After regaining his composure, he shifted to a more serious tone. “This project is targeting both commercial success and critical recognition. Maintain your exceptional work ethic. Pour everything you have into this!”

“Absolutely, I understand completely!”

“Ha! I have complete faith in you—just wanted to emphasize the importance!”

After ending the call, Hadley slipped her phone back into her bag, her heart still racing with excitement.

Tamara approached with an umbrella, ready to escort her to the car.

“Thank you.” Hadley linked arms with Tamara, her voice warm with gratitude as they walked toward the car. But midway, she suddenly came to a halt.

Tamara glanced at her, puzzled. “What’s wrong?”

Hadley didn’t respond right away. Through the veil of rain, she spotted two familiar figures descending the left staircase and slipping indoors.

One of them was Ayla, whom she’d met only days ago. Tonight, Ayla looked completely transformed—her outfit carefully curated, her makeup impeccable, every detail speaking of preparation.

Beside her walked Abigail Lopez.

Abigail had once managed Linda, but after Linda’s exit from showbiz, she had faded from public view. Now, these two women were showing up together.

Hadley wondered—was Abigail now managing Ayla?

“Friends of yours? Want to say hi?” Tamara asked again, following Hadley’s gaze, but Ayla and Abigail had already disappeared inside.

“Just former colleagues.” Hadley smiled and shook her head, keeping things vague. “Not particularly close. Let’s keep going.”

On the ride home, Hadley’s phone rang. It was Brady.

“Brady?” Hadley answered.

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“Hadley.” Brady sounded unusually serious. “Have you heard from Colleen lately? Can you reach her?”

“No, we haven’t really spoken these days.” Hadley shook her head, puzzled. With their packed schedules, daily contact wasn’t realistic. “Why do you ask? Don’t you two talk every day?”

“Hadley.” Brady’s voice turned anxious. “I haven’t been able to reach her since yesterday. Her phone’s off, and she hasn’t replied to a single message.”

That wasn’t like Colleen.

“Did you two fight?” Hadley guessed—it wouldn’t be the first time a woman went radio silent after an argument with her boyfriend.

“No! Definitely not!” Brady protested. “Come on, Hadley—Colleen already thinks I’m immature and not stable enough. I never argue with her. If anything, I spoil her like a kid.”

Hadley couldn’t deny that. It was true. Colleen had once told her that Brady doted on her constantly, and sometimes she felt like she was the younger one in their relationship.

So if it wasn’t a fight… then what?

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