Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Dave took his seat next to Leda with a well-mannered grace, then picked up his glass to begin making the rounds with toasts.

"Sorry for being late, folks. Let me start by drinking to your good health."

After three apologetic shots, he continued his rounds with a smile.

The man of the hour was Zander Hawkes, seated at the head of the table. He was the mogul behind Velvet Curtain Entertainment, a titan in the entertainment industry. His gaze fell on Leda and he smiled, "Since when did you find the entertainment business intriguing?"

"Just dabbling for fun," she replied nonchalantly.

"Fun is good. Need any help diving into it?" Zander didn't pay much attention to Dave's toasts, focusing instead on chatting with Leda.

"Thanks, Zander, but I'm just messing around. I'm clueless about this industry, so let's not joke about it."

Zander and Leda's father, Desmond Reynolds, were old friends.

Dave's expression subtly shifted from surprise to understanding in just a blink.

No wonder Levi had stressed the importance of bringing Leda tonight. There was more to this than met the eye.

"Mr. Hawkes, Leda isn't really into the entertainment scene. She's mentioned before that some things are better appreciated from afar. Getting too close spoils the fun." "Ha... that does sound like something she would say. And you are?"

Dave

himself, "I'm Dave, signed with Twilight Revel Media. Been in the business for two years with nothing noteworthy to my name yet." "Hmm, at

waved off the compliment, "In front of a

the flow of drinks, Leda suddenly

she wasn't enjoying, she stood

in the slightest, "No worries, go ahead. We'll

vel

coffee with

"Sounds good."

however, looked visibly shaken and excused

"Leda-"

stopped and turned, her voice

you so

talent of his craft, yet Leda remained unmoved. "Don't

hurt in his gaze. Actors, she mused, could outperform anyone when it came to feigning innocence. Leda scoffed, then gave him a thorough once-over, from

under her gaze but reminded himself of the image

Yer life: the indulged

younger brother, lavishly spoiled.