Chapter 3

Indie followed Rowan outside, her heartbeat still racing from everything that had just happened. As they stepped into the night, Mr. Carter nearly stumbled over himself when he saw who she was leaving with. His ingratiating smile stretched wide as he bent at the waist. “President Gallagher, take care!” he said, his tone filled with nervous reverence. The bodyguards behind him didn’t even dare lift their heads. Indie frowned. Just who was this man? To make someone like Collins Carter, one of G City’s most ruthless business moguls, bow and scrape like a frightened servant? Collins Carter had built an empire in the entertainment industry, running multiple talent agencies and luxury jewelry brands. Yet here he was, practically groveling. She trailed after Rowan for a few more steps before stopping. “Thank you for earlier, but I’ll be leaving now.” “Oh?” He leaned against the sleek black car parked in front of them, his sharp eyes glinting with amusement. “So now that the danger’s gone, you don’t feel the need to repay me?” Her spine stiffened. From the corner of her eye, she caught Mr. Carter glaring daggers at her. Unease curled in her stomach. “I never said I wouldn’t repay you,” she huffed, stepping into the car before he could twist her words any further. She had no idea where he was taking her, but something told her refusing wasn’t an option. When the car pulled up in front of a towering skyscraper, her breath caught. The enormous glass facade gleamed under the city lights, the bold golden letters spelling out: Gallagher Stars Entertainment. Her fingers clenched against the seat. Gallagher Stars Entertainment. One of the most powerful entertainment companies in G City—if not the country. Her pulse pounded. Why had he brought her here? “Get out.” Rowan’s voice was as casual as if he were inviting her to coffee. She followed him inside, her steps faltering as they entered a grand lobby with a towering chandelier dripping in diamonds. The place reeked of money and influence. “Why are we here?” she asked warily. Rowan sank into a plush leather chair as an eager-looking director rushed forward, pressing a glass of red wine into his hand. “The supporting actress for our upcoming drama had an accident. We need a replacement.” He swirled his wine lazily. “You’ll do.” Indie’s jaw dropped. Me? Acting? “But—I’m a project manager! I don’t have any experience—” “I’ll handle it.” His tone was final. “The pay is ten times what you’re making now.” Her lips parted, but no words came out. Before she could fully process what was happening, a sultry voice interrupted. “Rowan, who’s this?” A woman approached, her figure accentuated by a tight red mini dress. Her long wavy hair cascaded down her back, and her lips were painted a seductive crimson. Even without knowing her name, Indie recognized the type. Gorgeous, confident, and utterly dangerous. Kaelyn Russell. The reigning queen of Gallagher Stars Entertainment—and, judging by the way she slid into Rowan’s arms, something more to him. Rowan wrapped an arm around her waist, his expression softening. “She’s a little nobody from the project department. She’ll be acting with you.” Kaelyn’s eyes flicked to Indie, sizing her up with a slow smirk. “She works for Gallagher Corporation? A project manager?” Her tone dripped with condescension. Indie clenched her fists, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Kaelyn stepped closer, her towering heels making her even more intimidating. “She has no aura whatsoever. How is she fit to play a supporting role?” Indie pursed her lips. “It’s not like I volunteered for this. I don’t even know if it’s a movie or a drama.” “It’s the drama version of Peerless Beauty.” She whipped her head toward Rowan. “What?!” Her stomach dropped. That was her project. She’d spent months preparing a pitch for a film adaptation with German investors—yet somehow, he was throwing her into a cheap drama version? “Surprised?” Kaelyn’s smirk widened. “Not everyone gets an opportunity like this.” Indie let out a short, humorless laugh. “Not really.” Kaelyn’s expression darkened. She was used to being treated like royalty at Gallagher Stars Entertainment. Indie’s indifference clearly rubbed her the wrong way. Kaelyn turned to Rowan with a pout. “Don’t you think she suits a background role better?” “Mmm.” He barely looked at Indie as he took another sip of wine. “I’ll be back later. Behave, sweetheart.” His voice was low, affectionate, as he brushed a kiss against Kaelyn’s cheek. Indie Rose forced herself to look away. It wasn’t her business who Rowan favored. The moment he left, production began. And that’s when things took a turn for the worse. The scene called for the lead actress to slap Indie’s character. A normal take would’ve required one slap. Maybe two for safety. But the director kept demanding retakes. Again. And again. Each time, Kaelyn’s hand struck her face harder. Indie clenched her teeth. She wasn’t stupid. She caught the slight nod Kaelyn kept giving the director before each take. This wasn’t a mistake. This was payback. By the fifth slap, her cheek was burning, her vision blurring with tears. “Cut!” The director sighed. “One more time.” One more time? Indie’s patience snapped. “Enough!” She jerked back, covering her swollen cheek. “I’m done!” Kaelyn sauntered over, arms crossed, a triumphant smirk curving her lips. “What’s wrong? Just a few slaps and you can’t handle it?” Indie’s pulse pounded. “You’re doing this on purpose.” “And?” Kaelyn leaned in, voice dropping to a cruel whisper. “I’m going to destroy you.” “Because of him?” Indie demanded. “There’s nothing between us!” Kaelyn’s eyes gleamed with malice. “Shameless little bitch. Who do you think you are? Just because a man glanced your way, you think you’re special?” Then— Slap! Pain exploded across her left cheek. Indie hadn’t even seen it coming. Her vision went white for a second, the sting burning deep into her skin. Rage surged through her veins. Before she could stop herself, her palm flew. Slap! Kaelyn’s head snapped to the side. A stunned silence fell over the set. Kaelyn’s eyes went wide. Disbelief morphed into pure fury. “You dare hit me?!” She raised her hand again— And then she froze. Instead of hitting back, Kaelyn covered her cheek… and started sobbing. Indie stiffened. What the hell? Slowly, an eerie sensation crawled up her spine. She turned— Rowan stood behind her, his dark gaze cold as ice. “I—” she started, but Kaelyn shoved past her, launching herself into his arms. “Rowan!” she whimpered, clinging to him. “She hit me! Look—my face is swollen.” Rowan’s expression was unreadable, but the air around him grew dangerously heavy. Indie’s breath caught. “No, that’s not what happened—” “She attacked me out of jealousy!” Kaelyn sobbed. The director and crew exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. Indie’s stomach twisted. She was being framed. Her fingers curled into fists. “She slapped me five times! Check the footage—” No one moved. Kaelyn smirked through her tears. And Rowan? His gaze burned into her, cold and unforgiving. And in that moment, Indie knew— She was screwed. __________