Chapter 64

Nathan Blackwood’s expression was one of utter disbelief. What had started as a simple walk had somehow eclipsed the arrival of the first group of guests entirely.

When Sophia Blackwood returned, curiosity buzzed through the room like static electricity. Though professionalism kept the questions at bay, the unspoken intrigue was palpable.

Sophia, bound by confidentiality, could only offer fragments. "She’s a tragic case. Since her admission, she’s been completely alone. Rumor has it her parents are gone, and her husband… well…"

Margaret, ever the concerned matriarch, frowned. "Didn’t she discuss her condition with him?"

Sophia shook her head. "She tried once. He accused her of lying—said she was inventing illness out of jealousy, cursed her for speaking it into existence. After that, she decided a man who doubted her didn’t deserve her truth."

Terminal. Days numbered. Why gamble on his regret when the clock was ticking? Wasn’t that just self-destruction in slow motion?

Though Sophia stayed guarded, Evelyn Sinclair’s careless murmurs sent fresh ripples of unease through the Blackwoods.

"She refuses treatment," Sophia finally admitted, frustration seeping into her voice. "There’s a chance her condition could be managed, but she’s given up."

"Nothing is more tragic than surrender," Margaret murmured, shaking her head.

A chorus of disapproval rose from the family.

Days later, the crew prepped to film My Acting Skill’s promotional video ahead of schedule. Whispers painted this as a grand affair—formal introductions, a dinner, possibly even fireworks. Evelyn, vibrating with excitement, chose her most dazzling mermaid-tail gown.

When Marcus Donovan arrived with the van, he couldn’t help but stare. "You’ll outshine everyone," he said.

Evelyn beamed. "I know, right?"

Julian, already inside, shot Marcus a warning look. "Stay sharp tonight."

Marcus blinked. "Why?"

Julian patted his shoulder. He and Evelyn didn’t care about burning bridges—unfortunately, Marcus would be the one left holding the ashes.

Marcus chuckled. "Worried Evelyn’s bluntness will offend someone? Don’t be. She’s raw, but her charm and looks will win people over. As a newcomer with no feuds, she’ll be fine."

Julian’s dry laugh said otherwise.

Marcus glanced at Evelyn, who was already deep in gossip-sharing mode with Lillian Graves.

Well… aside from the occasional verbal grenade, what’s the worst that could happen?

At the film studio, director Preston Whitmore and producer Donovan Sharpe greeted them personally—no surprise, given Nathan had already revealed his identity. Evelyn played the humble newcomer flawlessly.

The two men exhaled. Their biggest fear had been an entitled star making production hell.

"Today’s agenda: photos, then individual and group interviews," Donovan explained before ushering them to makeup.

The shared makeup space was a strategic choice—no favoritism, just efficiency. Partitions offered privacy while allowing multiple artists to work at once. Preston hoped the setup would ease the cast into camaraderie before live broadcasts.

Three groups had already arrived when Evelyn and Julian entered.

Marcus dove into the crowd, effortlessly working the room. Evelyn, dragged along, greeted everyone with bright-eyed enthusiasm. The whirlwind of introductions left Marcus scrambling to match faces to gossip, while Evelyn—still an unknown—was mostly ignored.

Her eyes gleamed. So many secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Before she could pounce, a snippet of conversation caught her ear:

"Only Harrison Montgomery and Vanessa Sterling’s team is missing."

"Did you see the marketing blast earlier?"

A knowing laugh. "Bet they’ll be late."

Another voice, dripping with amusement. "Who knows? This show might just make their affair official."

Rumors of Harrison’s secret marriage had swirled, but with the scandal growing, doubt festered. Where was his so-called wife? Why wasn’t she defending him?

He rushed to Vanessa’s penthouse in the middle of the night and never left. Subtle.

A storm had knocked out power in Vanessa’s upscale neighborhood. Terrified of the dark, she’d called Harrison. Is he a human nightlight? Meanwhile, his actual wife was enduring treatment alone.

Shockingly, Maxwell Thornton—Harrison’s manager—seemed oblivious to the optics. This wasn’t just Harrison’s recklessness; Maxwell lacked vision.

Days later, and she’s still swollen? Even a brick would’ve healed by now. Unless…

Oh.

She’s faking it to keep him close.

Evelyn leaned toward Lillian. "Play along later."

Lillian’s confusion melted into a sly grin.

Julian’s unease spiked. Why do I feel disaster looming?

As chatter and styling continued, a sudden hush fell. All eyes turned to Evelyn.

"I stole that dress on purpose," she announced.

Lillian played along. "Why?"

"Because the two women fighting over it? Mistress and wife."

Gasps.

"Seriously?"

"Here’s what really happened…"

By the time Evelyn , the room was electrified. The tale—clearly real—wasn’t a jab at anyone present, but a scandalous actress known for mistress roles still shot her a glare.

The wife of a veteran actor rolled her eyes, unbothered.

The crowd hung on every word. If only the man had half a brain, he’d see through her schemes.

When Evelyn , the room buzzed anew, treating it as juicy gossip. Even Marcus didn’t press for details.

Then—commotion at the door. Harrison and Vanessa had arrived.

Seizing the moment, Evelyn and Lillian slipped away to change. Their costumes waited, prepped and ready.

As Harrison and Vanessa entered, Julian’s dread solidified.

I don’t even want to imagine the chaos when Evelyn reappears.