Cassius thought that if he just extended an olive branch, Ynda woulde running back to him. He was so sure that a little sweet talk would mend the rift between them. But to his utter surprise, even after he personally asked her to stay, she maintained that cold demeanor that said she wanted nothing to do with him.


    With a haughty air, he grabbed Ynda by the shoulder and said, "Do you really think cozying up to Lizetta and getting your foot in the door at Glory Media will make you a star? Did you even notice if anyone cared about you in that room today? Don''t be so naive!"


    Ynda stared back, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. In his condescending gaze, she saw nothing but disdain and mockery, void of any regret or tenderness. She felt a wave of relief wash over her. Earlier, when she heard Cassius had jumped into the pool to save her, her heart had skipped a beat. She almost ran to him, wanting to say she''d stick with him no matter what. But she held back.


    Cassius was no different than Mrs. Darlene, never seeing her worth. His pleas and persistence were all because his pride was wounded by being dumped by someone he considered beneath him.


    "We''re done, Cassius," she said in an even tone. "I don''t owe you anything. We''re in the same industry, bound to run into each other, so let''s not make this uglier than it needs to be. What do you say?"


    Cassius''s expression darkened, and he released her shoulder with a cold re. "You''ve got some nerve, Ynda. You haven''t got the talent or the looks, and you can''t even y the part of the sweet, agreeable woman. Who do you think wants someone like that? You were just a novelty, and now you''ve got airs. Fine, but when you''re beaten down and begging for my protection, I might not be feeling as patient as I am today."


    Ynda took a steadying breath and nodded. "Thank you, Movie Star Cassius, for gracing me with your attention today. I sincerely hope you''ll continue to keep your standards as high as ever. I''m clearly not worthy."


    With that, she turned away, ignoring the dark storm brewing on Cassius''s face, and walked out of the room without a backward nce. As the door clicked shut, she heard the unmistakable sound of something shattering inside.


    A small smite yed on her lips,


    though there was a bitter taste in her mouth Onlyter did she realize she had bitten the inside of het cheek inside of the palma wee distraction from the ache in her heart.


    When Ynda stepped into the guest room across the hall, she


    orchestrate alc


    found Lizetta on the balcony


    cactus with Remington.


    "Remi, you''ve packed the soil too tight. Loosen it a bit, and rent those broken


    bits. They''ll sprout new roots," Lizetta instructed.


    Ynda was surprised to see Lizetta


    leaning against the railing, casually swirling a ss of red wine, while Remington, dressed impably in a suit, was crouched on the floor wearing gardening gloves and obediently transnting the cactus into a pot.


    "Is that really possible? A single leaf can grow roots?" Ynda asked, intrigued.


    "Absolutely!"


    "Liz, you''re amazing. I had no idea. Can you check if I''ve nted it right? Should I ask the staff for some fertilizer or something?"


    "No need. Just ce the leaf on top of the soil. It''ll root itself. Life is resilient that way."


    Lizetta adjusted her dress and crouched next to Remington, tilting her head to admire the cactus he had just rented in a pristine pot.