"He's apologizing to you," Eloise explained.

Karter raised his head and gazed at Gwenda. His eyes, no longer filled with contempt, now held admiration. "I apologize for my previous rudeness," he said. "Other than that, I thank you for your remarkable foresight; it has helped me overcome this difficult situation."

"Oh, I see," Gwenda chuckled. "It's fine. I'm your boss; it's my duty to help any artist under my management. Let's sit down instead of standing around, shall we?"

They sat.

Looking at Gwenda, Karter asked, raising an eyebrow, "You're not angry at how I used to treat you?"

"You didn't know me, so it was natural you knew nothing about my capabilities," Gwenda said, half-jokingly. "Thus, it's reasonable you questioned my abilities. Now that you've learned your lesson and witnessed my capabilities, I'm very happy."

Karter laughed out loud and nodded. "You're right. I have really learned my lesson this time." He added silently, In the future, I'll be a better actor and stick to film work instead of variety shows. It will save me the trouble of being accused of things I didn't do.

"Looks like this incident has made you behave," Eloise teased.

Karter shrugged helplessly. "I'll just do what the boss asks next time. I'll never disobey her again."

Gwenda smiled. "Well, that's settled. Next, let's discuss your upcoming work. Let's begin the meeting."

The meeting lasted over an hour. By the end, it was late. Karter offered to treat Gwenda to dinner, and she agreed after a moment's thought. He also invited Eloise and Hattie.

Leaving the meeting room, Karter was about to head to the parking lot when his phone rang. He glanced at it and answered. "Hello, Ms. Mejia. How may I help you?"

"I just got back from abroad and saw the news about you, Karter Hogan. You've caused quite a fuss! You must've had some exciting days, huh?" A woman's mocking laughter followed.

Karter's face darkened. "Don't make fun of me. You're bound to face this sort of thing in this industry. You may laugh now, but it might be you next time!"

"Bah! You and your big mouth! Quit spouting nonsense! I'll never end up like you!" The woman, exiting the airport and getting into a car, asked, "Do you want to grab a meal tonight? I can lend an ear."

"Nah, I have a dinner with my boss."

"Your boss" The woman paused, seemingly remembering something. "Speaking of which, you've changed bosses, haven't you? M Studio?"

"Yeah."

"So your boss is Gwenda Evans?"

Karter raised his eyebrows. "Yes, what about it?"

"Oh—" The woman chuckled. "Mind introducing me, Karter? I'd like to meet her."

"You want to meet her?" Karter was stunned. "Jazlyn Mejia, didn't you just renew your contract? Why do you want to meet my boss?"

"It's natural to expand your connections in this industry," Jazlyn said bluntly. "Just tell me if you'll introduce me."

Karter hesitated. "Wait a moment. I'll ask her. If she's okay, I'll let you know."

"Okay."

Hanging up, Karter found Gwenda. "Gwenda, a female friend wants to meet you. Could she join us for dinner tonight?"

"Sure, why not? Call her." Gwenda readily agreed.

Karter texted Jazlyn. Jazlyn smiled upon receiving his affirmative reply and dialed a number. A low male voice answered, "Hello"

The passage ends abruptly. The final sentence is in a different language (Japanese).