Not far away, Gwenda and the others remained unaware of Martin. The earlier fight had caused the surrounding temperature to plummet to freezing.

"Miss Finch," Gwenda began assertively, "not everyone has to tolerate your airs. You're not a divine being. Why should everyone worship you? Besides, we've been putting up with you since the dressing room this morning, and we've heard enough unpleasant things. Now, you need to finish the shoot!"

Hana, her face flushed and breathing raggedly, her body trembling, asked, "And if I don't?"

"Sure! You can choose not to shoot!" Gwenda's eyes flashed as she turned to Mr. Talley. "Mr. Talley, you heard her. She chose not to shoot."

"You" Hana, taken aback by Gwenda's resoluteness, was livid. "Fine! I'll leave this here. The advertisements will be shot with either her or me! You choose."

Mr. Talley, faced with this dilemma, frowned, looking from Hana to Cecilia.

Gwenda smiled calmly. "If you must choose, that's fine too. Don't feel pressured, Mr. Talley. Today's cooperation may have failed, but there are many future opportunities."

"Yes, yes, indeed," Mr. Talley agreed, nodding.

Hana snorted, rolling her eyes. "Stop acting superior"

"Actually, there's no need to choose either," Mr. Talley interjected, having made up his mind. "Miss Finch never intended to cooperate sincerely. Therefore, there's no need to continue this collaboration."

"What do you mean?" Hana's disbelief and fury were evident.

The director sneered. "Isn't it obvious? Our supervisor is saying he doesn't need you anymore, Miss Finch."

"You" Hana's eyes widened in fury. "Mr. Talley, you have to reconsider! I have more commercial value than Cecilia Kelly!"

"Miss Finch, what good is commercial value if you've lost your professionalism? Our company's brand requires positive, motivated endorsers, not someone who puts on airs and humiliates others. I'm sorry." Mr. Talley's tone was firmer than before.

Greatly provoked, Hana took deep breaths. "Fine. Fine. Since you chose her, don't regret it!" She stormed off.

Watching Hana leave, Mr. Talley rubbed his temples, apologizing to Gwenda. "I'm so sorry, Miss Evans. I didn't expect this."

"Don't blame yourself, Mr. Talley. This isn't your fault," Gwenda sympathized. They would undoubtedly suffer losses.

Mr. Talley sighed regretfully. "I shouldn't have agreed to Hana Finch. Otherwise, this wouldn't have happened." He shook his head. "Forget it. Let's not dwell on this. Miss Evans, the shoot is canceled. Please wait for further news. We'll schedule another meeting."

"Okay," Gwenda replied, leaving with Cecilia.

After seeing them off, Mr. Talley held an emergency meeting.

Martin, having witnessed everything, felt a whirlwind of emotions. Since the fire, Gwenda had transformed. Gone was her usual arrogance; in its place was a confident, independent woman, exuding undeniable charisma. He'd never seen her like this before. He'd initially believed her management of Cecilia stemmed solely from that man's support, but today proved otherwise. She wasn't the girl who clung to him; she was capable and resourceful. This realization caused an inexplicable shift in his mood; an inexplicable annoyance.