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.

was navigating this storm, her phone

screen displayed Troy’s name.

flicker of hope ignited within Imogen. Could he have noticed her post on Instagram and was now reaching out in

picked up and

release the

like a cold wave, causing the smile that had been playing on her lips to

known better.

have harbored any illusions regarding Troy.

found even the act of breathing felt like an ordeal.

Will

made sense why Sarah’s team was so defiant and self–assured.

threats were rendered impotent.

“I regret what happened during Sarah’s shoot. I

a

of it all was

about that day if not for the current circumstances? If

answer was a resounding ‘no‘.

don’t want your hollow apologies. I just want the online hatred directed at me to stop.” “Imogen, I understand your pain. I’ll ensure this issue is suppressed. Just refrain from releasing

in her moment of

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 but shouted into the phone.

it up to

offer besides money? Can you

retorted, emphasizing each word. “Unless you’re saying you won’t divorce me, is that

he finally spoke, “What do you want?” Imogen

to leave Imogen for his past love while expecting her to bear the weight of everyone’s scorn,

with me as the director, perhaps

condition,” Troy responded

was far from what she sought. Over the past three years, her earnings and bonuses have provided her with more than

Troy. Let’s end this discussion.

hung up, then lay down, enveloped in

buzzed

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

came a familiar voice.

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

sound nonchalant.

10:42

I Will Compensate You

hatred didn’t

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