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‘Emma is just doing her job, aren’t you?’

Emma nodded. ‘Believe me, I don’t want to be here either. The studio has insisted. It’s a five-book series.’

Hannah nodded, spinning back to Bianca with a piercing stare. ‘Five books! That’s at least four more films. You could be stuck with Lucas for years making these movies. That’s why the studio is after a prenup or whatever it is contract, right?’

Emma nodded.

Bianca’s face twisted sourly, but Hannah could tell she was getting through to her.

Emma added quietly, ‘I’m leaving Lucas after this film. So, honestly, I’m not trying to cause trouble or get between the two of you.’ She took a tentative step forward, offering a stapled bundle of papers from behind her tablet, as if she were about to feed a tiger. ‘I’ve drawn up a relationship plan. How and when to announce your growing relationship to the press and public. As well as how to break it off publicly if it doesn’t work out. This is to protect both your interests and the film franchise if it does take off.’

‘Which it will,’ said Hannah honestly. ‘You and Lucas are amazing in it. The book fans are going to go wild when they see it.’

Bianca’s lips twitched with a smug smile, and she ran a hand through her luscious, dark hair. ‘I think you’re right about that.’

‘Lucas has agreed to this plan because he’s done this before, and it’s always better to have a plan. If things work out – great! But if they don’t, you at least have rules to follow. I want to leave Lucas knowing that I’ve done my job well.’

Bianca took the paperwork. Hannah and Emma breathed a sigh of relief and edged closer towards the door.

‘Does he know?’ Bianca asked Emma curiously.

‘That I’m leaving? Yes—’

‘No, that you love him. Does he know?’ There wasn’t an ounce of pity in her demeanour – she was the assassin now.

‘Yes.’

Bianca sniffed, her chin lifting with defiance. ‘I’ll get my lawyers to take a look. Email a copy to me.’

‘Already done it.’

Bianca sneered, ‘Well, aren’t you little miss perfect.’

They left. Emma leaned against the trailer’s railings and took a few deep breaths, her hands gripping her tablet so tight her knuckles were white.

Zach was wringing his hands. ‘All good?’

‘Well, we’re not covered in today’s special, so that’s a win,’ said Hannah.

Zach grimaced. ‘Awr, sorry, but I’ve gotta bail. I haven’t had lunch yet, and I’m due on set soon. You taken those videos of the pyrotechnics yet?’

‘No, I had a walk around with Jerry. But I might go and do some more now.’

‘Cool! See ya later!’

Zach hurried off towards the dining hall.

Hannah glanced back at Emma and was shocked to see how pale she’d become. ‘Emma?’

Emma peeled herself off the railing but only managed a couple of feet before she had to grab Hannah for balance. ‘Shit!’ she gasped.

‘I’ve got you. Come on, babe. Let’s go sit in the shade for a bit.’

‘Thanks,’ said Emma weakly. ‘I do feel a little dizzy.’

Chapter Thirty-Four

To Caleb’s irritation Patrick, who had been allowed to continue working despite clocking him on the head, was still here. No doubt filming more of his damn content.