“Training starts next week,” he added.

Standard procedure when Lisa was involved. Her productions were known for their polish and professionalism. Every actor—rookie or veteran—was expected to complete training in both performance and proper on-set etiquette before the cameras rolled.

“The training program’s happening in Tidebourne. Make sure to pack in the next couple of days,” Elvin added. “If you need anything, or if the schedule needs tweaking, just say the word.”

“Thanks, Mr. Webster. Everything’s good on my end.”

Still, Hadley had a full entourage to manage. Same drill as before: her small team would head out separately and then regroup with the main crew once they reached Tidebourne.

The moment to leave was at hand.

One morning, right after Elissa left for work, the doorbell broke the quiet—Hadley’s eyes widening at the sight of an unexpected visitor.

It was Colleen—someone she hadn’t seen in quite some time.

“Colleen?” Hadley blinked, caught off guard but instantly pleased. “Come in!”

Ever since news of Colleen and Brady’s relationship hit the airwaves, Colleen had all but vanished. Communication had been nearly impossible.

Hadley tilted her head, curiosity creeping in. “How did you manage to get out? Finally got your freedom? Wasn’t Louise supposed to be keeping you grounded?”

Nodding toward the gate, Colleen said with a faint, ironic smile, “Nah, my brother brought me here.”

Hadley understood immediately—it wasn’t freedom. It was supervision.

“Well, come in. Sit. Let’s talk.”

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“Thanks.” Colleen took a seat, smoothing her skirt as she settled in. “I told Mom that being cooped up was driving me crazy, and I just needed to see some friends… She agreed—as long as my brother came with me.”

Hadley gave a slow nod, piecing things together. “They don’t know that Brady’s my brother, do they?”

“No,” Colleen replied, her smile tinged with resignation. “If they did, there’s no way I’d be here.”

“So,” Hadley asked gently, her brows drawing together, “did you come just to see me and unwind a little… or is there something on your mind? Something you’ve decided? Anything I can do to help?”

Colleen hesitated, visibly torn. “Hadley… I honestly didn’t think my family would push back this hard.”

Hadley looked down, thinking. “Honestly, it’s not all their fault.”

“I know. I understand them, I really do.” Colleen wrung her hands tightly in her lap. “I’m not blaming them, that’s not it, so… so…”

Her voice faltered, and Hadley’s heart skipped a beat. “Colleen,” she asked softly, “are you thinking of ending things with Brady?”

“What? No!” Colleen’s head snapped up, her answer swift and emphatic, shaking her head almost frantically. “I never thought of ending things with him!”

Colleen’s voice trembled. “I can’t leave him!”

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