Chapter 3

Lisette ended the call, her fingers clenched tightly around the phone that still felt hot in her palm, a cold sweat breaking out across her back.

"Tobias, why are you back?" she asked, trying to keep her voice even.

Tobias gave her a side glance, his gaze carrying a hint of curiosity. "Forgot a file."

His tone was flat, calm-hard to read.

Lisette felt her heart start to slow just a little. So... he didn't hear? Or maybe he didn't catch it clearly? She wasn't sure. Either way, she had to keep her cool. She stepped aside from the door. "Oh, okay. Go ahead."

Tobias walked straight in, heading toward the study. He rummaged through a briefcase, focused and precise.

Lisette stood motionless in the living room, her eyes involuntarily following his movements - until he pulled out a project plan for a film production park. And just like that, her past life's memories hit her hard.

That same film studio had once been brushed aside by everyone, Tobias included, who had only invested as a side bet. But it ended up becoming the biggest film base in the whole country.

"You're investing in a film base? I happen to have a proposal lying around. Wanna take a look?"

Tobias paused mid-search, eyes narrowing slightly, clearly surprised. "You wrote a proposal?"

That flicker of disbelief poked at something deep in her. So, this was how little he'd thought of her in her past life?

Lisette couldn't keep playing the clueless housewife anymore. She had to show him a different version of her this time.

"I just need a few minutes," she said quickly before rushing to the study.

She powered up the computer and, tapping into everything she remembered from before, pulled together a proposal draft. It wasn't perfect, but the TV shows, web series, and variety programs listed in it were the very ones that had exploded in popularity back then.

After printing it, she handed it to him.

"I picked these based on thorough research - and I'm sure they'll blow up. If you're worried about the investment, I can pitch in too. If we lose money, we split the loss. If we profit, we share."

Tobias took the document, eyeing it, half-skeptical-until he started reading. Then something shifted. There was appreciation in his expression now.

"Not bad," he said. "But these kinds of shows and formats aren't really trending right now. How can you be so sure they'll succeed?"

Lisette met his gaze, calm but firm. "I watch tons of shows and variety stuff. After years of keeping up with trends, I can tell you, emotional stories and motivational themes always hit home. If you go for it, you won't regret it."

Of course, she couldn't go into the whole "I'm from the future" thing. That would be nuts. The truth was, no one knew the entertainment world's next three years better than she did.

In her past life, she'd poured everything into Maverick's rise to stardom. From snagging scripts and roles to coordinating every tiny PR stunt, even running his fan clubs herself - she'd practically lived his career for him.

But in the end, all that got her was a ruined family and a broken heart.

Tobias kept his face unreadable as she spoke. Just when she figured he still didn't believe her, he finally said, plain and simple, "Alright. I'll have the team do a deeper review and bump up the investment."

Lisette blinked. "Wait, seriously?"

That was fast. She was caught off guard.

Tobias looked at her blank, wide-eyed face and couldn't help but smile a little. He tucked the proposal into his bag and headed for the door. As he passed by her, he briefly paused.

"I'm off to the office." His voice was still calm, but it didn't carry the same cold edge as before. "Dinner's in the kitchen. All your favorites. Eat something, then get some rest."

Lisette froze, staring up at him in shock.

He'd just been furious, even threatening divorce not long ago. Yet despite all that, he'd still remembered to make sure someone cooked for her? He was already talking about ending things, and he still worried if she'd eaten?

"You..." Lisette opened her mouth, but her throat tightened. What she wanted to ask was - how did you even know what I like to eat?

But the words never came out. Instead, she managed, "You should eat too. Don't skip dinner, and don't stay too late."

Tobias didn't respond. His gaze lingered on her face for a brief second before he simply said, "Yeah. I'm heading out."

The door closed softly behind him.

Snapping back to reality, Lisette walked into the dining room to find a table of beautifully plated dishes - and even her favorite dessert. A wave of guilt hit her right in the chest.

How much gentleness, how much warmth, was he hiding under that indifferent mask?

Just as the emotion welled up, her phone buzzed.

She picked it up and saw the message on screen. It was from Maverick.

Maverick: [Lisette, what happened just now? Did Tobias do something to you again? That jerk! Don't worry, I'll help you with the divorce, okay? And about the money - leave it to me. I've got a plan!]

Reading the overly dramatic message, Lisette's lips curled into a cold, mocking smile. The fish had bitten the bait.

Maverick was clearly after the Cavendish family fortune. He wouldn't dare let her family find out about the divorce plans - not until he'd secured something in return. He'd probably start selling off whatever assets he had just to prove his "sincerity."

But his stash? Even liquidated, it wouldn't amount to much. So he'd definitely fish for more. Try every trick in the book. Just what she wanted - she'd see what shady tactics he'd dig up this time.

To sell the act, make it all the more convincing for Maverick, Lisette grabbed her phone and dialed a number.

The call connected almost immediately, a cheerful voice coming through, full of energy. "Lisette, sweetie! What's up? Didn't expect a call from you!"

It was Scarlett Graham, heiress of the Graham family and Lisette's best friend.

In her past life, when everyone had walked out on her, Scarlett was the one who stood by her. She nearly ended up a victim of Maverick's schemes for helping her.

Hearing her voice now, Lisette felt her nose sting, emotions welling up. "Scarlett, I need a large sum of money."

"Money? How much? Just tell me!" Scarlett didn't even pause. "I've still got plenty of cash lying around. If that's not enough, I'll bug my dad!"

Lisette gave her a figure - one that would've left any average person speechless. The line went quiet for a moment.

Then Scarlett's voice came back, lighthearted as ever, "That's it? I thought it'd be way worse.

"My dad just handed me a property deed a few days ago for my birthday. Fancy new villa on the East Side - great spot, apparently. I thought it was too far, didn't want it. Perfect timing! I'll just give it to you! Should be worth around what you need. I'll get the paperwork sorted right away!"

Lisette froze, clutching the phone tightly.

She knew Scarlett cared. But this? Giving her a luxury villa - without hesitation? Without even asking why?

How lucky she was, to have someone like her.