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

displayed

her post

picked up and greeted, “Hello,

release the

cold wave, causing the smile that had been playing

known better.

harbored any illusions

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

30: 1 Will Compensate

Sarah’s team was so defiant and

her threats were rendered

silence, Troy continued, “I regret what happened during Sarah’s shoot. I misunderstood you,

response was a bitter laugh.

of it all

current circumstances? If Sarah

the answer was a resounding ‘no‘.

directed at me to stop.” “Imogen, I understand

silver lining in 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

make it up

What exactly can you offer besides money? Can you give me back what

emphasizing each word. “Unless you’re saying you

pause from Troy’s end before he finally

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

as the director, perhaps I

accept that condition,” Troy

to gain from this conversation. Troy might have had wealth to offer, but that was far from what she sought. Over the past three

Troy. Let’s end this

up, then lay down, enveloped in a sense

phone buzzed

irritably without looking at the caller ID, “I meant it

it’s Liam,” came a familiar

sorry, I thought it was someone else.” “I figured. I saw the commotion on

nonchalant. “Just a few

10:42

I Will Compensate

didn’t cut

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