After She She Stopped Loving Him

Chapter 614: The Nerve

Nnenna didn’t even need to glance at it to know it was his phone number. So he’s actually serious? What a weird guy, she thought, blinking at him.

"Okay, ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the treatment," Darius announced, standing with theatrical flair. But not before flashing one last smile at the nanny by the door, and then letting his gTitan 205

To be honest, Yolanda felt she ought to call Ian and tell him to quit messing around–this was his job, and he needed to stick to an actor’s basic principles. If he wanted any future in showbiz, he had to handle all that came with it.

If he was planning to survive in the entertainment world, he’d just have to put up with it.

But why, of all people, did it have to be Joelle?

Simone was still saying something, but Yolanda tuned her out completely–her mind was elsewhere.

After hanging up, she got in her car. She’d planned to drop by Starlight, since the people blocking the entrance had finally cleared out. She’d already called the crew to fix the shattered glass doors.

Right at that moment, her phone lit up with a call from Charles.

Charles’s voice came through: “Aunt Simone’s putting together a hiking trip. Want to come blow off some steam?”

Ian had mentioned in passing that he’d probably show up too.

Simone would definitely invite a whole crew, and with things at Starlight finally calming down, Yolanda figured she might as well join the fun.

“Count me in,” Yolanda replied easily.

She hadn’t expected so many people–turns out, this wasn’t just any old hike. There was a full–blown resort at the top, and getting there meant a three–hour trek from the foot of the mountain, starting at 2 in the morning. If you made it to the summit in time, you’d catch the sunrise.

Yolanda did a quick walk–through at Starlight. As night settled in, her phone lit up with a message from Ian.

[You joining the hike?]

Then Leo reached out with a text of his own.

[Hey, you hiking or not? Just asking–no big deal.]

Yolanda ignored Leo and shot back a quick reply to Ian: [Yeah, I’m in.]

She enjoyed a hot shower, then, at one in the morning, jumped into Charles’s car and headed out to the base of the mountain.

When they got there, the whole area was brightly lit, and a crew of staff were already hanging around. They’d take the cable car up ahead of everyone to get breakfast ready at the top.

This mountain was privately owned. Normally, anyone could hike it, but when they closed the place off, it was strictly VIPs only.

Yolanda stepped out in black athletic gear, backpack slung over her shoulders, only to spot Joelle sporting matching black gear and the same backpack vibe.

Joelle was Oscar’s guest, and besides him, there were a few other famous directors in attendance, Simone included.

The rest of the crew were young elites who lived for this kind of thrill–mountain climbing was basically the hottest trend in their circle.

Charles, rarely seen in athletic gear, cast a glance at lan, who was standing next to Simone. He couldn’t help but frown, a slight crease forming between his brows.

Ian wasn’t looking at anyone, his mask covering most of his face, with only his indifferent eyes showing. He seemed completely silent and kept to himself.

Just as everyone was about to head out, Xavier and Quinn Cooper showed up, their voices ringing across the crowd.

Wow, so everyone’s going hiking and nobody bothered to call us? Lucky we got here before you left!” Xavier joked loudly.

Xavier yanked Leo over, remembering how his little brother had blurted to the Lawson family yesterday that he might be into someone. The whole family was hyped, demanding Xavier dig out this secret crush. With Leo suddenly way too keen on this hike, Xavier figured the girl he liked had to be among tonight’s crew.

He swept his eyes over the eight or nine women gathered there–first Yolanda was off the list, then Simone, both ruled out because, come on, they were on a totally different level, practically family.

After that, his gaze started sizing up the remaining six, lingering a bit longer as he tried to sniff out any clues.

Quentin showed up too–his eyes locked on Joelle from the very moment he arrived. It was old news that he used to have a crush on her; nobody even bothers to keep it under wraps anymore.

“These love triangles are just the same old story–boring,‘ Yolanda thought, totally uninterested. She fell in step behind Simone, ready to get this hike going.

