She pushed up her glasses with an apologetic touch, âSorry, Diana. The director needs to see you. He sent me to fetch you.â
Had she not been idly spotted by the director, she wouldnât have been dispatched to summon Diana, the one person she dreaded interacting with.
Diana was the epitome of a diva, haughty and dismissive of the crew like they were beneath her.
Following an incident caused by Diana that tarnished the entire crewâs reputation, an undercurrent of resentment lingered in her heart.
âOh, Coltonâs looking for me?â
Dianaâs demeanor did a complete one-eighty, suddenly all smiles. âIf the directorâs calling, then Iâll just freshen up and head right over.â
âAlright.â She weakly nudged her glasses, her eyes inadvertently scanning the room.
The floor was wet, impossible to ignore.
But Dianaâs piercing gaze felt like it was burning into her, and she dared not linger any longer, ready to leave.
Out of nowhere, Diana grabbed her arm.
âThalia, thatâs your name, isnât it?â
âUm?â Thalia was taken aback. Diana had never bothered to remember their names, always resorting to a curt âheyâ to address them.
âI remember now, youâre Thalia, right? Tell Colton I was in the shower and might need a bit more time to get ready. Donât forget, okay?â
âSure.â Thalia remained dazed, even as she left Dianaâs dressing room, still unable to wrap her head around the exchange.
Why had Diana made such a deliberate effort to say that?
It felt too intentional.
Observing Thaliaâs retreating figure, Diana was already scheming. If this girl started spreading rumors, sheâd have to be dealt with.
The first time she lashed out at Ivy, a flicker of panic ensued, causing Ivy to slip from her grasp.
However, as she steeled her nerves and clutched Ivyâs wrists, stopping her from flailing, a surge of ruthlessness took hold-she was determined to end her.
Nothing could stand in Dianaâs path to stardom-not now, not ever.
Once was a precedent; now, eyeing Thaliaâs timid departure, Diana felt the urge to silence her for good.
If Thalia dared to blab, Diana would ensure she never spoke again.
She was a woman of her word.
Once Thalia was out of sight, Diana closed and locked the door.
âCome out!â
Diana tapped on the bathroom door, where Kael was hiding with a flushed face from the heat.
Even as he emerged, he asked in a hushed tone, âIs it taken care of? Who was that? Any suspicions?â
Diana stared him down, then burst into laughter.
âYouâre such a coward. How did someone like you ever have the guts to hit on me?â
Kael bristled with annoyance. Even if she was the love of his life, he wouldnât allow his dignity to be trampled.
He reached out and grabbed her chin firmly.
âWhat did you say? Weâre in this together, remember? If I get caught, donât think youâll get off scot-
free!â
Diana rolled her eyes; she wasnât threatened by his words.
âEnough, clean up your mess. And donât make me lie for you again. You know weâre in this together, so use your brain and donât get caught so easily.â
After shaking off his hand, Diana casually returned to the mirror and resumed her makeup routine.
Since sheâd already told Thalia sheâd be late to meet the director, she had to make the delay believable.