chapter 110
Alana’s point of view.
Time had passed and now there was courtroom drama surrounding Daniel's case, and during this, all our lives, outside court, moved on. A new person joined our closed circle, one I saw coming ahead. Lucas. Naomi had her walls up high after her divorce but Lucas tore them down completely and left her in awe.
Lucas was there for the rehearsals and his performance was just perfect. It resonated with a certain magic, a flow that enchanted not just Naomi but also me. The nuances in his speech, the passion danced in his eyes and body – it was as if he had an intimate understanding of the role, bringing to life the envisioned scenes.
Naomi's admiration for Lucas was far beyond his acting. It was the dance of determination, the passion in Lucas that drew her in. Lucas devoted himself to his craft, and dove into the depths of the story and role, reading the entire book and immersing himself in the chapters corresponding to each scene. His unwavering commitment wasn’t easy to match and it became an admirable force. He played out the role far better and watching him act made the romance unfold on stage and off stage more enjoyable, especially for Naomi who was now involved with him.
The company’s decision to sever ties with Daniel proved heaven-sent, especially in the case involving Max. Faced with undeniable evidence, Daniel opted for a strategic retreat, sacrificing Max to the legal tides to drown– not that it completely worked. Service time became Daniel's compensation, the consequence for the havoc he had wreaked which was far less than what it would be if he hadn’t sacrificed Max.
Not a single person seemed to mind though, Max was rotten to the core, a far bigger fish than Daniel. Max deserved the reckoning and punishment had finally arrived in his footsteps, bringing an air of justice to the girls he had wronged over the years.
As the dust settled in, past the chaos and admission of proper evidence, the once rock-solid foundation of Daniel's fanbase began to crumble. Whispers of his escape after impregnating a woman spread like wildfire, casting shadows on his once-shining image. Unbeknownst to the public, Alec skillfully navigated the news cycle, ensuring that the threat Daniel posed didn't resurface. Especially with the promise of safety and security that Alec made. The silence surrounding Daniel's ominous actions protected the identities of Deidra and Maya, shielding them from the unwanted spotlight. In this risky-filled media world, Alec's successful protection became clear proof of the lengths one would go for the ones they cared about. I found peace in this, an unspoken happiness came from the safeguarding of those vulnerable to the unforgiving gaze of public scrutiny. I knew just how much money went into protecting them and it was appreciated.
In the intricate tapestry of events surrounding Conrad's case, the aftermath of a catastrophic car accident became a legal battleground that we had anticipated considering all the bribes that had taken place along with the evidence of them. The looming uncertainty of the verdict
hung in the air, it was still to be investigated, considering the bribing was of people of the law, so there was still a huge question mark there, but I’m sure justice will find a way.
Yet, amidst the legal drama, my attention was diverted by a more immediate concern—Suzanne. She had become a persistent thorn in my ass, a source of constant resistance and passive-aggressive encounters that I wished to put in the past. The dilemma weighed on me, for removing her from the movie would require swift action before the official, new shooting commenced. However, such a decision threatened to unravel the carefully orchestrated production timeline, and I was reluctant to do so especially since I already changed one lead character. Despite Suzanne's less-than-ideal behaviour, her acting skills for the role were undeniable, presenting a conflicting challenge that demanded resolution.
I had to make a decision. The movie or peace on set.
Seated in the quiet sanctuary of my office, I found myself seeking strength from a higher power because Suzanne was not the easiest to deal with. I started at the door, impending Suzanne’s entrance ever since I sent out my assistant. The air was thick with tension, a palpable opening to the storm I was about to face.
Suzanne barged in, unleashing a torrent of resentment that echoed in the confines of the room. “You seriously think you’re all that? Oh everyone loves Alana Jordan, everyone’s obsessed with her and her perfect little life. How lucky she is to have avoided that bullet with Daniel? Well, guess what, pretty soon you’ll realise you’re not Miss perfect and your life will crumble into pieces,” She scoffed– her actions taking me by surprise and making my decision easier. The absence of Daniel's initials on her necklace hinted at a breakup, a revelation that had become the golden egg for rumours circulating through the grapevine. There’s nothing the media loved more than a break-up that involved some legal drama on one side and this provided them with just that.
“Is that what this is about? You’re pissed everyone loves me and your name isn’t trending as of lately?” I countered, a raised eyebrow underscoring the absurdity of her grievances. It wasn’t even for Daniel that she was so upset. Suzanne's bitterness seemed to stem from a misguided desire for attention and validation which luckily Naomi had now picked up on too especially with the flirting between Naomi and Lucas which made Suzanne angry.
