Chapter 30: I Will Compensate You

Imogen hesitated, her lips parting to speak, yet words eluded her.

Taking a deep, measured breath, her emotions churned with bitterness.

She couldn’t do it.

She couldn’t take that gamble.

She had long realized that in Troy’s eyes, she paled in comparison to Sarah.

If Troy could sacrifice her to shield Sarah from harm, what would stop him from doing the same to protect Sarah from mere rumors?

After all, these were only whispers on the internet, lacking any real sting.

Charlene’s confidence only grew in the face of Imogen’s silence. “Director Forbes, are you brave enough to take this wager?”

Without a word, Imogen ended the call.

Deep down, she knew that wagering was a lost cause. Even if Troy was in the dark about all this, and even if he did find out, he might still condone it.

She couldn’t just accept defeat; she deserved an explanation.

The studio manager had already forwarded her the soundless surveillance footage from that day in the dressing room.

The video might have been mute, but the actions spoke louder than words.

Casually, Imogen clipped a portion of the video and shared it in the Facebook group of Sarah’s team, along with several fan group screenshots. [Apologize on Instagram, or brace yourself. If I release this video, ponder the fallout.]

The Facebook group fell silent.

No one stepped forward; no one accepted blame.

Five minutes had gone by.

Realizing that no response was forthcoming, Imogen reached out to several influencer accounts she had collaborated with.

If this would cause a stir, she was ready to amplify it, leveraging both positive and negative publicity from this endorsement. At least it would be trending.

she was navigating this storm, her phone rang.

displayed Troy’s name.

Could he have noticed her post on

picked up and

release the surveillance footage.”

first words hit her like a cold wave, causing the smile that had been

known better.

any illusions

shaky breath, she found even the act of

30: 1 Will Compensate

it made sense why Sarah’s team

threats were

Troy continued, “I regret what happened during Sarah’s shoot. I misunderstood you, and I’m sorry.”

a bitter laugh.

of it all was overwhelming.

that day if not for the current circumstances? If Sarah wasn’t involved, would he even

the answer was a resounding

want the online hatred directed at me to stop.” “Imogen, I understand your pain. I’ll ensure this issue is suppressed. Just refrain

her moment of despair:

I’m just expected to take the fall? To be the scapegoat and bear the brunt of the blame, to face unwarranted criticism?” Imogen’s voice cracked as she all

up

can you offer besides money?

each word. “Unless you’re saying you

pause from Troy’s end before he finally spoke, “What do you want?”

it all. He desired to leave Imogen for his past love while expecting her to bear the weight of everyone’s scorn,

as the director, perhaps I

that condition,” Troy responded with finality.

this conversation. Troy might have had wealth to offer, but that was far from what she sought. Over the past three years, her earnings and bonuses have provided her with

end this discussion. Goodbye.”

a click, she hung up, then lay down, enveloped in a sense of desolation, uncertain of

phone buzzed

caller ID, “I meant it when

Liam,” came

quickly glanced at the screen. “Oh, I’m sorry, I thought it was someone else.”

sound nonchalant. “Just a few hateful comments, that’s

10:42

I Will Compensate

didn’t cut

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