There were five trails leading up the mountain, and with so many people here, everyone just broke off into little squads with their usual crew, planning to stick together for the climb.

Yolanda wasn’t really familiar with most of these folks, so she hung by Simone’s side, seriously picking her brain about the film business.

Charles was about to head over to Yolanda when Quentin called out, “Joelle, is your wrist still giving you trouble?”

Charles glanced in their direction, remembering that Joelle had only just been snatched by that lunatic Andrew yesterday. ‘And now she’s here climbing a mountain… She must’ve come for me,‘ he thought.

He frowned, staying put.

Sure enough, Joelle approached him, careful to keep a respectful distance. “Charles, which trail are you taking

-left or right?”

Charles glimpsed Yolanda and Simone taking the middle trail, and a flicker of irritation showed in his eyes- he hated being left out, even if he’d never admit it.

Still, he hid it perfectly, keeping his expression smooth and unreadable.

Quentin sidled up to Joelle, whispering, “Joelle, let’s take the right trail–it’s way easier.”

Joelle ignored him, her eyes fixed on Charles, clearly waiting for his answer.

Charles headed straight for the middle trail, and Joelle tried to catch up, but she tripped hard–hadn’t even started climbing and her ankle was already swollen from the fall.

Quentin rushed over, his voice full of concern. “I’ll take you to the hospital.”

Joelle took a deep breath and said seriously, “Quentin, I’ve rejected you more times than I can count. Don’t put me on the spot. I can get to the hospital on my own.”

With that, she limped to her feet, didn’t even look at Charles, and made her way back to her own car.

Quentin hurried up after her. “You don’t even have a manager with you–who’s gonna get you to the hospital?”

Leo watched the whole thing, then elbowed Charles. “You not gonna help her out? Looks like her ankle’s in pretty bad shape.”

7

A

Xavier was right there, catching Leo’s comment. His eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“Wait, seriously?‘ Xavier wondered. ‘Is Leo into Joelle too?‘

“He’s been keeping tabs on her from the start. Now with Charles here, maybe he’s too shy to offer a ride himself? Xavier guessed, more confused than ever.

‘Has he had his eye on her this whole time, just waiting for a moment to do something?‘ he thought, picking up the tension.

Xavier’s mood soured. “There are already more than enough guys chasing after Joelle, and Leo–man, he’s no Casanova. With that many rivals, he doesn’t stand much chance,‘

Charles wasn’t planning to help out, but after Leo nudged him and saw Joelle still shutting Quentin down, he finally gave in and walked over.

“Let me drive you,” he said.

Joelle gave him a grateful–even slightly guilty–look. “Won’t you miss out on the hike because of me?”

“Hospital’s just a half–hour from here. I’ll drop you off and get back before anyone even notices.” Charles replied.

“Thanks, Charles. I really appreciate it,” Joelle said.

9:35 Sat Oct 25

Chapter 203

Quentin’s face fell, all the light gone from his eyes.

156 vouchers

Navier was turning it over in his mind: Wait, isn’t Charles basically with Yolanda now? As long as that’s still a thing, Leo actTitan 206

Chapter 206

Yolanda followed Simone, her backpack slung over her shoulder.

“Aunt Simone, the short drama scene is really booming right now. Should we consider having our talent without scripts try their hand at it?” Yolanda asked.

Simone was about to respond when Ian suddenly spoke up.

“Ms. Grant.” Ian called out.

“Yeah?” Yolanda looked over.

She turned to face him, noticing he seemed unusually quiet tonight.

“Can I talk to you about Ms. Sinclair’s new script?” Ian asked.

Simone hadn’t forgotten Ian was turning down the role, so she gave Yolanda a thoughtful, sympathetic pat on the shoulder.

“Try and talk some sense into him, will you? If Mr. Rowe didn’t have such a soft spot for him, this kind of golden opportunity wouldn’t even land in his lap. His popularity is soaring, but his list of credits is way too short. After Zack’s show finishes up, mine is coming next, and if he adds this film to the mix, he’ll become an A–list star practically overnight,” Simone urged.

