As soon as I got home, Naomi called me. "Rosaline, I've made up my mind. I'm staying in the showbiz," she said with determination. I wasn't too surprised and laughed a little. "Didn't you just say you were done with it? What changed your mind so fast?" "I realized if I gave up now, I'd be doing exactly what those people want. So instead, I'm going to work even harder to prove I'm not someone they can push around." She paused for a second, then added, "Also, I've got someone who moonlights as a therapist." Hearing her hint about Samuel, I could only sigh. "Alright, I get it, superstar. But you know that last scandal might still hurt the new show." "So what should I do now?" she asked, a little worried. "Don't worry. The company will do what it can. But no matter how much we clean things up, some people will still talk. Your image took a hit," I replied, massaging my forehead. "Is there any way to fix it?" she asked quickly. "There's one project, but I'm not sure if you'll want it," I said. "I'll take anything right now! What kind of project is it?" she asked eagerly. As I walked over to my computer, I said, "I just sent you the details. It's a new movie by a pretty big-name director." Naomi opened the email right away and gasped. "Wait—it's Mr. Pearson? Rosaline, are you sure this script was meant for me? I have to take this role!" Ambrose Pearson was a well-known director, and just one movie he made three years ago brought him global recognition and a stack of awards. Several actors had risen to fame under his guidance. For Naomi, landing a role in his movie could be a turning point in her career. "Don't get too excited just yet. Look closely at the details—it doesn't offer any payment," I said calmly. "No pay?" Naomi sounded surprised. "And do you know where they're shooting? It's deep in the southwest mountains. The filming will go on for two to three months, and you'll be disconnected from the outside world." When I first saw Ambrose's name, I was thrilled as well. But after going through the details, I had second thoughts.This project was Ambrose's bold attempt to try something new—an independent art film with very little funding, which meant the actors wouldn't be paid much. Shooting in the tough environment of the southwestern mountains wasn't something even experienced actors were always willing to take on, let alone someone like Naomi, who was only just getting started. Even more than that, Ambrose had a reputation for being extremely tough on his cast. Despite his well-known films, many fresh actors stayed away from working with him. "You should take some time to think. If you're not up for it, no pressure," I said softly, noticing Naomi had gone quiet. But she just laughed softly. "Rosaline, do you think I can't handle this?" I didn't say anything, curious about what she'd say next. Her tone was strong and confident. "Rosaline, I want this role. Acting is my job, and what matters is picking the right project, not how much I get paid or how easy the shoot is. "Please contact Mr. Pearson now and let him know I'm in. He better not give it to anyone else." I nodded slightly. That was exactly what I'd expected her to say. "Don't worry. I'll talk to him tomorrow and lock in the role for you. But are you sure your favorite 'psychologist' won't panic if you vanish for three months?" I teased. "I'm serious about my career. He'll get it. And anyway, not hearing from me for that long could be a good test for him," Naomi said with certainty. "If he runs off with someone else while you're gone, don't come crying to me," I joked. "Gosh, Rosaline, please don't joke with me!" Naomi immediately protested loudly. "Hey, Samuel, why do you look like that? Wait a minute—did Rosaline guess it? Would you truly mess around while I'm off filming for three months?" "Don't accuse me—I'd never do that," Samuel replied quickly. "I just hate being away from you." From the sound of it, they were together. I figured I should stop joking, so I reminded Naomi to come by the office tomorrow to get the script before ending the call. When I looked around, Caden was nowhere in sight. I remembered he had gone into the study when he came home. He was probably working on something. With that thought, I went to make him a cup of coffee. As I reached the study door, my phone buzzed with a message.It was from a number I didn't recognize. I opened it out of curiosity and saw it was a photo. When I saw the image, my chest tightened. The shock hit me so hard my hands shook, and I dropped the cup. It crashed to the floor, breaking into pieces.