Tyla stepped out of the restaurant and quickly typed a reply to Julian: I'm already coming, hubby.
She tapped send, a wide smile spreading across her face. Without pausing, she typed again: Meet me at the coffee shop. She hit send once more.
Moments later, she stood in front of the coffee shop, waiting for his response. She refreshed her phone repeatedly, but no new message appeared. What was I thinking? she wondered. Just because he stood up for me today?
So many thoughts raced through her mind that she was startled by the sudden honk of a car horn.
She turned abruptly and walked toward the vehicle with a hopeful smile, only to feel a wave of disappointment when she saw who was behind the wheel.
He didn't come to pick me up? she muttered to herself.
He's too full of himself, she thought bitterly. What was I expecting? That the almighty Julian—the industry devil—would personally come for me? It's just a contract marriage. In six months, it'll all be over, and I'll know my fate. I can't imagine actually marrying him. He's heartless.
She climbed into the car. It was the same driver who had dropped her off earlier.
As she settled into the seat, the day's pain and exhaustion seemed to melt away. She couldn't wait to get home, take a hot bath, and sleep. But one nagging worry lingered.
What will Jace's next plan be? How am I going to deal with them?
Lost in thought, she was interrupted by the buzz of her phone. It was a message from an unknown sender.
An unknown sender? she thought, frowning.
She opened it. It was a photo.
A picture?
She tapped to enlarge it. The image was clear: Jace gently holding Edna's hand as he helped her down a flight of stairs. It had been taken recently—Edna was still wearing the same outfit from earlier, and so was Jace. They looked every bit the loving couple.
Isn't Jace supposed to be by my side? she thought angrily. Instead, he's with his mistress.
She tried to reply to the sender, but the number was private.
Then an idea struck her. What if this person is trying to help me? She could post the photo online and drag both Jace and Edna through the media storm.
She smiled at the thought, but curiosity followed. Who would send this to me?
She turned on her mobile data, and her screen immediately filled with harsh headlines.
Former Famous Chef Tyla Parker Tries to Steal the Glory of Chef Edna Brooks
At least she was trending—that was part of her plan. And this photo had arrived at the perfect moment.
Another headline caught her eye:
Julian Crestwood—the Industry Devil—Wrecks Photographer Marcel's Career: "He'll Never Work in America Again"
The article explained how Marcel had insulted Tyla at the contract signing in her family's restaurant, prompting Julian to intervene. In his words: "Don't you have respect for a CEO in her own right?"
Tyla smiled. Now she knew exactly what to do.
Beneath the posts were cruel comments aimed at her:
She's a green-eyed monster.
Why would she snitch on her friend?
Attention seeker.
She's desperate for fame since she's no longer a star.
Tyla's smile widened. Now it's time they learn Jace's true intentions. She would create a new anonymous account and post the photo of Jace and Edna.
Meanwhile, Jace escorted Edna to her apartment, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist like a devoted husband.
"What was that wench thinking?" Edna snapped, frustration lacing her voice.
"I thought you said she agreed to do it?"
"Why would she cook that dish when she knows I can't make it?"
"Tyla has bitten off more than she can chew," Edna said with finality.
"Maybe she's angry I didn't sign the marriage papers today," Jace suggested. "That might have pushed her to sabotage you."
"Don't worry," he added reassuringly. "I know how to handle Tyla."
"Still, the media is on our side now," Jace continued. "That makes you the victim. Tyla's the villain. You have nothing to fear."
"I want the contract, Jace," Edna said desperately. "I want it."
"You'll get it," he promised. "As long as I'm still with Tyla, we can't give up on our dreams now."
He cupped her face gently in his hands.
Edna pushed him away, uninterested.
"I want Tyla to make a public apology," she said firmly. "She needs to admit she caused everything. If she does that, The Golden Crest might reconsider me."
"You're her best friend," Jace pointed out. "You should apologize too. I'll persuade Tyla—it's only fair."
"She always listens to you," Edna said coldly. "She'll do it. She's nothing but bait."
"Of course I will," Jace murmured, his hands sliding from her waist to her hips. He pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her passionately.
Edna pushed him back again.
"Call her now," she ordered. "Tell her what we've decided."
Jace pulled out his phone and dialed Tyla's number.
Just as Tyla was about to create the new anonymous account, her phone rang.
The caller ID showed the one person she least expected to hear from tonight.