Chapter 665:
He shook his head. “I still sing, but I’ve switched to a private studio. I don’t rely on the company anymore.”
Elaine’s betrayal still weighed on him, leaving scars no one could see.
Rylie gave a small nod. “Your throat looks like it’s healed well.”
Zander said, “There’s a new song I’ve been working on. I recorded and stored it in a USB drive. I hope that you can check it out.”
She hesitated briefly before agreeing. “Alright.”
As they spoke, Ainsley’s attention drifted to Deandre, who lingered quietly on the edge. She moved toward him with a practiced sway and greeted, “Mr. Owen.”
Her voice carried a soft lilt, her eyes lowered just enough to seem coy. “It’s unusual running into you here.”
Deandre shot her a glance, his brows drawing together. “And you are?”
The question knocked Ainsley off guard. After a pause, she stammered, “We dated once.”
He studied her with the same detachment he’d give a stranger.
Though her confidence wavered, she forced a smile and leaned in. “It’s fine. We can start over. Mr. Owen, I know you inside out, and I’m everything you want in a woman.”
Back then, it had taken only a handful of days with him for Ainsley to secure her ticket into stardom. She was showered with resources and, before long, outshone even veteran actress Fiona. If she could capture his favor once more…
“It’s about time we head out,” Rylie said, turning away.
“Okay.” Deandre didn’t spare Ainsley another look. He slipped his arm around Rylie’s shoulder and left with her, giving Zander only a quick farewell.
On the way out, she asked, “So, are you close with that actress?”
He shook his head. “No. Best to stay guarded with people you don’t really know, understand?”
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Rylie gave a light nod. “Okay. Let’s head home and eat.”
Watching them walk away together, Ainsley felt jealousy burn through her chest.
What set that girl apart from her? Deandre must have been fooled by her pretty face.
Ainsley’s gaze slowly darkened as malicious thoughts began to take shape in her mind.
The moment the break ended, Zander went back to work. Almost instantly, he noticed Ainsley’s assistant snapping picture after picture with her phone.
“What exactly is your assistant photographing?” he asked.
The assistant froze, then quickly hid behind Ainsley. “N-nothing.”
Ainsley stepped in, shielding her with a calm front. “Do you know that woman? What’s your story with her?”
Zander studied her carefully, unsure of her game. His voice carried a warning. “She once saved my life. Don’t you dare cross her.”
Ainsley let out a soft laugh. “Cross her? Why would I? Do you really think Deandre would come after me for a woman? He’s had countless women and never cared about any of them. Why risk it all for one? But you… you can forgive her for ruining your voice and career just because of Deandre’s power? And now you cling to my fame without even a flicker of anger?”
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