ding broke through her concentration.

She glanced at the notification, and her face lit up. An email had arrived from Victoria, a key partner at Lily Oceanic Industries. Zinnia eagerly opened the message, and her smile widened as she read it.