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?

the hell is actually behind this? Is it me they want, or is Yolanda the target?‘ Leo thought,

he just gave in and pressed his face right into her neck,

his voice barely audible, rough with

alive, trapped in a desert, the heat suffocating him. Getting close to her was the only thing that made

presence against her, frowning in discomfort as she instinctively shovTitan

Chapter 207

missing and had already sent the Crimson Gallery crew out

just arrived at the mountaintop villa. Not

up with the stream link, Charles just removed him from his contacts without

the day, only Ian, Sam, Xavier, and

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

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

thirty people in their circle, but only four were actually

and as long as they saw Leo hooking up with Yolanda on the live stream, Yolanda’s reputation would be trashed for good. Once he felt the timing was right, he’d just

better than to

on the stream, he could pretty much

“Find out

of shady tricks overseas, and his signal was blocked

show as the admin of the stream and

the real fun’s about to kick off. Hope you all

the whole city of Beloris caught wind of Yolanda’s mess, it wouldn’t just be Charles getting humiliated–the entire Sinclair family would be

years of Charles hating his guts was thanks to his

it came to anything that could shake the Sinclair family,

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

he’d move heaven and earth to get

brother dragged into this disgusting live stream. He didn’t waste a second

woman

actually got tangled up with Yolanda, how the hell

the hell would

it–all he knew was there was something cold and sugary

to get that sweet, chilly treat into his mouth, but with his hands tied behind his back, it was hopeless. ‘Why can’t

were still

annoyed–he’d blasted the link out to a bunch of people, and only

up.

bumped into Yolanda’s. Driven by instinct and

for a moment as he watched the scene, his face darkening. He quickly tore

his phone. He kicked the guy

are you waiting for?

Leo before it was

chat,

you’ll regret. If you mess with Leo,

completely nuts–he feared no one but his grandfather, and the

he typed

that–Xavier’s here. Sit back and enjoy the spectacle, Xavier. Watch as your precious little brother gets

whole torrent of curses, but the system instantly censored

the stream and let

just curious about what kind of dirty crap

there was no tomorrow, Quinn figured the kid was so out of his mind he probably didn’t even

screwed now!‘

to go up in

even the slimiest pond eel had more energy and excitement than she did. He’d joke that

grabbed a knife and went straight after Andrew.

what the hell is even going on?‘ Quinn muttered to

watching right now, and Xavier was obviously one of them. ‘Xavier’s here, but who the hell are

them could just act like this whole mess never happened. Just don’t mention a word

but he really didn’t want his own name popping up. Last thing he needed was

the lunatic behind this whole fiasco, had no

this anymore,’ Quinn thought, forcing himself to

screen.

maybe eight minutes. The camera was set up by the

like her whole body was overheating, her breaths coming quick and shallow as she struggled for air. Finally, through the haze, her mind began

bump into something scorching hot right next to her.

hand, pressing it against his cheek like it was the only thing grounding

away some of that burning heat. ‘Finally… that’s better,‘ Leo

jerked back–chained tight. No matter how desperately she

a grip!” Yolanda yelled, her voice trembling

his lashes at her righteous tone, clinging to his last thread of sanity even as every cell in his body screamed

thought bitterly. ‘She’d be falling over herself to help him, even giving

tightly behind

being live–streamed, so she was completely unaware of Xavier’s frantic reactions on

Leo away and

realized that Andrew must have been the one behind

been fooled by a few of Joelle’s cryptic lines again, showing up to

guy like him. Andrew would gladly lay down his life for Joelle, and

alive was her

chains, up onto a chair, both hands straining as she tried to

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

still on the ground when Leo, looking crushed and miserable, inched toward her. He rubbed his tear–streaked face against her foot, curled up small as if trying to

like a pompous jerk, always thinking he was above her. This was the first

it anymore. He started relentlessly spamming the live

you treat my brother

out in relief–things

she could always tell when someone didn’t like her. She’d

four, Samuel was easily the calmest

him, while his assistant stood respectfully

managed 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

phone. The assistant, guessing he was checking out some business stats, considerately asked, “CEO, do you want me to bring over a phone

screen with the

himself.

