On my pink pair of pajamas, I follow Greg to the master bedroom.
"There’s a lot of space in the closet," he says once we’re inside, gesturing toward the walk-in closet. "For your things. You can ask Stannis to have them transferred later."
"That’s fine. I don’t have a lot of things, but Dahlia will bring so from my apartnt."
I look around. The room is accented with gray, white, and warm wood. It’s clean and slls nice.
At the center is a king-sized bed. There’s plenty of room for two people, so the idea of sharing it doesn’t really bother .
"Your room slls really nice. Slls just like you," I say, and he turns to with a skeptical look, as if I’ve just spoken in an alien language.
What’s with that look? I only stated a harmless fact. Why does he look like I told him there’s a missile coming from a foreign country?
When he doesn’t say anything, I ask, "Which side would you like to sleep on? I can sleep on any side."
"You can choose," he answers in a low voice, watching with dark eyes, as if I’m so unwelco entity invading his territory.
"You sure?"
He nods. I walk toward the bed slowly, aware of his gaze tracking my every move. I can’t read a thing from his expression or the way he holds himself. He’s just one big puzzle to . I’d take it as simple dislike. After all, sharing a bedroom with soone who isn’t even a friend can’t be ideal. But he doesn’t really have a choice here.
Well, since he’s the one who brought this arrangent up... and it benefits him, so I’m sure he can sort out whatever internal conflict he’s having.
I lie on the bed and pull the quilt up to my chest. Greg doesn’t follow. Instead, he walks over to the small table in the corner, opens his laptop, and starts working.
"Won’t you sleep?" I ask, unable to help the curiosity.
What if he doesn’t want to sleep on his own bed because of ? That would make feel awful.
"Later," he says simply, not even sparing a glance.
I don’t say anything else and turn on my side, trying to sleep.
* * *
Greg isn’t in the room when I wake so I’m not sure if he even slept a wink, but there’s a ssage on my phone.
I’m going to the Crown Palace. I might not return tonight.
I reply with a simple ’okay’ and go about my day.
I notice the servants are extra respectful now. It feels like I’ve officially ranked up from guest to lady of the house.
The thought makes smile as I eat my breakfast.
Dahlia calls later that morning. She says Kayla’s lawsuit has pushed through, and she’s facing the consequences now. JZ has even sued her for damaging their reputation, and all her endorsents have been pulled. I admit, I pity her a little. But it doesn’t erase the fact that she’s verbally bullied every chance she got, and sothing needed to happen for her to finally stop.
In the afternoon, I go for a ride around the estate with Nero. This ti, I don’t stray too far and keep an eye on the ti.
With my day spent riding horses, strolling through the garden, eating delicious food, reading books, and watching movies, it honestly feels like I’m on vacation.
* * *
Just like Greg said in his ssage, he didn’t return to the mansion last night.
Today, I have an appointnt with JZ’s managent regarding my contract. But I don’t plan to et them in their building. That would be too conspicuous, so Dahlia relayed my ssage, informing them I’d choose the location.
I opt for a high-end hotel known for offering privacy to its guests. Jean and my security team co with , but only Jean and two n follow inside after assessing the area. The rest remain outside on standby.
When I enter the private room I booked, the executives of JZ are already seated with my forr manager, Mr. Lim.
"Hi, Elyn," Madam Frey greets with a warm smile. "It’s nice to see you again. I’ve missed you. I an, we’ve all missed you."
Back then, I truly thought she cared for . She always acted like a mother. But if she cared even a little, she wouldn’t have just stood aside while everyone persecuted .
"Thank you, but I’m not here for pleasantries, Madam Frey," I say, my voice firm, holding my head high.
I sit across from them, alone on my side of the long table, while three of my guards stand behind .
"If you don’t want our contract issues taken to court, then let terminate my contract in peace."
One of the executives gasps. Mr. Lim’s eyes sharpen, though he’s clearly trying to keep his expression warm and friendly.
"Elyn, dear, I know what happened must have taken a toll on you, but you don’t need to decide rashly. We can still talk this out. We don’t want your contract with JZ to end—"
"Didn’t it already end when you abandoned the day I beca a murder suspect?" I smile politely, though there’s nothing kind in my eyes. "As an agency, you’re supposed to protect your artist, help her through situations like that. But you didn’t, which gives more than enough grounds for termination. I’m eting you only for formality."
Madam Frey’s mask slips, and what replaces it is disdain.
"So you’re acting high and mighty now?" she scoffs. "You barely survived that scandal, and our big agency is willing to take you back, help you rise again, but all you can do is be rude? You’re unbelievable! After everything we did to help you beco the star you are today, you just turn your back on us? What does that make you? A traitor!"
I feel Jean shift behind . I stay calm.
"If that makes a traitor, then so be it. You betrayed first, anyway."
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