Chapter 13

She tugged lightly on Emma' hand, signaling her to stop talking.

But Emma couldn't forget how Serena had been hospitalized last month for an abortion.

Whether things were fair between Serena and Finnian didn't matter - what mattered was keeping up the image of a loving couple in public. Especially tonight, with all the big shots of the film in attendance, they had to make it look like Finnian absolutely doted on Serena.

Emma pretended not to catch Serena's hint, grinned, and said, "Oh, come on, Serena, don't be shy. Everyone in Northvale's already talking about how you and Mr. Dawson are about to make it official! Henry even asked me if he invested in this movie because of you. I mean, let's be honest, you're the obvious pick for the lead - who else would Mr. Dawson do this for if not you?"

While talking, she turned to Finnian with a smile. "Right, Mr. Dawson?"

"Emma, please stop," Serena cut in, her tone tense. She could already feel the chill radiating off Finnian.

Two months ago, in his office, Finnian had been brutally clear - there was nothing left between them. His tone had been so distant, it left no room for hope.

Sure, Finnian had put money into this film, but it definitely wasn't because of her. As for landing the lead role, that was just his way of returning the favor after she donated bone marrow for his mother Martha.

If Finnian weren't sitting here tonight, she'd be more than happy for everyone to think they were involved. That kind of misunderstanding would only help her career.

But he was here - and judging by how cold he'd been that night, Serena honestly thought he might just expose the truth on the spot.

She knew the image she tried so hard to keep up would crack sooner or later - but not tonight. Not now.

Serena turned to Finnian, panic flaring in her eyes. "Finnian, Martha called me this afternoon."

His brow furrowed with clear annoyance, his black eyes fixed on her, the temperature in them dropping even more.

Serena felt a cold sweat starting down her back. She was taking a gamble.

Martha meant a lot to Finnian. He'd never go against her. Anything that had to do with Martha - he always ended up giving in.

Around half a minute passed before Finnian finally spoke, his tone low and cold. "Remember this - this is the last time."

The others at the table were busy chatting, so no one really paid attention to what was happening on their side. Finnian's voice was low and cold, barely above a whisper, only loud enough for Serena and Emma to hear.

Serena felt a wave of relief wash over her - he was agreeing.

Even though Edward couldn't hear what the trio had said, he instantly sensed the weird tension.

Just as he was about to speak, Finnian was already standing up, glancing his way. "Director Tate, mind stepping out for a quick talk?"

Edward immediately set down his wine glass and stood up promptly. "Of course, Mr. Dawson, anytime you want."

Finnian and Edward walked out of the private room, one behind the other.

Emma leaned in next to Serena and asked the question that had been burning in her mind. "What's really going on between you and Finnian?"

Serena looked down, bitterness churning inside her, but on her face, she forced a look of helplessness and softness.

"Emma, can you not say things like that in front of him again?"

Emma blinked, momentarily thrown off - she'd handled way too many tricky showbiz situations not to catch on quickly. "He doesn't want to go public with your relationship, does he?"

Serena gave a small, reluctant nod. "He's a businessman. He says media coverage of his personal life isn't great for the company. I get it - and honestly, he treats me pretty well in private."

Emma wasn't surprised. If anything, that just confirmed her gut feeling - Finnian only saw Serena as someone to keep around for fun.

Still, as her manager, she had to make the most of Finnian's interest while it lasted and help Serena get her fair share out of it.

Giving Serena a light pat on the shoulder, she said reassuringly, "Exactly. The fact that he's funding the movie for you says enough. Since you're planning to branch into film, just focus on the work itself. This one's based on Starborne's bestselling novel - that's a huge deal. A debut like this? That's something people dream of."

Serena didn't feel great about it, but she knew this was a huge opportunity she couldn't pass up.

"I know, Emma. Don't worry, I'll give it my all."

"You've got this. You've got a solid foundation - you'll do great."

"Mm." Serena smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.

So what if Aurelia was Starborne's prized author?

As long as she was still the one who saved Martha's life, Finnian wouldn't just walk away.

And as long as he didn't walk away, she had no intention of letting go of him.