Chapter 14

Aurelia didn't say a word the whole way back. As soon as she walked into the hotel room, she went straight to remove her makeup and take a shower.

Zara was still worrying about how little she'd eaten that evening. "Do you feel like eating something?"

Sitting cross-legged on the couch, Aurelia didn't seem to have much of an appetite.

"Maybe just make me a cup of formula or something."

She'd barely eaten a few bites and had one glass of juice. Zara, knowing her current health situation, was definitely not okay with that.

"Why don't I make you some chicken soup? Uncle just brought over a batch of organic vegetables from our farm - it's the freshest this season. You're going to love it!"

Zara was a wizard in the kitchen. Even the simplest soup turned into something warm and comforting in her hands. And with the Bennett farm's produce...

Aurelia's lost appetite started creeping back. She gave a soft smile. "Alright, sure."

"Perfect! Just relax and watch some TV - I'll be done in half an hour tops."

"Mhm."

Zara headed into the kitchen to get started, while Aurelia curled up on the sofa, turning on the TV.

Some variety show was playing, but despite staring at the screen, her mind couldn't latch onto anything.

Finnian? Seriously? He was one of the investors of the film?

Why him, of all people?

The last thing she wanted now was any tie to Finnian.

After some thought, she picked up her phone and dialed Edward.

Meanwhile, Edward was in the suite next door - with Finnian.

As Edward's phone buzzed, Finnian glanced over and caught the name on the screen: "Aurelia."

"Mr. Dawson?" Edward looked over, testing the waters.

Finnian's brows knitted slightly. "Pick it up. Put it on speaker."

Edward gave a nervous little laugh, then clicked "accept" and turned on speaker. "Hey, Aurelia..."

"Uncle Edward," came Aurelia's voice from the other end, calm but firm. "Is this a bad time to talk?"

Edward glanced at Finnian, visibly tense.

Finnian didn't say a word. Edward had no choice but to muddle through, "No, it's fine. Just tell me what's on your mind."

"Alright then," Aurelia paused for a breath. "I'd like to have the investor replaced for this film."

Lucas, sitting off to the side, sucked in a sharp breath the moment Aurelia dropped that line.

"This is..." Edward stared at Finnian. The shift in the atmosphere was instant - Finnian's usually composed, good-looking face now looked like it'd been dipped in frost. Cold. Intense.

Finnian shot Edward a look, telling him in no uncertain terms: Don't say I'm here. Edward rubbed his face, let out a long breath, and carefully asked, "Aurelia, can I ask why?"

"The reason's simple. I just don't want any involvement with Finnian. If I'd known from the start he was funding the film, I would've never agreed to this rights deal."

Finnian's sharply defined jaw clenched instantly, his dark eyes locking on the phone on the table like they could set it ablaze with how furious he looked.

Lucas held his breath, stunned and secretly applauding Aurelia in his head.

Honestly, besides the post-divorce Aurelia, who else dared talk to Mr. Dawson like that?

Right now, Edward was probably the most miserable guy in the room. If he could hang up right then or just get struck by lightning to get out of this, he'd take it.

But nope, no lightning. Worse, Finnian gave him a look, practically ordering him to keep talking.

Edward was in despair, but he had no choice. He pressed on.

"Uh - Aurelia, listen, I don't call all the shots when it comes to investors," Edward said carefully. "Plus, Finnian's super busy. He barely even visits sets, so you really won't have to deal with him..."

"Edward, he's just an investor, right?" Aurelia cut him off, her tone firm. "Get Finnian out. I'll cover the breach penalty."

Hearing her arrogant tone, Finnian actually laughed from the absurdity.

"You think you can just cover a few hundred million in penalties that easily?"

There was silence on the other end, then Aurelia's voice came back cold. "Wow, Finnian, didn't know snooping on others' calls was your thing now - so classy."

Finnian smirked. "Well, I didn't know you were this rich. Just tossing around millions like it's nothing."

"What? Regretting the divorce now? Feeling salty you didn't take half of my assets?" Her voice was pure mockery. "Turns out even the mighty CEO Finnian gets by on women's money now, huh?"

Finnian: "...Aurelia, you - "

Aurelia had had enough. She hung up without another word.

Beeep -

The busy tone echoed in the awkwardly quiet room.

Finnian, still fuming, said nothing.

Lucas, eyes shining with gossip, said nothing.

Edward, heart pounding to his throat, said nothing.

After a full minute, Edward slowly raised his hand and buried his face in it, completely done. It's over. The movie's screwed. Everything's freaking doomed.