Yolanda could hear the urgency in Simone’s voice. In truth, Simone really liked Ian–he was talented, worked hard, kept his head down, and always acted with respect. Honestly, what manager didn’t wish for talent like him?

“I’ll talk to him, Aunt Simone,” Yolanda promised.

Simone knew they needed some privacy, so she called out to the rest and led them off ahead.

Yolanda walked over to a nearby little pavilion and sat down, motioning for Ian to join her. “Come sit down.”

The benches here were designed in an interesting way–some were higher, some lower. She chose the taller

one.

Jan walked over and sat on the lower bench at her feet. He took her backpack, opened it, and started transferring the contents into his own bag.

Yolanda watched him, and even without a word from lan, she could tell he was still stewing over something. ‘He’s totally sulking again, she thought.

With a teasing grin, she propped one leg playfully across his lap.

Ian froze, hands mid–motion, giving her a sideways look. “Careful, Grant. Your man’s about to show

catch us.”

up and

Yolanda couldn’t help but laugh, leaning back with an easy swagger. “Still holding a grudge, huh?” she teased.

“Like I’ve got any right to be mad? You told me to chill out. If I keep being clueless, you’ll probably kick me to

the curb,” Ian shot back.

With his head bowed and a gentle look on his face, Ian tucked her sunscreen spray into his own bag, left her backpack empty, and finally zipped it up.

Yolanda’s hair was slicked up in a high ponytail, her black sportswear making her skin look almost porcelain pale. Her jet–black hair looked sharp against her fair face, and her eyes sparkled even brighter than the night sky around them.

“Ian, I don’t want you to take this script.”

Ian went still for a second, eyes lowered, the barest hint of a smile flickering on his lips. “Really?”

Yolanda leaned in close and gave his earlobe a playful pinch. “If you did, the female lead wouldn’t be Joelle. Honestly, I can’t handle you getting all close and personal with her on screen.”

The thing about Yolanda–she could wrap any guy around her finger. Just a second ago, Ian was sulking like a sad puppy, and now he was all up in her space, tail practically wagging.

“Ms. Grant, honestly, before I came tonight, I was thinking… If you really made me work with her, I’d just vanish. You wouldn’t see me anywhere near you,” Ian muttered.

He went full puppy mode, resting his chin on her shoulder, lashes down, back all hunched–looking like the saddest, most pitiful guy in the world.

Yolanda reached up and gave his hair a little tousle. “Let’s go. We’ll miss the sunrise if we don’t move.”

Ian practically bounced back to life, grabbing her hand and pulling her up the path. But halfway there, Yolanda caught footsteps behind them, so she quickly dropped his hand and opened up some space between them.

Leo sauntered over, all smug and casual, before firing off a snarky remark. “Well, well, you two again. Guess I took a whole lap just to bump into you both. What’s up with all the sneaking around?”

Yolanda was fed up with Leo and his prickly sarcasm. She definitely wasn’t about to let him sniff out what was going on between her and Ian. ‘Not a chance,‘ she thought.

She buried her head and pushed forward, but Leo stuck to them like some soggy, creepy ghoul, matching their steps just out of spite.

For a second, Yolanda figured he was just taking his sweet time.

Then she caught on–speed up, he sped up; slow down, he slowed down. The guy was totally glued to them.

He was seriously like a shadow that just wouldn’t go away.

Yolanda took a deep breath, spun around, and shot him a look. “Don’t you have anything better to do?”

Leo glanced over at Ian and mentally scoffed, ‘Talk about extra. Who the hell wears a mask hiking?‘

“What, this path yours or something?” Leo shot back.

Yolanda wasn’t about to waste her breath on him. Thankfully, they’d reached the top. The lights from the mountain lodge glowed nearby, and everyone who’d made it was already waiting on the grass for the sunrise.

Leo let out another cold snort as he walked past lan, shooting him a glare that could cut glass.