unbothered. “Don’t worry about it–just update me on any news about

of the Crimson Gallery. If he wanted to track down Yolanda,

like a hawk, there’s no

these tangled relationships under wraps, the safer we are. If this mess blows up, the Grant

everyone’s blame, and that kind

back her up, she might stand a chance. At the end

never do anything reckless

on him–and the Grant Family still climbing

had left, quietly picked up his

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

let me have a drink… Why are you being so cold–hearted, Yolanda? Please,

so hot, I feel like

was so quiet, only Yolanda could actually hear

fingers numb and aching as she tried helplessly to yank the chain

let go and sagged against the chair, hoping someone else would show up and pull her

this mess.

slowly pushed himself up from the floor and

her.

told him to kneel, she thought.

dazed and burning up so badly he could barely make out anything

couldn’t take both their

tumbled down with him, seeing stars as her world spun from the

seriously wondered if Leo was

struggled to get up, saying, “Leo, come on, get a hold of yourself…” ‘Seriously,

the camera by the window. On the live feed, all anyone could see now was Yolanda

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

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

tiny bit, but with that

foot and tried to

flipped over, blocking most of the

just happened; for all they knew, Yolanda and

cut the live feed, and as soon as he locked down Yolanda’s

people were left in

crawling with ants. Still, she was sure that

again, but ended up giving Leo just

‘Gotcha!‘ Leo thought.

face, the livestream camera was blasted apart by a single shot. Right after, a car came roaring in, smashing straight through the

no license plates–nobody could even guess

suddenly someone seized him by the back of the neck and hurled him

body flushed red, was suddenly swept up into a pair of icy arms and carried straight out

holding her radiated a chilling aura, gripping her so tightly it felt like he

Chapter 209

stared at the man, her eyes rimmed red

black pants, and the silver mask

her bones.

with fear as she whispered, “Who…

reason she could even make a sound was because the fear of the unknown

process what was happening, she was yanked

Chaos. Darkness.

kept tilting and spinning in front of her eyes, like rain–drenched neon

she reached out, wanting

colder than ever, shutting her down

icy and emotionless as he ordered, “Don’t

mind was completely lost in chaos; she could barely form

moment, she

her responded to that title with a couple of cold, mocking

swallowed

let out another mocking,

face in the pillow and stopped calling out

he was always in control, not leaving a

up a fuss,

she

*

she

stared up at the ceiling, the sharp smell of disinfectant filling her

the room–Simone, Ian, Xavier, Charles, Quinn,

Sinclair, Ian, Xavier, Charles,

she and Leo were locked up together–but judging by the scene, it

when he finally tracked down Leo, the kid was totally passed out,

probably been taken by Andrew and tortured, and she was eventually found down at the base of a cliff. Most likely, she was pushed–but miraculously, she survived the

the beef between Andrew and Charles. This time, Andrew was clearly getting back at Charles on

room, lingering on the group of men. Just then, Simone reached out and took her

hell out of us! My crew happened to be filming nearby, so I rushed over. Yolanda, you almost lost your life this time–the fever only just broke! And Andrew’s

she couldn’t

really have a fever?‘

the covers, and she could vaguely

remember who it was, or even what

‘I’m screwed,’ she thought.

and she could hear

his mess for no reason. He even locked you up with the Lawson boy. Luckily, nothing truly awful happened. The Lawson boy is still knocked out–when his

a ghost, like someone who’d barely made it

sitting at her bedside, reaching out to

before finally finding her down at the bottom of the cliff. She’d had a raging

instantly skipped a beat and he rushed her to the hospital

finally gone down, but she’d really been put

I really have a fever?‘ she wondered. The worry on

up when they found her. And if Charles saw

was no way he wouldn’t kick up a huge

nervously, her thoughts a tangled mess

with a man this time, but she had no idea

Leo?‘

and sneered, “Lucky for you, nothing happened between you and my brother.