I didn’t say a thing. I decided to push this conversation back and by the way, Suzanne is acting she takes a step back without another word.
Suzanne's departure was a theatrical exit, a wave that carried an air of triumph as she sauntered away, leaving me with a furrowed brow. What the hell is wrong with that one? Choosing not to let her antics ruin my day, I continued with my tasks, determined to rise above the pettiness that seemed to cling to her like a shadow.
As the day unfolded, a curious sight awaited me near the rehearsal studio. Naomi and Lucas, engrossed in a friendly conversation, piqued my interest. A fleeting moment of uncertainty crossed my mind, but I dismissed it, choosing to embrace the friendships within the cast. After all, a cohesive team was far preferable to one filled with animosity. My phone interrupted my thoughts, and the sound of my mother's voice brought a warm smile to my face.
“You and Alec are still coming for dinner today right?” Mom asked.
“Yes, of course, we’ll be bringing the peach cobbler and risolles,” I reminded. Soon we began to chat about the little things and I paced around the room. Glancing out the glass wall, I observed Suzanne inserting herself into the conversation between Naomi and Lucas, her discontent evident on her face as their world didn't revolve solely around hers. I wouldn’t be surprised if her siblings hated her for wanting all the attention.
The day carried on, and Alec and I prepared the tasty treats we had promised for dinner. As we readied ourselves, excitement bubbled within us at the idea of a family gathering– more for Alec who craved to have a family. The week had seen my parents returning from Germany, and the hope of finding my favourite desserts among their souvenirs added an extra layer of delight and excitement, hopefully, some Ritter sport chocolate would make its way to me too.
Upon arriving at my parents' house, joy radiated from Mom's face as she welcomed us in. Alec exchanged pleasantries with my mother, and a warm hug and kiss on the cheek followed. The familial embrace brought a genuine sense of connection, a reminder of the love that anchored us.
The dinner unfolded seamlessly, filled with laughter and conversations that spanned a variety of topics. As the night progressed, we ventured outside to savour slices of peach cobbler under the moonlit sky, extending the warmth of the evening. Amidst the shared moments, I felt a sense of contentment, cherishing the bonds that held us together.
However, the peaceful scene shattered when my phone rang, cutting through the tranquillity. Excusing myself to answer the call, I listened intently as Suzanne, surprisingly eloquent, informed me of her decision to terminate her contract. A cloud of confusion hung over me; something felt amiss in her departure, a puzzle yet to be solved but I wasn’t about to complain.
Perhaps God answered my prayers.
"I appreciate your decision, Suzanne. Best of luck with your future endeavours," I responded politely, ending the call with a lingering sense of confusion.
The abrupt departure was puzzling, especially considering Suzanne's recent efforts to secure new investors for the movie just two days prior. Something felt off, a puzzle with missing pieces that left me contemplating the unexpected turn of events. My mother's voice interrupted my thoughts, and I decided to set aside work for the day, choosing to immerse myself in the warmth of family instead.
—
The next morning unfolded with the routine preparations for work. However, the constant buzzing of my phone drew Alec's attention, prompting him to bring it to me. In the midst of braiding my hair, I requested him to check the notifications.
As Alec scanned through my phone, his expression shifted, causing a twinge of worry to bubble within me. Sensing the seriousness in his tone, I turned to face him, seeking an explanation for the sudden tension in the room.
"Alana, did you accept Jinko Co. as an investor?" Alec questioned, his demeanour carrying a weighty concern.
"Jinko Co? No, my most recent investor was StarView Investments," I responded, confusion etching my face.
Alec's frustrated sigh signalled the revelation of an unsettling truth. "Alana, Jinko Co is part of StarView Investments. They're associated with shady practices, exploiting and littering, and they have several sub-companies engaged in dubious activities."
Realisation dawned on me, and panic set in. I had unknowingly associated myself with a controversial entity, a fact that had escaped my awareness until Alec laid it bare for me.
"I had no idea. How did this even happen?" I stuttered, grappling with the sudden revelation– Failing too. My heart was racing as everything settled in.
"Alana, you're facing a wave of criticism for your association with them," Alec admitted, laying the harsh reality of the situation down for me. It became apparent that Suzanne had orchestrated this predicament, setting me up without my awareness and leaving right on time. I’m sure she’d spin the story differently just to come out as a hero.