Suddenly, Isadora remembered that man''s wild, arrogant deration from the other night: "How about I give you The Vaughan Group?"


    She''d never seriously considered epting, of course.


    Still, she couldn''t deny the words had touched her—if only for a few seconds.


    A man who''s generous with his wealth, who doesn''t hesitate to spend it on you— now that''s impressive.


    On that thought, Isadora unlocked her phone.


    Just in time to see a message Victor had sent ten minutes ago.


    "Miss me?"


    She could practically picture his handsome, cocky face behind those words, that hint of mischief in his eyes.


    A smile tugged at her lips as she typed back, "Not really."


    Almost instantly, Victor sent a photo.


    "What''s this supposed to mean?" she replied.


    It was a selfie she''d posted earlier that morning: a champagne silk blouse, buttoned all the way up, her smile casual and understated.


    She hadn''t expected Victor to notice-let alone send the photo back to her.


    Are all men this clueless?


    Victor: "Trying to seduce me?"


    Isadora: "You''re overthinking it, Mr. Fitzgerald. It''s just a normal selfie."


    Victor: "Just wait. I''ll deal with you when I get back."


    Isadora couldn''t help butugh. He really was outrageously domineering.


    She was about to reply when her phone started ringing-Sammy''s name on the


    screen.


    Isadora answered.


    “Isadora, it''s my birthday today. Are youing?"


    Every year before, Magnus would always bring her along to Sammy''s birthdays.


    Setting Magnus aside, Sammy was a genuinely good friend.


    But if it was his birthday, Magnus would almost certainly be there.


    And she had no desire to see him.


    "Sorry, I''ll have to pass this year. I''ll get your present to you another day."


    There was a brief silence on the other end.


    "Isadora, is there really no chance for you and Magnus anymore?"


    "There isn''t. We''ve broken up."


    Sammy could hear the finality in her tone. He felt a pang for his old friend.


    "Well, I get it. But you should know, Isadora-Magnus isn''t my only friend. You are, too."


    He hung up.


    Isadora hesitated, then sent a quick bank transfer-ten thousand—as a birthday gift.


    She was about to put her phone away when Nte''s name popped up in a voice call.


    "Girl, I just got dumped!"


    Isadora bnced her phone between shoulder and ear, eyes on the paperwork in front of her. "Really? Who''s the unlucky guy this time?"


    "You don''t care about me at all! I''m heartbroken here!"


    It was the first time Isadora had ever heard the usually unppable Nte sound genuinely upset after a breakup.


    She put her pen down. "Wait-you actually liked him?"


    "Like him? Please. I''m just pissed I let someone that trashy into my life. He''s Halley, that male model from TV-caught him cheating with my main rival for a lead role. And then, get this, he had the nerve to flip the story and call a press conference, saying I cheated on him! I could scream."


    "You have no idea, this whole mess has put all my endorsement deals and projects on hold!"


    Isadora hadn''t checked the entertainment news yet, but she quickly opened herptop.


    Nte''s name was everywhere.


    "Rising Star Nte Caught Cheating by Boyfriend."


    "Scandal-gued Nte: Her Past Exins Her Present."


    "Nte: Time to Quit Showbiz."


    Even as someone outside the industry, Isadora could see how bad things were. "Is there anything I can do to help?"


    Nte''s voice was exhausted. "I can handle it. But tonight, juste drink with me."


    The Ace''s Den was the biggest bar in Capitolion.


    By the time Isadora arrived, Nte had already knocked back more than her share.


    Half-drunk, Nte kept ranting about men being pigs.


    Isadora did her best tofort her.


    She knew Nte well-let her vent tonight and she''d bounce back by morning.


    Just then, she spotted Sammy across the room, heading toward the VIP area. He caught sight of her and lit up.


    "Isadora? You''re here, too! My birthday''s in suite 902-join us?" Isadora was about to decline when Nte, ss in hand, stood up. "Perfect. I''m in a mood tonight-let''s see if anyone can outdrink me!"


    And just like that, Nte was leading the way after Sammy.


    Isadora closed her eyes for a moment, resigned, and followed.


    The VIP door swung open.


    There, sitting deep in the corner of the couch, was the one man she''d hoped to avoid.