it had been, he’d

been lan?‘ The

always shrouded in mystery, and Yolanda never wanted to dig too

gaze flicked over to Ian

side, and when he caught her eyes, there was a brief

it’s not Ian… then who the hell is

Grant and Quinn Cooper remained in the

well, but as Charles’s close

from all the overthinking, and

gently pulled her into his arms. “I’ve already sent people to look for

back down, and

one, everyone else left the room, leaving Simone behind, still gently nagging

way out back then, would he have been clinging to you like this for so long? Once you find him, maybe clear the air while you have

chance.”

think a guy like that

speaking as an elder—she didn’t want to see anyone in the Sinclair

act, so he shifted his focus to Yolanda instead. He even deliberately locked Yolanda up with Leo. Good thing Leo had zero interest in girls–according to Xavier, Leo actually bashed his own head on a brick

happened

his plan flop, he just shoved Yolanda straight off a not–too–high, not–too–low cliff. She ended up lying out there for two whole nights–honestly, it’s no wonder she came down

hell. Stepping back into the hospital room,

scared?”

terrified, of course. She still had absolutely no clue who she’d

the time, her memories all fuzzy, but that weird, floaty, tingly

coming out rough–her throat

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

gently tapped her on the

Charles visited as often

by,

remember what happened that night?” Quinn asked, sounding a bit

That

She gave him a quick,

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

walked out when Samuel came in, took a seat by her bed, and

are you feeling?” he asked

bed, taking her time with her drink, and kept her questions

just get some rest,” Samuel said

that, he got up and

lowered her lashes, feeling agitated inside. She was pretty sure the guy she’d slept with was one of these men, but for the life of her, she couldn’t

after Samuel walked out, Leo kicked the

Chapter 210

Yolanda

tantrum.”

veins were standing out on his hand as he strode over to the bedside, grabbing the collar of Yolanda’s hospital gown. When his eyes accidentally landed on the skin exposed beneath the

he snapped, “Yolanda, I’m not done

the tug on her collar and stared at Leo’s furious face, doubts creeping into her mind. ‘Wait, did I end

why he’s

she shot the idea down. ‘No chance. If it really was Leo, he’d burst in

just how much Leo couldn’t stand

but Quinn and Xavier just looked at him and figured

were out of it–why are you making a big deal about some girl? It was just

entire body was shaking with

seriously what’s got me pissed?‘ he thought,

was so damn pathetic, reaching out to her, and she

about that kick, it was like his heart got stomped to pieces. Even now,

with tears,

was still trying to calm him down, but when he turned back and

first kiss. Isn’t that a bit much to cry over?” Xavier said, half–shocked,

deal! Why shouldn’t it be?! I hate her so

own hospital room, his head still wrapped in

right outside Yolanda’s room, she couldn’t help but hear

word.

‘Well, looks like Leo

muttering to herself, ‘Just look at this guy–acting like a total wreck over a few lousy kisses. If

was it?‘ Yolanda wondered,

assistant over at Starlight called, sounding frazzled. “Ms. Grant, a bunch

were all stuck with the old contracts. The ones who left before had to cough up money, but these talents didn’t want to pay a cent–they just

free to go. Anyone who wants to stay, can stay. The

spread the word, and suddenly, all the talents at Starlight were

a complete 180–these days, everyone was hyping her

nonstop.

them away. Starlight had beefed up security big time–no

and set up strict access controls. It wasn’t just for

she heard a sound outside. When she opened the bathroom door, there was Ian,

soup.

gaze lingered briefly on her still–steaming figure before he looked away, eyelashes lowered. “Have some soup, Ms. Grant,” he murmured

help

of guilt.

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

inside. Sitting down at the edge of the bed, she opened the container and quietly sipped