Chapter 2286
Dean shook his head with a sigh, the lines on his weathered face deepening with concern. As an
elder, he found himself in a delicate position, hesitant to step in directly and halt the unfolding
drama.
"All we can do now is hope Mara gets the message that sheâs barking up the wrong tree, that she
has the sense to back off before things turn uglier than a Thanksgiving turkey left in the oven too
long.â
Alyssa felt a pang in her heart for Ivy. She was relieved that the recent awkward confrontation had
not unfolded before Ivy.
If Ivy had witnessed that mess, Alyssa could only imagine the storm of hurt that would have churned
in Ivy's heart.
âThis can't go on. I need to find the right moment to have a heart-to-heart with Balfour. The man's
married, for heaven's sake. He should not be cozying up to another woman like that.â
Watching his wife's firm resolve, Dean knew no amount of sweet talking would change her mind.
Meanwhile, at Coltonâ's film set, the crew was on pins and needles, each day at work filled with the
dread of hearing the dreaded words of dissolution from the director or producer.
Thalia and Margot, with little to do on set these days, could not bear the thought of twiddling their
thumbs at home. So, they turned up at the set, ready to lend a hand wherever possible.
Lunchtime had rolled around, and the two sat together, each with a box lunch.
âThalia, when do you reckon the crew will return to our normal groove? I took a peek on Twitter
with a burner account, and the audience is roasting us like we're the main course at a barbecue
festival. It hurts to see, especially since none of this mess is our doing. The director won't let us clear
the air either. How long will this limbo last?â
Margot's appetite waned at the thought of the venomous curses being thrown their way, making
even the most flavorful meal taste bland.
âThe director isn't sweating it, so why should you? We didn't stir this pot. Let them rant if they want
to!â Thalia said with a nonchalance that had grown since the harrowing experience of being
kidnapped. She had emerged calmer, placing life's trials in perspective.
Reputation, in particular, seemed trivial. Praise or blame, the words belonged to others and were
beyond her control. What mattered was their conscience. They knew the truth. of their innocence.
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Chapter 2286
Colton was biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to lay all the evidence on the table. The
truth would shine like a lighthouse when that time came, and the negative image would be washed
away.
Margot understood all this, but the agony of waiting was almost too much to bear. She longed for
the day they could resume filming.
âDo you know when Ivy's coming back to the set?â Thalia inquired, putting down her fork.
Margot looked puzzled. âI'm unsure about the exact date, but I texted her yesterday. She said she
felt much better and could return in a few days. But what's Ivy's return got to do with anything?â
Thalia gave her a look that mixed exasperation with affection. âYou've been around this crew for
how long now, and you still canât wrap your head around the dynamics? Use that noggin of yours.â
Margot let out a groan. âWhat's that got to do with me using my brain? Besides, haven't I put
enough thought into the dynamics here? Aren't you and Ivy my good friends? Isn't that enough?â
Thalia shook her head, her expression a mix of frustration and fondness.
She failed to see that Ivy's return could very well signal the turning point they had all been waiting
for.
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