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.

screen displayed

he have noticed her post

and greeted, “Hello, Tro

don’t release the surveillance

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

should’ve known better.

any illusions

a shaky breath, she found even the act of breathing felt like an ordeal.

1 Will

Sarah’s team was so

threats were rendered impotent.

continued, “I regret what happened

a bitter

of it all

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

answer was a resounding ‘no‘.

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

of despair: it was fortunate she hadn’t

brunt of the

up

can you offer besides money? Can you give me back what truly

emphasizing each word. “Unless you’re saying you won’t

before he finally spoke, “What do you

past love while expecting her to bear the weight of everyone’s scorn, all to shield

content with me as the director, perhaps

that condition,” Troy responded

have had wealth to offer, but that was far from

Troy. Let’s end this discussion. Goodbye.”

hung up, then lay down, enveloped in a sense of desolation, uncertain of her next step.

phone buzzed again.

at the caller ID, “I meant it when I said goodbye. Don’t bother calling

it’s Liam,” came a familiar voice.

sorry, I thought it was someone else.” “I

nonchalant. “Just a few hateful

10:42

30: I Will

hatred didn’t cut deep.

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