Zoe lifted her messy head, her eyes still half-closed, her hand reaching out to grab her phone buzzing near her head."Who could be calling you so early in the morning?" Wolf, who was embracing Zoe's body, naturally woke up too, though he kept his eyes shut."Maybe it's Tiana," mumbled Zoe.She remembered that Tiana had tried to reach her last night, but Zoe, who had seen the missed call, hadn't had the chance to call back because Wolf kept her 'busy', even after they arrived home. Zoe had slept soundly afterwards."Yes? What's up?" Zoe asked, placing the phone in her ear and closing her eyes again."Loria? Are you okay? I'm sorry. I never imagined Iris would do that." Max's voice came through the line.Zoe opened her eyes, realizing that the caller wasn't Tiana. Zoe cursed inwardly upon seeing Max's name on her phone screen. Knowing she wouldn't answer the call, she let it ring."I had no idea Iris could be so ruthless. I truly regret it, Loria,"
"You came!" Iris exclaimed in relief as she saw Max walk into the house they lived in together."I've been waiting all night." Iris stood with unsteady steps—due to being drunk—and approached Max, hugging him."Do you know what happened? This isn't fair! Wolf suddenly kicked me out, even though the girl was at fault."Iris complained while crying, not caring that Max's hands hadn't been responding to hug or comfort her for a while."Iris, you were the one who splashed her with water first."That reply eventually made Iris realize that there was a change in Max's attitude. The man who would usually sweetly respond to her complaints in any situation.Listening to the details until the end and still mentioning things that would make her happier. Although he was not offering any solutions, at least Max would console her."Max, did you just defend that slutty girl?" Iris stepped back, looking at Max's now smile-less face more closely."
"Good afternoon."After greeting politely, Wolf sat facing two people who looked sour and angry.They were Brown and Maynard. They came as representatives of shareholders, as they were the largest shareholders of Wolf. They were the ones who could 'reprimand' Wolf."What kind of news is this?!"Maynard, older, with wavy and perfectly white hair, asked rudely as he threw an entertainment newspaper with the top headline about Iris no longer being part of Wolf. It wasn't Sanchez's writing, but the content was more or less similar to what Sanchez requested, although not in detail."The news is accurate. I terminated Iris's contract last night. But don't worry; I will personally pay the compensation for that contract. Using my own money," Wolf replied. He mentioned money to reassure them. The cancellation of the contract would not disturb the company's income."It's not about the compensation, Mr. Wolf! It's about the revenue!" Brown, slightly younger and th
PLAK!Max held his cheek in surprise. The slap was unexpected because he didn't feel like he had done anything wrong."Why..." Max was at a loss for words and looked at Billy with anger. He still couldn't understand why he got hit."That's to knock some sense into you! How could you suddenly be with Iris?! And you didn't say anything to me beforehand?!" Billy shouted."Because it was obvious to me! What Iris did yesterday was outrageous! And don't you see the consequences now? I can't be with her anymore! I'd be dragged down with her if we were still together!"Max fought back fiercely this time because he felt he was right. He couldn't sacrifice himself and go down with Iris. Max was actually relieved because he announced that his relationship with Iris was over one day after the incident.And Billy, who was abroad at the time, had no idea. He only returned today, two days later.PAK!Billy hit Max on the head with the document in his hand.
The police immediately brought Iris to sit down and called their colleague—the female police officer—to approach her and whisper about what she wanted to do.Her friend nodded and sat next to Iris, taking her hand with a sympathetic gesture. Holding it."We'll listen to whatever it is. Please, what do you want to report? There's no need to rush; just calm down." The female police officer persuaded her gently, according to procedure."The incident happened several years ago. I remained silent all this time because my feelings blinded me, but I should have spoken up sooner. I regret it so much... I was afraid at that time..." Iris covered her face again and cried."It's okay; calm down first. There's no need to be afraid anymore. Everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay. Everyone deserves time to gather the strength to say something difficult."The police officer gently patted Iris's thigh."A few years ago, the man I loved tried to kill someone
"Ah... yeah. I forgot you still have to work, huh? Okay, then, some other time."Sara thought Zoe hesitated only because she didn't have time, not because she felt she didn't need to hear the complaint. Sara was still cheerful as she hugged Zoe and waved goodbye as Zoe headed towards the main road. Sara needed to find a taxi since she didn't bring a car like Zoe."I didn't know you knew Doctor Sara."Zoe turned around and saw Darcy walking towards them. Darcy had left earlier to take Zoe's belongings to the car, and she apparently saw Sara."I've been in a not-so-healthy state of mind before," Zoe said, completely unashamed to admit it.Darcy nodded understandingly and patted Zoe's arm. "I'm glad you're okay now. I hope Iris dares to take steps like you did before it gets worse," Darcy said, shaking her head. Everyone now believes that Iris should also be Sara's patient."At least I'm relieved she can't bother you anymore."Of course, it wasn't jus
Zoe instantly had a bad feeling upon hearing that name, and her intuition proved correct a few seconds later when the woman called by Grayford turned around.Emily, Wolf's stepmother, was known to Zoe. A stepmother who is even crueler than Cinderella's. Her face, already quite beautiful yesterday, became even more beautiful with exquisite makeup and a stunning dress.With a sweet smile, the woman walked toward her. Zoe groaned inwardly, regretting being so happy to get the extra payment. Apparently, the job she was doing today really had to be extra special—there was a new burden because she had to meet the insane psychopathic woman."Hello, let me introduce myself. I'm Emily. I'm your fan!"Emily cheerfully extended her hand, and of course, Zoe accepted it with an equally cheerful face."Hello, thank you for being such a loyal fan." Zoe used the template response she used every time she met a fan—who claimed to have been a fan for a long time.
Zoe had to walk with heavy steps to reach her apartment. She wasn't tired physically, but mentally.Of course, the devilish woman was responsible. Zoe was increasingly certain that the nickname was specifically for Emily. Zoe still didn't know what to do.Fortunately, that party was her last job of the day. Zoe wouldn't have to work hard anymore. She just had to make small talk and smile; no more singing afterward.Now Zoe understood why Clay said it was important for her to learn acting. Revenge or not, as an artist, at the very least she should be able to act—look normal in public.Zoe also understood why Sara mentioned that many artists actually suffer from severe depression but don't show it. And she understood why Wolf provided Sara and suggested his artists regularly consult with her.Zoe liked her job because it was what she had wanted since she was a child, but it was the first time she didn't want to smile or sing. Only once did she do her job