Yolanda needed to hit the restroom and just handed her bag off to lan. “Go snag us a good spot for the sunrise -I’ll catch up in a sec.”

Saying no more, she strode off toward the lodge.

lan stood there clutching her bag, was just about to take a step after her when Simone’s voice rang out.

“lan, come help us move a table,” Simone called out.

Leo’s eyes lit up, and he swaggered toward the lodge, tossing a cocky line over his shoulder. “Superstar, you better get moving. If you’re late, there won’t be any seats left for you.”

He shot inside in a flash, obviously not wanting to get caught and forced by Simone to help out.

The tables were for breakfast later, and the staff was already hustling around, getting everything set up.

Ian couldn’t turn Simone down, so he just headed over to lend a hand.

Leo headed for the restroom on the first floor, but the door was wide open and the place was totally empty.

Leo frowned–where had Yolanda gone?

He checked the second floor, then the third, still nothing.

Back on the first floor, he pulled out his phone, ready to call her, but before he could dial, someone cracked him hard on the back of the head. He dropped, lights out.

Andrew dragged Leo into the nearby courtyard and shoved him into the trunk, where Yolanda was already

out cold.

She’d been knocked out with something.

Andrew had originally planned to take just Yolanda, but Leo was so annoyingly persistent, hanging around looking for people, that he finally just decided to drag him along too.

When Leo finally regained consciousness, his head was still spinning. Looking around, he realized he was locked in some rundown, abandoned factory. Sunlight spilled in from outside, but inside it was stripped completely bare–just piles of scattered bricks on the ground, a single locked door, steel bars over the windows, and a camera dangling from one of the window frames. That was all.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed someone behind him. Turning around, he saw Yolanda leaning back

in a chair.

Leo froze, and his first instinct was to reach for the chain around her ankle and try to undo it, but almost

immediately, he felt something wrong with his own body.

Leo felt like his whole body was overheating, his skin prickling with heat as if he might explode any second. ‘What the hell did they do to me?‘ he wondered, blinking through the haze.

Yolanda was sprawled across the only chair in the place–a grimy, beat–up thing, way too shabby for someone like her. She looked so out of place, so vulnerable.

But even now, she was impossibly striking. Her pale skin seemed to almost shimmer under the weak sunlight, and her athletic outfit traced every curve. Leo found himself dumbfounded, unable to look away.

“Yolanda? Hey, Yolanda?” Leo called out, his voice dry and low, and he slowly dragged himself closer to her.

He tried to get her attention, his body heavy and off–balance as he moved step by step toward the chair.

His hands were tied behind his back, so he could only nudge her with his head.

Yolanda had breathed in so much of the knock–out drug, she was totally unconscious.

Leo could barely think straight, her scent clouding his mind. He lowered his gaze, barely keeping himself in check as he fought the urge to give in to his body’s instincts.

“Hey, wake up,” he muttered, his voice rough and strained.

Leo had been kidnapped before, but never with someone like Yolanda. How the hell did she end up here with

him?

they want, or is Yolanda the target?‘ Leo

he just gave

croaked, his voice barely audible, rough

Getting close to her

presence against her, frowning in

Chapter 207

missing and had already sent the Crimson

Charles had just arrived at the mountaintop villa. Not seeing Yolanda around, he started searching the

up with the stream link, Charles

the day, only Ian, Sam,

this if it wasn’t serious. Xavier, hanging out at the hospital with Joelle, just clicked in out

purely in it for the entertainment–nothing like a bit of chaos to keep things

the link out to over thirty people in

that, but it didn’t matter–those four were all insiders, and as long as they saw Leo hooking up with Yolanda on the live stream,

Leo, Andrew might be crazy, but he knew better than to go up

on the stream, he could pretty much guess who

“Find out where that signal’s coming from. I need an address in thirty

of shady tricks overseas, and his signal was blocked off from the outside world. Cracking

was running the show as the admin of the stream and sent out an

folks, the real fun’s about to kick off.

