Chapter 2286
Dean shook his head with a sigh, the lines on his weathered face deepening with concern. As an elder, he found himself in a delicate position, hesitant to step in directly and halt the unfolding drama.
“All we can do now is hope Mara gets the message that she’s barking up the wrong tree, that she has the sense to back off before things turn uglier than a Thanksgiving turkey left in the oven too long.”
Alyssa felt a pang in her heart for Ivy. She was relieved that the recent awkward confrontation had not unfolded before Ivy.
If Ivy had witnessed that mess, Alyssa could only imagine the storm of hurt that would have churned in Ivy’s heart.
“This can’t go on. I need to find the right moment to have a heart-to-heart with Balfour. The man’s married, for heaven’s sake. He should not be cozying up to another woman like that.”
Watching his wife’s firm resolve, Dean knew no amount of sweet talking would change her mind.
Meanwhile, at Colton’s film set, the crew was on pins and needles, each day at work filled with the dread of hearing the dreaded words of dissolution from the director or producer.
Thalia and Margot, with little to do on set these days, could not bear the thought of twiddling their thumbs at home. So, they turned up at the set, ready to lend a hand wherever possible.
Lunchtime had rolled around, and the two sat together, each with a box lunch.
“Thalia, when do you reckon the crew will return to our normal groove? I took a peek on Twitter with a burner account, and the audience is roasting us like we’re the main course at a barbecue festival. It hurts to see, especially since none of this mess is our doing. The director won’t let us clear the air either. How long will this limbo last?”
Margot’s appetite waned at the thought of the venomous curses being thrown their way, making even the most flavorful meal taste bland.
“The director isn’t sweating it, so why should you? We didn’t stir this pot. Let them rant if they want to!” Thalia said with a nonchalance that had grown since the harrowing experience of being kidnapped. She had emerged calmer, placing life’s trials in perspective.
Reputation, in particular, seemed trivial. Praise or blame, the words belonged to others and were beyond her control. What mattered was their conscience. They knew the truth. of their innocence.
1/2
08:57
Chapter 2286
Colton was biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to lay all the evidence on the table. The truth would shine like a lighthouse when that time came, and the negative image would be washed away.
Margot understood all this, but the agony of waiting was almost too much to bear. She longed for the day they could resume filming.
“Do you know when Ivy’s coming back to the set?” Thalia inquired, putting down her fork.
Margot looked puzzled. “I’m unsure about the exact date, but I texted her yesterday. She said she felt much better and could return in a few days. But what’s Ivy’s return got to do with anything?”
Thalia gave her a look that mixed exasperation with affection. “You’ve been around this crew for how long now, and you still can’t wrap your head around the dynamics? Use that noggin of yours.”
Margot let out a groan. “What’s that got to do with me using my brain? Besides, haven’t I put enough thought into the dynamics here? Aren’t you and Ivy my good friends? Isn’t that enough?”
Thalia shook her head, her expression a mix of frustration and fondness.
She failed to see that Ivy’s return could very well signal the turning point they had all been waiting for.
2/2
