No mother would ever approve of a woman who held suchplete control over her son. Emma would absolutely not allow a second Yvonne to continue tormenting him.


    It wasn''t that Emma was exceptionally fond of Ynda, but Ynda came from a good family, was well-educated, and had a pleasant personality. They were social equals, and they both loved music, giving themmon ground.


    Emma could see that Bet wasn''t particrly in love with Ynda. But marriage was just about two suitable people building a life, having children, and supporting each other. That was enough.


    A deep love rarelysts. The deeper the love, the deeper the pain. If there was no love, there would be no pain.


    All Emma wanted for her son was a peaceful and smooth life.


    "Mrs. Moore," the assistant director approached cautiously, not daring to get too close. "We''re about to start shooting the afternoon scenes. Yvonne needs to get ready."


    Emma remained silent, her expression stern.


    Yvonne stood up to leave with the assistant director, but as she turned, Emma''s voice stopped her.


    "Ms. Jones, you forgot something."


    Emma pointed to the check on the table.


    Yvonne understood. If she didn''t take the check, she wouldn''t be filming today.


    After a moment''s hesitation, she walked back, picked up the check, and clenched it tightly in her hand. "Thank you, Mrs. Moore," she said coolly. "I''ll go get ready for my scene now."


    For the rest of the afternoon, Yvonne waspletely off her game. She kept messing up her takes, earning scoldings from the director and forcing her to apologize repeatedly to him, the other actors, and the crew.


    Because of the difficult shoot, it was nearly midnight by the time they finally wrapped.


    The crew was busy packing up, and themunal makeup room was crowded with actors removing their makeup.


    Yvonne didn''t rush to clean up. Instead, she sat alone on the empty, quiet set.


    The lights had been dimmed, casting long shadows across the space.


    She sat on a stone step and pulled out her phone, dialing Bet''s number. It rang for a long time, but no one answered He must still be on his mission, unreachable


    The call went to voicemail, and the screen went dark.


    Yvonne held the phone, staring up at the dark sky.


    The weather was clear, with a bright scattered stars. But a chill


    moon an


    was in the air, and the night w


    d to seep into her bones.


    She instinctively wrapped her arms around herself. The next moment, a heavy,


    warm coat was draped over her shoulders.


    Startled, she looked up to see Thomas standing on the step below her, tall and imposing.


    "What are you doing sitting here all


    alone? You look like a lost puppy he said sitting down beside her


    unfazed by the dust on his


    expensive designer suit.


    "She''s never visited my set before. I was shocked when she showed up today, but I


    never imagined she was here for you."


    Thomas paused, studying her discreetly.


    Yvonne''s profile was delicate and pale, her expression serene, though her long,


    thick eyshes trembled slightly.


    "She must have found out about you and Bet. So, you met the mother-inw. Didn''t go well, I take it?" he asked, his tone teasing.


    Yvonne shot him an annoyed re, not wanting to talk to him.