Yolanda’s mess, it wouldn’t just be Charles getting humiliated–the

years of Charles hating his guts was thanks to

anything that could shake the Sinclair family, he couldn’t afford to screw

if it was just the usual insiders watching, well, everyone knew how powerful the Sinclair family was–and they knew Yolanda wasn’t exactly beloved. The scandal wouldn’t touch the Sinclairs one bit. Charles would probably kick Yolanda to the curb and, who knows, maybe all

she wanted, he’d move heaven and

didn’t

realized the woman

Leo actually got tangled up with Yolanda, how the hell

had been drugged–who the hell would come up with a scheme this

there was something cold and sugary right in front of him, and he wanted it

treat into his mouth, but with his hands tied behind his back, it was hopeless. ‘Why can’t I reach it? I need it, now!‘ Leo thought,

four people were still

annoyed–he’d blasted the link out to a bunch

up.

lips fumbling blindly in desperation until he finally bumped into Yolanda’s. Driven by instinct and panic,

as he watched the scene, his face darkening. He quickly

almost dropped his phone. He kicked the guy next to

waiting for? Get

had to stop Leo before it was

into the chat, his fingers flying in

If you mess

and the rest of the world didn’t even register

he typed

that–Xavier’s here. Sit back and enjoy the spectacle, Xavier.

fired off a whole torrent of curses, but the system instantly censored them

the stream and let out

was just curious about what kind of dirty crap that psycho Andrew was sharing, but I

out with Yolanda like there was no tomorrow, Quinn figured the kid was so out of his mind he

they’re totally screwed now!‘ Quinn muttered to

is about to go up

more energy and excitement than she did. He’d joke that Charles

out of it and realizes he was all over Yolanda like that,‘ Quinn thought, ‘he’s gonna go ballistic–wouldn’t be surprised if he grabbed a knife and went straight after Andrew. Once that’s done, he’ll

the hell is even going on?‘

just pick up the phone and call Charles–there were only four people watching right now, and Xavier was obviously one of them. ‘Xavier’s here, but who the hell are the

act like this whole mess never happened. Just don’t mention a

want his own name popping up. Last thing

now, Andrew, the lunatic behind this whole fiasco, had no idea who the four viewers

at Leo like this anymore,’ Quinn

screen.

with Yolanda for what felt like forever–seven, maybe eight minutes. The camera was set up by the window, so it

air. Finally, through the haze, her mind began to clear. ‘Where am I?

forehead, only to bump into something scorching hot right next to her. Instinct kicked in–she shoved

in his fever and need, instinctively reached out and grabbed her hand, pressing it against his cheek like it was the

from her palm washed over him, chasing away some of that burning heat. ‘Finally… that’s better,‘ Leo

awake and tried to get up, but the moment she moved, her ankle jerked back–chained tight. No matter how desperately she

Yolanda yelled, her voice trembling

thread of sanity even

be acting like this,‘ Leo thought bitterly. ‘She’d be falling over herself to

tightly behind his back–he

completely unaware of Xavier’s frantic reactions on the other side of the

Leo away and glanced

Andrew must have been the

and it looked like he’d been fooled by a few of Joelle’s cryptic lines again,

lay down his life for Joelle, and there was no way Yolanda could talk him

now, staying alive was her

a chair, both hands straining as she tried to force

chain wrapped around her ankle fit so snug, it might as well have been tailored for her–it was useless,

face against her foot, curled up small as if trying to hide from the world, his sobs tracing muddy rivers down

him act like a pompous jerk, always thinking he was above her. This was the first time she’d ever seen Leo

anymore. He

you treat my brother

breathed out in

didn’t like her. She’d never taken to Leo, so she’d always kept him at arm’s length all

the four, Samuel was easily the calmest of them

laid out in front of him, while his assistant stood respectfully at his desk, reporting back with meticulous attention to

snag that piece of land, but apparently there’s some sort of problem with it. No one’s figured out what it is yet. Cedric rushed over to the Andrade manor in the middle of the night, so we should be hearing more about that

checking out some business stats, considerately asked, “CEO, do you want me to bring

him to check the screen with the phone just lying there, the assistant thought

himself.

