Chapter 52: Someone Got There First

Sean walked Joan out of the room, but Joan noticed a corner of paper sticking out from the cabinet beside the door. She subtly adjusted her steps, glanced at it from an angle, and realized it was a draft. This reminded her of a rumor: an investor was supposedly hiding among them, and those seeking more screen time could use this to their advantage.

Worried the designers would target Sean once they discovered his identity, she hurried over after Cameron told her he’d arrived. Did someone get here before me?

She looked at the draft, a hint of darkness flashing in her eyes. Stopping abruptly, she smiled at Sean. “Your room’s decor is different from ours.”

Sean gave her a sidelong glance, but Joan ignored him, quickly scanning the room. It was different, but still comprised of a bedroom and bathroom—simple enough for her to see everything at a glance. The bed was on the floor; no one could hide underneath.

Then she noticed the bathroom door was closed. Sheepishly, she said, “My bathroom’s not working. Can I use yours, Sean?”

Sean usually granted her requests, especially trivial ones.

His gaze darkened. Coolly, he said, “No. Ask the other models or designers. I need to shower and sleep. Go back to your room.”

“But everyone’s asleep,” Joan said, feigning distress—a tactic that usually worked.

Abigail, nervous and speechless, thought, She wants to use the bathroom suddenly? Why? Did she notice me? She clutched her drafts tighter, her heart racing, wondering how she’d explain things if Joan found her.

Then she thought, Wait. We’re not divorced yet. We’re still married. So what if I’m in my husband’s room? Joan should be panicking.

Sean said, “I’ll tell the crew to fix your bathroom.”

He started to make the call, but Joan stopped him. It was just an excuse to check his bathroom, so she quickly said, “It’s alright. I’ll use my assistant’s bathroom.” She stepped on the paper as she reluctantly left.

Outside, she stared at the door, her face impassive. Her gaze was intense. He’s rich. I knew those women would try to hook up with him, but not this quickly.

She turned, but didn't go far. “Let’s see which of these women are trying to steal my man.” She knocked on her assistant’s door, summoned some sycophants, and they stationed themselves near Sean’s room, waiting for the other woman to emerge.

If she doesn’t come out, fine. But once she does, my team will ruin her reputation.

Abigail emerged from the bathroom, sighing in relief. Ready to leave, she started to open the door when Sean said, “Are you sure you want to leave now?”

Realization struck her. Joan had noticed another woman in the room and wouldn't stop until she found out who it was—possibly waiting outside. Or someone else was doing Joan's dirty work. A scene would create a scandal Sean might not help her escape. Abigail frowned. “I can’t stay here forever. It’s late, and I have a shoot tomorrow.”

Sean sat on his bed, gazing at her intently. “It’s late, you’re in the wrong room, Joan came to see me, and she’s now waiting for you. What a coincidence, huh?”

Abigail clutched her draft and smirked. “You’re saying I planned this?”

“Isn’t that it?” Kevin’s words echoed in Sean’s mind. Abigail’s nonchalance suggested either she didn't care about Sean, or she was plotting something big. He suspected the latter.

Abigail smiled. “Fine, whatever you say.” This is ridiculous. It’s a joke. She found it humorous that she’d been hiding while Sean tried to get rid of Joan.

Sean held her wrist. “If you want me to start a scandal with you, just say it. I will.”

He thought he was backing down, but Abigail felt further humiliated. What does he think I am? A useless pawn? A woman who needs sex to sell herself?

She flung his hand away, giving him an icy look. “It’s alright, Mr. Graham, I don’t need that. Nothing like this will happen again. If it does, you can have Kevin kick me off the set.”

Remembering her grandmother’s illness, she softened slightly. “But tonight was an accident. I wasn’t trying to set you up. You can investigate. Ask Joan if you need to.”

The revised passage corrects grammatical errors, improves sentence structure, and removes unnecessary repetitions and informal language. The use of asterisks to censor words was replaced with more appropriate choices given the context.