Chapter 7
warmth
What she didn’t realize was that her movements only reignited the fire Lorenzo had been trying to control. He let out a heavy breath. He had never expected their first day together would test his resolve like this.
After wrapping up her morning routine, Yvonne’s phone buzzed with a call from Ashley. They set up a meet and Yvonne was out the door. Lorenzo had already left the house, and she declined Lloyd’s offer of a driver, opting to drive herself.
yvonne didn’t want to meet Ashley at the office. If there was anyone she still trusted these days, it was Ashley.
Ashley had always despised Yolanda, calling her a manipulator, But back then, Yvonne was too caught up in Zell’s sweet talk to listen. Now it seemed like Ashley had seen through people from the start
Yvonne spotted Ashley waving as soon as she entered the cafe.
“Alright, what’s the plan‘ Those cheaters have probably been together for ages. You’re in a tough spot,” Ashley said, getting straight to the point.
They’d been each other’s support since they were newbies. If Ashley had known things would turn out like this, she’d never have let Yvonne retire. Three years was a huge deal for a female celeb. Honestly, Ashley couldn’t help but feel bad seeing Yvonne like this.
got the second female lead in Emmen’s movie. Yvonne announced.
Ashley’s eyes widened in shock. “How did you
“Didn’t I tell you yesterday! I’m focused on my career now. I’m taking back everything that’s mine.”
Chapter 8
Seeing the cold determination and fiery resolve in Yvonne’s eyes, Ashley got excited. “Let’s announce your comeback,” she said eagerly
“Wait, Yvonne said calmly. “Many people saw me at that audition yesterday. Even if we keep quiet, the paparazzi will find out. Plus, Yolanda probably doesn’t know I got the role yet. Let’s visit her at the hospital first,”
The confidence in Yvonne’s voice made Ashley pause.
“Yolanda won’t pass up the chance to ride Emmett’s fame. If we spill the beans now, how’ll we get to see her embarrass herself later?” Yvonne added.
“Yeah. Let’s go see that traitor.” Ashley slammed her hands on the table, grinning. “You two used to be besties, after all.”
If my plan works, the agency will ask you to go back and handle my stuff by noon. They might also take the newbies you’re working with and give
them to someone else.
“But if you don’t want to do it, just say no, I don’t want you involved in the mess with Zell and Yolanda Yvonne paused, and then decided to be straightforward. She really wanted Ashley’s help, but she didn’t want to force her to pick sides.
After bearing Yvonne’s words, Ashley took a sip of her coffee. Then she asked, “Say no to whom? You or that jerk?”
Whichever you like”
“Yvonne, what kind of person do you think I am? Do you really think I’d ditch a friend in trouble? As long as you remember our original dream and stop running from challenges, I’ll stick by you no matter what Ashley slammed the table, staring at Yvonne intensely
Ashley could never forget that day. When Yvonne won her first Best Newcomer award, they’d celebrated in her cramped rented apartment with cheap wine, dreaming of becoming the nation’s top agents and superstars. That dream had always stayed with her.
“I’m not running away anymore. Yvonne declared,
Ashley extended her hand. “Here’s to a team that actually works
On the drive to the hospital, Yvonne couldn’t help but smirk. After Yolanda’s dramatic breakdown yesterday, everyone at the company knew she was admitted. Skipping a visit would make Yvonne the worst friend ever.
Zell had told Yolanda to stay put. When Yvonne walked into the ward. Yolanda’s face was a picture of shock
Yolanda’s eyes blazed with anger, remembering how Yvonne’s veil had slipped and exposed her secret. But she swallowed it down; Yvonne’s help. She pretended to be surprised. “Yvonne! What are you doing here?!”
shes
still needed
“I came to check on you and discuss the timing for your press conference. Yvonne said, setting down the flowers and looking at Yolanda with
concern
Yolanda nearly choked on her anger. “But Yvonne,” she said, putting on her best helpless act, “Zell said he’s handling everything. He’s the boss. I can’t disobey him. I reminded him that Starry Entertainment belongs to both of you, but he insisted it was his call.”
If Yvonne hadn’t seen through Yolanda’s game, that might have worked. “Don’t worry, I handle PR. Just tell me what you’re planning to say at the conference.
Yolanda clenched her fills. “just” she forced out through gritted teeth, “don’t want to drag you into this mess
“Don’t worry about me getting involved. We’re all doing this for the company. Just focus on getting better. Zell’s already got a plan. We’ll sort this
out soon, Yvonne said,
Yolanda’s eyes welled up a
up again, but Yvonne suddenly softened. That unexpected move left Yolanda feeling uneasy.
“Zell said he’ll handle everything and told me not to worry. Thank you, Yvonne. You both have been so good to me. Yolanda said, tears in her eyes Yvonne smiled quietly.
Watching Yvonne worry over her like a fool gave Yolanda a rush of satisfaction. ‘So what if you’re smart, pretty, and rich? You’re still under thumb, Yolanda thought, feeling sense of relief.
Ashley clicked her tongue. She rolled her eyes, thinking. Are these two–timing jerks even trying to hide in?‘
“Ashley! Jerome said your newbies are screwing up. Just ask, and I’ll make him help you, Yolanda said, her voice dripping with sweetness
my
Ashley’s face flushed with anger, but she held it in. “Who gave you the right to talk? The boss hasn’t said a word yet,” she said, nudging Yvonne Puntidy
Chapter 8
Yolanda had always hated Ashley, but she couldn’t find a way to call her out this time.
“Yolanda is my friend. She is thinking of me. That’s very nice of her,” Yvonne said, smirking at Ashley.
“My bad,” Ashley said. “But employees should follow the boss’s lead, not act like they’re in charge. Unless they want… misunderstandings she said. glancing at Yolanda. “Oops, I gotta take this call. You two chat.”
Yolanda let out a deep breath after Ashley left. “Yvonne, I didn’t want to say this, but for the company’s sake… Her voice shook with fake concern.
Yvonne caught the hate in Yolanda’s eyes. “Just spit it out. We’re all colleagues here,” she said, acting clueless about Yolanda’s weird vibe.
Yvonne, you and Ashley were supposed to be close, right! But Jerome says she’s been bad–mouthing you nonstop. I thought I’d let you know, because you trust her. This kind of betrayal is just low
“She’s been coasting for two years just because you’re friends. You should fire her before it’s too late.
Yvonne almost laughed at Yolanda’s blatant lies. I’ve known Ashley since the beginning. I know her. There must be some misunderstanding.” She looked genuinely puzzled.
“We’re like sisters. Why would I lie? But you haven’t worked with Ashley in three years. People change.” Yolanda coaxed.
I trust you, but Ashley an
y and I have pla
“Plans: What’s that?” Yolanda froze.
plans. Let’s see how things go. Yvonne pretended to hesitate.
