Gwenda gritted her teeth and glared at him. "I'm done with you!" She ran back to her room and slammed the door.

Outside, Olivier burst out laughing. "If you're not happy about it, you can kiss me back."

"Get out of here!" Gwenda's angry voice came from her room.

Olivier's smile widened. He approached her bedroom door. "You really want me to leave? In that case, I'll be going then."

Gwenda ignored him.

After a while, Olivier's deep voice came through the door. "Rest well. I'm leaving."

Gwenda buried her face in a pillow. She remained silent.

A moment later, the front door clicked shut.

Hearing this, Gwenda sat up, opened her door, and peeked into the living room. Satisfied that Olivier had gone, she sighed in relief. If he'd stayed longer, she wasn't sure she could have controlled herself.

Patting her face, Gwenda decided to forget it and returned to her room. She bathed and went to bed.

She stayed home to recuperate for the next few days, occasionally managing Cecilia's work. Two days later, she returned to work.

"Gwenda, this is Cecilia's work schedule for the month," Hattie said, handing her the schedule early that morning.

Gwenda scanned it, frowning at something on today's entry. "Who arranged the charity banquet tomorrow night? Why wasn't I informed?"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you," Hattie said sheepishly. "Cecilia knows one of the organizers and was roped in at the last minute. She felt indebted and agreed without asking your permission. I meant to tell you yesterday, but I was busy."

Gwenda's face darkened. "Accepting jobs without authorization violates studio regulations. Does Cecilia know this?"

"Yes. That's why we're asking your permission now. She said she'd decline if you disagreed," Hattie answered cautiously. Gwenda was usually agreeable, but very strict about work. Hattie didn't dare to be lax.

"Never mind," Gwenda said. It wasn't a major issue, and she didn't want to make things difficult. "Since she's agreed, let her go. But the contract needs signing for a commercial performance. Follow up on that, will you?"

"Okay, Gwenda."

"And I'll accompany her tomorrow night. Make the necessary arrangements."

"Yes, immediately," Hattie replied.

Meanwhile, across town, Martin received a charity banquet invitation at the Morel Group's general manager's office.

"Martin, who are you bringing to the banquet?" Gretchen asked casually, studying the invitation from his lap.

Holding her, Martin murmured, "You, of course."

Gretchen pulled back slightly. "But our relationship it's not convenient for me to accompany you now, is it?"

"Why not? You're my girlfriend. Who else would it be?"

"Then, you're ready to publicize our relationship?"

Martin kissed her earlobe. "Of course! Don't worry, no one will dare say anything while I'm with you."

Gretchen smiled. "You're so good to me, Martin."

"Hmm? How good?" Martin's arm tightened around her waist.

Gretchen blushed. "Um, really, really good."

"Since I've been so good, how about a reward?" He held her chin.

"You're so annoying!" Gretchen pouted, trying to get up.

Martin scooped her onto the table. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Martin, this is your office" His kiss interrupted her.

The office grew warm

The next day, Gwenda accompanied Cecilia to rehearse for "The Best Singer." Afterward, they rushed back to the studio, changed into formal dresses, and headed to the banquet. Cecilia apologized for accepting the job without permission.

"Gwenda, I know I made a mistake. I apologize."

"It's alright. You're kind, so I'll let it slide this time. But don't let it happen again."

Cecilia nodded. "Don't worry, I promise."

"Very well. Perform well tonight."

"Okay."

They moved on. The car arrived at the banquet. Cecilia walked the red carpet. Gwenda and Hattie took the elevator to wait for her. Hattie nudged Gwenda. "Gwenda, look"