Chapter 135:
Barely thirty minutes later, Leah’s latest social media post shot to the trending section.
Leah had written, “Success comes from a mix of luck and hard work. They say a smile can change your fortune. Here’s hoping Lady Luck smiles back.” Along with the post, she included a polished picture of herself.
Karina let out an exasperated groan and slammed her phone onto the table.
“She just can’t sit still, can she? Always trying to hog the spotlight!” Her voice dripped with irritation.
“And those brainless fans of hers—they’re just as unbearable. Don’t they realize sticking with Leah could backfire on them too?”
Jolene’s expression warmed into a smile at Karina’s comment.
“It seems like everyone has changed with time, yet you’ve remained as you were.”
Karina quirked an eyebrow, her eyes playfully scanning Jolene.
“So, have I really been stationary all this time?” she teased, noting Jolene’s voluptuous figure.
“You’ve undergone quite the transformation.”
With a flirtatious smirk, Jolene leaned in, a cigarette dangling from her lips.
“Care for a feel?”
“Jolene, can’t you show a little restraint?” Karina said softly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
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Observing their playful exchange, Corrine seized a pause to ask, “Jolene, do you plan on leaving after your visit?”
“I’m unsure,” Jolene said, snuffing out her cigarette in the ashtray.
“I’m just taking things as they come.”
During their conversation, Natasha walked in, acknowledging Karina and Jolene with a nod before addressing Corrine.
“The issue trending earlier has been resolved.”
Acknowledging Natasha, Corrine then turned to Jolene.
“Ready to go take some promotional shots in the studio?”
“Absolutely,” Jolene responded, rising to follow Natasha out.
Later, Karina found a moment to excuse herself upon Waldo’s arrival.
Corrine greeted him, offering a glass of water.
“What brings you here?” Waldo sat down on the couch and explained, “Jayden was busy, so he asked me to check on you. I was nearby and decided to drop in.” His gaze lingered on Corrine.
“Are you feeling alright now?”
“Much better, thank you,” she answered, finding a seat herself.
Waldo took a sip from his glass, his eyes lingering on the cigarette butts in the ashtray. A flicker of something dark crossed his gaze as he tightened his grip on the glass and asked casually, “When did Karina start smoking?”
“Actually, it wasn’t Karina; it was a different friend,” Corrine explained.
Waldo played with the edge of his glass, a subtle smile emerging.
.
.
.