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,

screen displayed

Could he have noticed her post on Instagram

and greeted,

the

wave, causing the smile that had been playing

should’ve known

any

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

1 Will Compensate

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

Troy’s backing, her threats

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

response was a bitter laugh.

it all

felt remorse about that day if not for the current

knew the answer was a

to stop.” “Imogen, I understand your pain. I’ll ensure this issue is

her, a silver lining in her moment of despair: it was fortunate

I’m just expected to take the fall? To be the scapegoat and bear the brunt of the

up to you.”

What exactly can you offer besides

word. “Unless you’re saying you won’t

he finally spoke, “What do you want?”

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

me as the director, perhaps I should just resign?”

accept that condition,” Troy responded with finality.

that was far from what she sought. Over the past

Let’s end this

a click, she hung up, then lay down, enveloped in

buzzed

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

it’s Liam,” came a familiar

“Oh, I’m sorry, I thought it was someone else.” “I figured. I saw the commotion on Instagram. How are you holding

replied, trying to sound nonchalant. “Just a few hateful comments,

10:42

30: I Will Compensate

hatred didn’t cut deep.

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