- 7.
Ethan’s situation was a wake–up call. My own
son had been manipulated by a stranger, led on
a wild goose chase. Men were no different. My
trust in Robert wasn’t blind faith; it was built on
twenty years of shared experiences. It was
unlikely Robert had the time or energy for an
affair twenty–three years ago, struggling as he
was. But even if he had, I could accept it. I’d
stayed active in the industry, teaching acting
classes. My skills were still sharp. The
audience’s positive response to my comeback
confirmed it. Even without my family, I wouldn’t
be starting from scratch.
Everyone talks about being a strong,
independent woman. True strength lies in
following your heart, not being swayed by
<
external forces. It’s about knowing when to hold
on and when to let go. Chloe, however, would
probably never understand that.
I was willing to let things go, but she wasn’t.
“You have to come to the Stellar Entertainment
new project launch, Ms. Ray.” She appeared at
my door, invitation in hand. “You signed with
Stellar. You’re one of my artists now. I wouldn’t
want to hog all the good projects.” She’d found
out about my contract with Simon fast. She was
still clueless. Ethan had played along with her
charade to protect my feelings. Now that the
misunderstanding was cleared, a direct
confrontation would be… messy.
“Ms. Ray earns roles with talent and hard work,
not lies and manipulation,” Jody snapped,
unable to contain herself any longer.
I wanted to give Chloe another chance. Chloe’s
eyes narrowed. “Who are you to judge me?”
She raised her hand to slap Jody. I saw red.
<
Jody, thankfully, wasn’t a pushover. She
grabbed Chloe’s wrist and shoved her back.
“Listen up, princess. Ms. Ray is number one, I’m
number two, and you? You’re nothing but a
spoiled brat. Now get out.”
Chloe, defeated, stormed out. Not without a
parting shot. “Suit yourself, Ms. Ray.” Jody
thought I was upset about missing the launch. I
was staring at the invitation. The signature
wasn’t Ethan’s. “Don’t worry, Ms. Ray. With me
as your manager, you won’t be overlooked.”
“Such confidence at such a young age.” I
chuckled, handing her the invitation. “Simon
specifically invited me. I have to go.” “Also, find
out if this is Simon’s signature.”
Stellar was the top agency in the country. Ray
Entertainment was a relative newcomer. Robert,
as a fellow industry player, was also invited.
Before we left, he pulled me close, his voice
low. “I have a gift for you tonight.”
<
8:10
((
864
My hand twitched. I forced a smile. “Why a
gift?”
He sighed, holding me tighter. “I’ve been
planning this for a long time. I can’t wait any
longer.” What was the gift?
I sat at the launch, distracted, until Chloe’s
shrill voice cut through my thoughts. “Look who
it is! Can’t afford a decent dress anymore, Ms.
Ray?” Chloe was a vision in pink, a fluffy
confection of a dress. I wore a sharp pantsuit. I
looked more like staff than a star. It was the
outfit Robert had chosen for me.
“Acting isn’t about looks, it’s about talent.
Superficial beauty fades. True talent endures.”
Chloe’s arguments always revolved around
money, beauty, love…things I already had. To
truly get under her skin, I had to appeal to
something she lacked: substance.
Chloe’s face flushed. She knew I was right. She
<
8:11
864
played her trump card. “Talent is useless
without opportunity. Tonight, you’ll see what
real power looks like. You’ll be sitting on the
sidelines for the rest of your career.” “Oh, and
you can always beg Simon for scraps. I hear his
wife is…formidable. She took care of his last
mistress. I wonder what will happen to you?”
Simon? She seemed more interested in him
than Ethan. She was probably using Ethan to
climb the ladder. My suspicion was quickly
confirmed.
