Adrian looked exasperated, dark lines practically etched across his face. “Enough. Stop bringing that up. All I remember is you throwing up all over me; I still can’t get that smell out of my head.” Tammy shot him an awkward glare. “Alright, Tammy, just stay with the crew,” I said, trying to coax her. “Aiden and I can handle this.” Tammy huffed, crossing her arms. “Last time, that man bullied you over and over, and now you’re just going to forget it? Some friend you are, ditching me for a guy.” I cleared my throat. “It’s not like that. I just figured Aiden could act as a human shield… take a few hits if things get ugly.” The second those words left my mouth, Aiden’s brows snapped together. “What did you just say?” I gave a sheepish laugh and promptly shut my mouth. I headed to "The Wolf’s Call" set with Aiden, dressing it up as politely “borrowing a location.” The moment we arrived, I spotted the director lounging with a cup of tea. When he noticed me, he scrambled to his feet with an obsequious grin. “Ms. Beck, what a surprise. What brings you here?” I didn’t bother with pleasantries. “I’m here to discuss something. I need to borrow your set for a short shoot, just one scene. It’ll take, at most, a day.” “Well…” He looked pained. “We’re not quite done filming here yet, so… we really can’t spare it right now.” I let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “Funny. Word is, you’ve wrapped everything except Geraldine’s scenes. She’s stuck in the hospital for at least another couple of weeks. Why can’t you loan it out?” He froze, then fumbled for an answer. “It’s just… Ms. Geraldine. She doesn’t allow it.” “What, you’re scared of Geraldine?” I almost laughed outright. This was a man known as one of the great directors back home, reduced to a timid yes-man abroad. “It’s not Geraldine I’m afraid of,” he muttered. “It’s her benefactor. You don’t understand—his people hold serious power overseas.” My brows arched with interest. “Oh? Then tell me who he is; I’d love to see just how powerful he really is.” The director hesitated, then finally gave me a name. I couldn’t stop the laugh that slipped out. He blinked at me, thoroughly confused. “What’s so funny?” When I’d had my fill of laughter, I straightened. “Where’s Geraldine right now?” He gave me a strange look. “Resting in a private villa. Why? Planning to pay her a visit?” “Of course,” I said with a sugary smile. “Since she’s got such a powerful backer and you refuse to share the space, I guess I’ll have to go straight to the source.” The director’s eyes flicked to Aiden, then back to me, and he rubbed his hands together awkwardly. “In that case, I’ll send you the address.” As soon as I got the location, I turned on my heel and walked out. Aiden glanced down at me. “Aren’t you going to see her?” I stretched lazily, flashing him a lazy grin. “No rush. I’ll go when everything’s ready.” Aiden, recognizing that I had a plan, let it drop. By evening, I was standing outside Geraldine’s villa. I knocked politely. A moment later, the door opened, and there she was—lounging in casual loungewear. The breakouts on her face hadn’t cleared, leaving her looking less than glamorous. The moment her eyes landed on me, her expression shifted; her face drained of color. “You? How did you find this place?” I smiled coolly. “If I want to find you, Geraldine, I will. Now, why don’t you tell me why you’re refusing to let the crew share the set?” Realizing what I was here for, she scoffed, striding back into the living room and dropping onto the sofa. “Save your breath. You’ve crossed me too many times. Even if you beg, I won’t let you use it; so do yourself a favor and give up.” “Who said I came here to beg? I’m here to take what I need.” That set her off. “Unbelievable. You think threatening me is going to work? Absolutely not!” I stepped inside, meeting her glare head-on. “I hear your benefactor is a big deal.” Geraldine tilted her chin up, smugness radiating from her. “That’s right. He’s someone you’d never dare provoke.” Please. As if I didn’t know exactly who it was. I smiled faintly. “Why don’t you enlighten me, Geraldine? Tell me just how incredible he is.” “Someone way out of your league,” she said with a cutting edge. “What, is this your play? Did Aiden stop protecting you, so now you’re looking for attention here?” A sharp laugh tore from my throat. “You can’t seriously think everyone’s like you, desperate to cling to a rich man.” Her expression iced over. “What are you talking about?” I didn’t bother explaining; instead, I made a quick phone call. Ten minutes later, the keys turned in the lock. The front door swung open, and a young werewolf stepped inside. Geraldine’s face drained of color. “Kendrick? What are you doing here?”