Chapter 29
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Yolanda and Ian drove until noon, when the sky darkened without warning. Rain slammed down in thick sheets, forcing them to slow.
Yolanda gripped the wheel, tension coiling in her chest. They were so close–already in town, just minutes from the film crew’s hotel. But the storm had other plans.
Pulling over, Yolanda grabbed an umbrella and hurried into the lobby, only to freeze at the sight of Sophie. Of course. Sean’s production was shooting here too. Fate seemed determined to throw them together.
Sophie’s lethargy vanished as her eyes narrowed into venomous slits. “Do you have some kind of tracking device on me?” she spat.
Yolanda brushed past without acknowledgment. This hotel was the best in town, so it was fully booked by the two competing productions–Sean’s crew occupied the third floor while Zack’s team was stationed above them.
The elevator doors opened. Yolanda and lan stepped inside, followed by a determined Sophie. The other guests wisely chose to wait for the next ride.
As the elevator ascended, Sophie rolled her eyes. “Don’t think knowing Charles’s wife gives you some special advantage,” she sneered. “Mark my words: on their anniversary in two days, Charles will be in my bed, not hers.”
Yolanda remained impassive, though she had to admire Sophie’s tenacity. Two years was an impressive run for one of Charles’s playthings. Though knowing him, he’d likely had other dalliances. At least Max had definitely mentioned a fling with a CEO or something.
The elevator dinged on the third floor. Sophie delivered one final glare, mistaking Yolanda’s silence for fear. With a triumphant sniff, she strutted out.
Yolanda and Ian made their way up to the fourth floor.
Ian stole a glance at her, but she seemed unfazed, her attention fixed on locating the right room.
Inside, the room turned out to be surprisingly decent. Tonight was their final table read before the crew headed into the mountains, where the actors would be staying for the next month.
Yolanda peered out the window at the stormy sky. She’d planned to leave after dropping Ian off, but the downpour was too heavy to drive through.
Without a word, lan unzipped his suitcase and started unpacking.
In better weather, she could’ve reached Moonbay Estate by 6 PM. But with rain this relentless, there was no point trying. Yolanda sighed. “Guess I’m stuck until it lets up.”
Ian kept his eyes down. “Stay for a little longer, then.”
She took a seat beside him. He was her biggest star and her golden ticket, so naturally, he deserved her undivided attention.
She said, “You’re heading into the mountains tomorrow. Watch your diet, and try to be more approachable with the crew. That stone- faced routine won’t do you any favors.”
She then nudged the small pharmacy bag toward him. “I packed your meds: stomach pills, fever reducers, and everything. A whole month up there, I must be worried about you.”
The faintest smile tugged at Ian’s lips.
“And call me the second you feel sick, got it?” She frowned. “Ian, are you even paying attention?”
He smiled, “Mm.”
Rain hammered against the windows, the wind whipping the curtains into a frenzy through the half–open pane.
A knock came at the door. It was the call for the final table read. Yolanda answered, and the man on the other side froze, momentarily stunned by her striking beauty.
It was Wayne Dalton, the leading actor this drama was banking on to become a star. He looked quite good. His gaze lingered a beat too long, his cheeks flushing. ‘How hasn’t someone this gorgeous made it big yet?‘ he thought before flashing a smile.
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2.15 AM P P
Chapter 29
He asked, “You’re an actress, right? I can’t believe I’ve never seen you before. You’re unforgettable.”
Yolanda took a step back and said nothing. Ian moved past her, his voice flat. “I’m leaving.”
She nodded, left alone in the room, listening to the relentless downpour outside.
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The drama’s mysterious backer was a wealthy woman and the entire production was built around Wayne. As he and Ian walked away, Wayne kept glancing back, his mind racing. ‘Stunning, really. Is she this guy’s agent? Since when do agents look like that?‘
“So, you’re lan, the second lead?” Wayne said, sidling closer. “Just call me Wayne. That’s your agent back there? You two… together? You know how this industry works. Hook me up with her, and I’ll get you a role in my next project.”
His imagination ran wild. ‘Check her out. Those elegant curves and that poised grace? If she ever steps in front of a camera, every other actress might as well quit.‘”
Ian looked at him but didn’t answer.
Wayne’s smile twisted. “Come on, man. She’s just an average woman. What’s the big deal?”
Wayne was clearly annoyed, his jaw clenched. He’d spent years grinding in the industry, going nowhere. Until now, some rich woman had taken an interest, pouring money into his drama.
He thought through gritted teeth, ‘Once my new drama airs, I’ll be untouchable. Everyone’s kissing his ass, except this nobody. How dare he!’
Nearby, Sophie watched, lips curling. She knew Wayne casually–enough to recognize him, not enough to call him a friend.
“Got your eye on the agent?” she purred, stepping closer.
Wayne swallowed. “You got an idea?”
Sophie reached into her bag and pulled out a small packet, her smirk widening. “Sure. One drink. That’s all it takes.”
His fingers twitched. “You sure this is safe?”
She laughed, patting his chest. “Relax. She’s nobody, and neither is Ian. That pretty face is begging for trouble. You’ve got backing. Who’s gonna stop you?”
Wayne pocketed the pills, grinning. “Didn’t peg you for the type, Sophie.”
Sophie’s smile turned icy. That slap still burned. She had originally reserved this particular maneuver for Tessa, planning to throw her to some desperate director as retribution. But now, the opportunity was even sweeter.
*****
Yolanda paced the hotel room for thirty restless minutes before a knock interrupted her. Room service had arrived with dinner. She accepted the tray absently, setting it on the table without enthusiasm.
Through the rain–streaked window, the storm showed no signs of letting up. Charles would definitely notice if she came home this late. She prodded at the congealing food with her fork before pushing it away, settling for a glass of juice instead.
