The man she loved grew wealthy off her talent while she waited for the day he'd keep his promises.

That day never came. Instead, the wife-the one who was supposedly out of the picture-confronted her at a public award ceremony. In front of cameras and the audience, she slapped Corrine across the face.

Corrine could still hear the woman's tear filled voice as she accused her of being a shameless mistress who had destroyed her marriage.

It was then Corrine realized she had been deceived. Her lover had never planned to leave his wife. They had never been apart.

She wasn't the love of his life—just someone to be used to keep his business thriving.

But what hurt most was when, in the aftermath, he blamed everything on Corrine. He accused her of seducing him, casting himself as a man who had erred and strayed.

Though Corrine later exposed the truth with evidence, the damage was done. Her heart was broken, and she no longer dared to trust in love.

Instead, she focused on her career, locking away her feelings behind a wall she refused to dismantle.

Corrine gave Tilda a look, arching a brow. “Okay, stop playing the concerned mom or I swear I'll walk out of here right now," she said suddenly, snapping out of her reminisce.

Tilda sighed, letting go of her hand. She knew better than to push.

The knots in Corrine's heart were ones that only she could untangle herself.

"Alright, my bad," Tilda said lightly, offering a sheepish smile.

Corrine took a sip of tea, clearly ready to steer the conversation elsewhere. “So, what do you need Clive’s help with?"

Before Tilda could answer, the door swung open and Clive walked in.

“Sorry for keeping you two lovely ladies waiting,” he apologized with a cheerful smile.

Tilda stood up quickly, smoothing her skirt. “It's fine, Mr. Shaw. We only just arrived."

Corrine followed suit, giving Clive a polite nod. “Hello, Mr. Shaw. It's been a while since I've seen Tilda, so we've just been catching up."

Clive beamed and slid into the chair opposite them, his gaze lingering on Tilda for a moment. “Without your glasses, you look Like a completely different person."

Tilda gave him a knowing look.

She'd replayed this scene more time than she could count since she got her surgery.

She gave a wry smile, stifling the urge to roll her eyes. "You're not the first to say that."

"In the crew," Clive continued, “didn't Brewster invite you to take on a role? Have you ever considered a career in acting? With your looks, it would be a shame not to."

Tilda laughed. "Mr. Shaw, you flatter me. I'm not cut out for performing; it's best I stick to screenwriting."

Clive chuckled heartily. "You have a clear vision for your career, much like your cousin."