his phone face down, sounding completely unbothered. “Don’t worry about it–just update me on any news about that land. And

control of the Crimson Gallery. If he wanted

for his brother like a hawk, there’s no way this livestream

these tangled relationships under wraps, the safer we are. If this mess blows up, the Grant Family’s definitely getting dragged

and that kind of

her up, she might stand a chance. At the end of the day, though, it all depends on

by a single rule: never do

Family still climbing the ranks–there were just too many

his assistant had left, quietly

chain on her ankle, while Leo’s cheek rested against the foot she kept on.

croaked, “Come on, just let me have a drink… Why are you being so cold–hearted, Yolanda? Please, I’m begging

one sip. Please… I’m so hot, I feel like I’m

mumbling was so quiet, only Yolanda

just tuned him out, her fingers numb and aching as she tried helplessly to yank the chain open, but it didn’t move a

chair, hoping someone else

this mess.

scratches, slowly pushed himself up from the floor and

her.

with nervousness. ‘It’s not like I told him to kneel, she thought. ‘Seriously, if he remembers this later and totally freaks out about it, please just don’t

badly he could barely make out anything in front of him, lurched forward

take both their weight and

tumbled down with him, seeing stars as her world

if Leo was

struggled to get up, saying, “Leo, come on, get a hold of yourself…” ‘Seriously, does he even hear me?‘ Yolanda thought, frustration written all over her

up blocking the camera by the window. On the live feed, all anyone could see now was Yolanda and Leo lying motionless on the floor, neither of

get closer, pawing at the ground like a desperate animal rooting through dirt–the

hit Yolanda late–she started to realize she wasn’t

bit, but with that delayed onset, the discomfort only got

foot and tried

blocking

watching on their screens had no clue what just happened; for all they knew, Yolanda and Leo were just getting into

soon as he locked down Yolanda’s location, he slapped

people were left

crawling with ants. Still, she was

kicked out again, but ended up giving Leo just the chance

‘Gotcha!‘ Leo thought.

a single shot. Right after, a car came roaring in, smashing straight through the old

plates–nobody could even guess who

seized him by the back of the

suddenly swept up into a

man holding her radiated a chilling aura, gripping her so tightly it felt like he could crush her right then and there.Titan

Chapter 209

man, her eyes rimmed red and full

shirt and black pants, and the silver mask on his face

her bones.

as she whispered, “Who…

mind was a total mess; she couldn’t remember a thing. Right now, the only reason she could even make a

was happening, she was

Chaos. Darkness.

and spinning in front of her

reached out, wanting to tear off

her–his voice was colder than ever,

and emotionless as he

was completely lost in chaos; she could

one moment, she even mumbled,

her responded to that title with a couple of cold,

swallowed and

out another mocking,

buried her face in the pillow and

inside, she knew he was always in control, not leaving a

fuss, but his lingering kiss finally quieted

her hazy state, she

*

woke up, she was in a

stared up at the ceiling, the sharp

in the room–Simone, Ian,

all there–Simone Sinclair, Ian, Xavier, Charles,

to when she and Leo were locked up together–but judging by

ago, when he finally tracked down

down at the base of a cliff. Most

beef between Andrew and Charles. This time,

around the room, lingering on the group of men. Just then, Simone reached out

so I rushed over. Yolanda,

eyelashes, but inside, she couldn’t help feeling a bit

have a

under the covers, and she could vaguely feel something

couldn’t remember who it was, or even

‘I’m screwed,’ she thought.

she could hear

mess for no reason. He even locked you up with the Lawson boy. Luckily, nothing truly awful happened. The Lawson

ghost, like someone who’d barely made

sitting at her bedside, reaching out to muss her hair a

finally finding her down at the bottom of the cliff. She’d had a raging fever, and her clothes

and he rushed her to the

she’d really been put through the

I really have a fever?‘ she wondered.

