The space was immersed in darkness, hushed and empty— Lyndon hadn't returned yet.

She turned on the light, freshened up, then settled under the covers with the script in her hands.

As she flipped through the pages, her mind drifted back to the hospital.. to that brief encounter with Reggie.

He'd asked her to adapt Sunshine, Rosalynn's novel. Should she take the offer?

Her phone suddenly lit up with a new message. She glanced at the screen—and smiled. Reggie's name flashed across the top.

"Tilda, had any thoughts? Still hoping you'll lend your brilliance."

Tilda chuckled softly. She knew the novel well-she'd even helped shape it for television.

Turning it into an anime would be smooth sailing. Tilda decided to accept.

Just as she began typing a response, another message appeared: "No pressure! Just nudging you-old friends can nag, right?"

His words were light and teasing, laced with charm. He was clearly worried she might say no. Tilda replied playfully, "What if I'm drowning in work?"

His response came in a flash: "I'll wait. We'll discuss this whenever you're free."

She typed back, "But the longer we delay, the more it costs."

He shot back, "Losses I'll gladly accept-your talent is worth every penny. With you onboard, they'll be recovered tenfold."

Tilda laughed to herself. Reggie hadn't lost his touch.

She replied, "Keep buttering me up and I won't be able to refuse."

Her phone rang. Reggie's name again.

"Tilda-you're in?" His voice brimmed with anticipation. She smiled. "Mm-hmm."

"Brilliant! Let's meet tomorrow and iron everything out." His excitement radiated through the line.

Tilda gave a soft hum of agreement.

Reggie chuckled. "Now I can finally sleep. Man, I'm starving -I'm going to grab something to eat."

"Don't go overboard," she teased. "Impossible. I'm just that happy."

Just then, Lyndon entered the room and paused when he saw her, eyes sparkling, lips curled in a quiet laugh as she spoke on the phone.

Who was she talking to with such ease and delight?

Catching sight of Lyndon from the corner of her eye, Tilda's expression shifted. Her laughter faded. "I have to go," she said into the phone.