Chapter 10
Tina is calling]
stared at the Caller ID, my brow furrowing. Without hesitation, I declined the call and glanced at my phone‘ s home screen–3 AM.
How long had I been lying here, staring at the ceiling? I couldn’t sleep though my eyes felt heavy. My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten anything since my return. Of course, there was nothing left in the apartment. I had left this place for days after all.
[ “Tina is calling]
I clicked my tongue. Persistent, wasn’t she?
Again, I declined. My thumb hovered over the screen, about to block her number when a text notification appeared.
Tina: [This will be the last time I bother you. Please, let’s meet.]
[I’m in the lobby of your apartment.]
Below that, a live location confirmed it–she was really here, just a few floors below.
She must have had someone track me down. Of course, she would. Someone with her kind of money and clout always finds a way.
I should‘ ve expected this.
Oh, Tina…
“Thank you for agreeing to meet,” Tina said quietly, after she and her manager sat across from me in the small living room I rented.
Her face shifted, darkening with remorse. “I’m sorry… for everything. For taking Ralph from you.” “You didn’t take Ralph from me,” I interrupted sharply, halting her apology. “He was yours from the start. Be honest.
Tina bit her lip, her silence more damning than any words. The bitter truth hung in the air–I should‘ ve known Ralph never truly loved me.
“Just tell me what you want, Tina,” I said, my voice cold. “Stop dancing around it.”
“I need your help,” she admitted, her expression still heavy with regret. “I need you to help me get my fame back.”
“I can‘ t,” I replied without hesitation.
Her manager cleared his throat and placed a silver suitcase on the coffee table. “Perhaps this will convince you, Ms. Lyka-”
Before he could open it, I slammed my hand down on top, cutting him off.
“We’re done here,” I said, rising to my feet.
“Stop!” Tina’s voice cracked, her calm demeanor unraveling into panic. “If you walk out that door, I’ll ruin your career!”
I paused mid–step, her words sinking in. Did she know about my secret account? But her next words weren’t as devastating as I feared.
“I’ve already tipped off reporters,” she continued, her voice trembling. “They‘ ve seen you enter this room with me. They‘ ve taken pictures. If you refuse, you won‘ t be able to explain this away. You have no choice!”
I exhaled, relieved. “How desperate are you, Tina?” I asked, pulling the small recording device from my pocket and holding it up for her to see.
Her eyes widened.
“I’ve recorded everything,” I said, voice low but firm. “And if you think this is some kind of illegal
setup, go ahead–explain that to the reporters you‘ ve hired. I’ve been in this business far longer than you realize. Did you really think I wouldn’t come prepared?”
Tina’s face drained of color, and for a moment, I thought she might faint. Her manager lunged forward, catching her just in time.
“Let me guess–Ralph and Nickle abandoned you after your scandals, right? Afraid they’d get exposed too?” I said, my tone serious despite a hint of mockery.”
Tina’s eyes widened. “H–how did you know they were involved…?”
I smirked. “Just a hunch. Thanks for confirming it, though. I wasn’t sure, but now I have a solid lead.”
“You witch!” she screamed, her voice cracking with fury. “You tricked me!”
“Looks like we’re not so different after all, huh?” I shot back. Tina fell silent again, her anger giving way to uncertainty. “But here’s what I don‘ t get–why did you all go through so much trouble to reach out to me in the first place?”
I leaned back, waiting for an answer she wouldn’t give. “I mean, sure, I got into Wolfheim’s elite academy, but I never belonged to your high society crowd. I’m an orphan. I had nothing–no power, no wealth. Your families already have those. So, why?”
Tina‘ s silence lingered, a signal that it was time for me to leave. I wasn‘ t expecting answers, but at least I’d asked the right questions.
“It was the alpha prince.”
The sudden voice startled both of us. Tina’s manager had spoken up.
“Gareth, have you lost your mind?!” Tina snapped.
Gareth remained calm. “Lady Tina, before I was your manager, I was my lady’s butler. I’ve always. served your interests… and I’m afraid my time as your manager might be ending soon.” Lady’s Butler? No way… it’s him? He’s the actual LadysButler I’d be contacting all this time? Gareth calmly turned, as he threw a stoic yet meaningful look at me. “Lady Lyka, I don’t know everything, but I‘ ve spent years protecting Lady Tina from the schemes of Master Ralph and Master Nickle. I’ve investigated and have always known they’ve been planning to throw her under the bus should anything went not in their favor.”
Tina‘ s face drained of color, her body trembling. Gareth gently eased her onto the sofa before she collapsed in shock.
“I had no idea…” Tina’s voice was barely a whisper. “Why didn’t you tell me, Gareth?”
“I had my suspicions, but I couldn’t be certain,” Gareth said, his voice low and measured. “There‘ always been someone lurking in the background–someone tied to you and your circle, Lady Tina.
Even before you began your rise as an actress.”
Tina stared at him, eyes wide with confusion.
“It’s the alpha prince,” Gareth continued, his words landing like a blow.
If it hadn’t been for him casually name–dropping his leaker account and Tina’s defeated reaction, I would ve dismissed Gareth’s words entirely. But something in his tone–and her silence–made me pause. I decided to hear him out and reserve judgment, figuring I could decide later whether to act on the information or not.
“Tell me everything you know,” I said firmly, locking eyes with Gareth.
Chapter 11