And if Charles saw her looking like she’d

his personality, there was no way he wouldn’t kick up a huge fuss about

nervously, her thoughts a tangled mess of

was sure she’d slept with a man this time, but she had no idea who it

it Leo?‘ she

flicked over to Xavier, who looked pissed off and sneered, “Lucky for you, nothing happened between you and my brother. If it had, you’d better

Leo. If it had been, he’d probably never let me go

it have been lan?‘ The

mystery, and Yolanda never wanted to dig too

gaze flicked over to

her eyes, there

a cold shiver run through her. ‘If it’s not Ian… then

Grant and Quinn

but as Charles’s close

overthinking,

into his arms. “I’ve already sent people to look for Andrew. Right now,

lay back down, and closed her

room,

he have been clinging to you like this

chance.”

like that

her lips together, worry flickering in her eyes. She was just speaking as an elder—she didn’t want to see anyone in the Sinclair family get

Joelle, but Joelle got rescued before he could act, so he shifted his focus to Yolanda instead. He even deliberately locked Yolanda up with Leo. Good

happened

a not–too–high, not–too–low cliff. She ended up lying out there

felt irritable as hell. Stepping back into the hospital room, he spotted Yolanda, ghostly

scared?”

still had absolutely no clue who she’d

out of it at the time, her memories all fuzzy, but that

eyes, her voice coming out rough–her

feeling dizzy. Let me rest for a bit,” Yolanda murmured, her exhaustion

tapped her on

two days in the hospital. Charles visited as often as he could, but there were still

was when Quinn dropped by, a conflicted look

happened that

That

She gave him a

eyes and let out a quiet breath. “It’s nothing, really.

came in, took a seat by her bed, and poured her a glass

are you feeling?”

taking her time with her drink, and kept her

just get some rest,”

got

pretty sure the guy she’d slept with was one of these men, but for the life of her,

long after Samuel walked out, Leo

Chapter 210

blocking Leo and saying, “Come on, Yolanda didn’t set this up. No need

tantrum.”

were standing out on his hand as he strode over to the bedside, grabbing the collar of Yolanda’s hospital gown. When

“Yolanda, I’m not done with

stared at Leo’s furious face, doubts creeping into her mind. ‘Wait, did I end up sleeping with

that why

down. ‘No chance. If it really was Leo, he’d burst in swinging

than anyone just how much Leo

red but Quinn and Xavier just looked at him and figured he was totally

of it–why are you making a big deal about some girl? It

body was shaking with

got me

pathetic, reaching out to her, and she just booted me to the curb like I didn’t matter at

about that kick, it was like his heart

with tears, threatening

but when he turned back and saw those tears rolling down Leo’s cheeks, he

a bit much to cry over?”

I hate her so freaking

room, his head still wrapped in

and since it was right outside Yolanda’s

word.

Leo wasn’t the one I slept with after all,‘ she

guy–acting like a total wreck over a few lousy kisses. If we actually did the deed, he’d be howling

the hell was it?‘ Yolanda wondered, her headache coming back all

Starlight called, sounding frazzled. “Ms. Grant, a bunch of our talents are handing

stuck with the old contracts. The ones who left before had to cough up money, but these talents didn’t want to

sigh. “Just tell them, if they want to leave, they’re free to go. Anyone who wants to stay, can stay. The company won’t ask for any compensation. Starlight will only get better, and I swear every hard worker

the word, and suddenly, all the talents at Starlight were stuck in a tough spot,

the entire narrative about Yolanda did a complete 180–these days, everyone was

nonstop.

turned them away. Starlight had beefed up security big time–no one could get in unless

and set up strict access controls. It wasn’t just for show–it was a way

After getting up and taking a shower, she heard a sound outside.

soup.

figure before he looked away, eyelashes lowered. “Have some soup, Ms. Grant,” he

help but feel

of guilt.

herself Ian would be her one and only, but now, instead of letting him get close, she’d ended up letting some other guy get

edge of the bed,