The driver and assistant were taken to the hospital with the other injured parties, leaving Yvonne and Sandra stranded on the side of the road. One of the car's headlights was smashed; it was undrivable.

Sandra frowned, pulling out her phone. "I'll have the company send another car. Hopefully, we can still make it in time."

While Sandra frantically made calls, Yvonne stood by, waiting. She was wearing a mask and sunglasses, but her recent rise in popularity meant she was still recognized. People started taking photos of her with their phones. She lowered her head, annoyed by the downsides of fame.

Just then, a black extended-body Rolls-Royce pulled up nearby. The window rolled down, revealing the handsome face of Thomas Taylor.

"Ms. Garcia, having some trouble?” he asked Sandra, though his eyes drifted to Yvonne. She looked exquisite in her pale pink dress, and for a fleeting moment, his gaze lingered.

“It seems we forgot to check our horoscopes this morning,” Sandra replied with a weary sigh.

"You're headed to the film festival, I presume? So are we. We can give you a ride," Thomas offered, his smile polite and charming.

For Sandra, it was a godsend. "That would be wonderful, Mr. Taylor, thank you." She immediately ushered Yvonne toward his car. "You go ahead with Mr. Taylor. I'll handle things here and catch up with you."

But as she spoke, Thomas intervened. "Ms. Garcia, you should

come

toot

Nt's Ms. Jones' first time winning an award; she'll need her

manager with her." He then

instructed his assistant in the front seat. You stay and take care of this."

“Of course,” the assistant said, getting out to hold the door for Sandra.

Refusing such a kind offer would have been rude, so Sandra got in. The car started

moving again, heading toward the ceremony.

Yvonne and Thomas arrived

together, but their respective

statuses meant they walked the red

carpet separately. She went first,

while thomas, a renowned actor,

was scheduled for a grand entrance at the end. As they parted ways, Yvonne thanked him again.

"It was nothing," he said with a warm smile. "I've already asked my assistant to have your car taken to the shop. It should be ready in a few days. Why don't you give me your number? That way I can let you know when it's done."

He already had his phone out. They exchanged contact information before going their separate ways.

Inside, Yvonne and Sandra were led to a dressing room. As the makeup artist touched up Yvonne's look, Sandra watched her, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Are you and Thomas close?"