“Okay, good.”
Her mouth fell open. “Good? Emily, what’sgoodabout this situation? Your boyfriend stole an invite like this from you! Then gave it toStella of all people! He risked you offending Jeremiah freaking Hall!”
Emily recalled how the initial hurt slapped her when Talia told her this while she was still inMontecito.Zariahwas quick to help book her a flight back. She hadn’t told her friend about the marriage to Nicolas. Not because she didn’t want to—God, she did. The words sat heavy on her tongue, but it’d be best to achieve her revenge first. Then the madness of it all would be easier to explain.
Talia went on. “That B-Grade actress has always been a problem. I’m still surprised how she’s survived in this industry. She can’t act for shit!”
“Calm down. I’ve got this under control.”
Her manager’s hand swept through her box braids as she paced the room. “Do you really? If so, tell me what’s gonna happen when the both of you show up? My little spy in Stella’s camp told me that she and that old hag Louise are already there.”
She never understood Talia’s grudge against Stella’s manager. At least not until Louise sabotaged a rookie’s schedule just to slide her own talent into the slot.
Reassuringly she responded, “Don’t worry, I won’t let him get away with doing something like this. That’s exactly why I must go to this event, Talia. Whybothof us must go,” she referred to Stella.
Talia’s interest visibly piqued. “So, are you saying you’ve got a plan?”
“I do,” she admitted. “But I need you sharp. If you’re in, you’re all in. No second thoughts, no backing out. What we’re about to do makes stealing an invitation look like child’s play.”
Her manager scoffed. “If you knew me at all, you’d know revenge, especially when it comes to men, is practically a second language of mine.” Talia leaned in. “So lay it on me.”
“Okay,” Emily conceded, putting down her highlighterbrush. “Stella is desperate to impress anyone tied to the Best Actors & Actresses of the Year Awards. That’s why Jake stole my invitation. Jeremiah Hall is more than just the owner of a fashion company. He’s a voting member and sits on the board that decides who even gets a shot at being nominated.”
Talia put the pieces together, eyes narrowing. “So that’s why she’s suddenly everywhere? I knew something was off when she got into that last Prada event. I checked with my sources. Omar from PR, obviously, and turns out that invite was meant for you too.”
Emily smiled at the information. “That just makes our plan even more solid.”
Talia’s brows rose. “How so?”
She hesitated for a second.
I can trust her. I’ve known Talia since I was fifteen. Long before she’d even been my manager. She’d stuck by my side during my mental ups and downs. If there’s anyone deserving of it, it’s her.
“Stella’s pregnant?—”
“What?!”
“And Jake’s the father.”
“The fuc?—”
“Yeah, I know.” Emily cleared her throat, which suddenly felt like sandpaper.“I found out about it recently, but it doesn’t matter now.” She waved her hand like the topic was a pesky fly. “What matters is how well we can pull off what I have in store for later.”
Seeing that Talia was still reeling from shock, she waved a hand in front of her face. “Hello? Is anybody there?”
Talia didn’t blink. Not even the harsh glare of the makeup vanity broke her stare.
Emily sighed, then rose until they were eye to eye. “Are you okay?”
Her lips finally mumbled, “I think I’m the one who should be asking you that question.”
“Well, I’m not okay, but I will be.”
“Honestly, I thought you two were getting married,” Talia said, and Emily’s eyes flew wide. “I don’t know why, but I had a feeling when you pushed your comeback to next year. You had all the green lights, but you kept turning down projects.” She studied her talent’s face. “Am I wrong?”
Emily grimaced. “I was going to tell you…”
“After you got married? Geez, Emily, you’re really making me feel valued here.”
