Chapter 16
Wouldn’t give the time of day, but Tyrone is different, huh?
Exactly.
Quintessa’s word echoed relentlessly in Jerome’s ears, stirring a nameless rage within him. How in the world was he any less than Tyrone?
Suddenly, someone quipped, “What’s up with you today, Mr. Lott? You’re not in your usual spirits. That cute chick over there, and you’re not making a move? What’s the matter, afraid your lady back home will get jealous?”
Jerome’s mind raced, and he managed a smile, saying, “Nothing much, just bumped into an old acquaintance today. Got me a bit sentimental.”
The guy casually probed, “Who?”
“My future sister–in–law.”
“Your sister–in–law?”
“Yeah, Miranda’s sister.”
At that, the guy lit up, “Oh now I remember; you mean Quintessa, right?”
A curious spark ignited in Jerome, “How come you remember?”
“Remember? How could I forget? Man, I had such a, let’s just say, a keen interest in that woman. I heard she’s quite the flirt, loves to seduce others‘ boyfriends. I used to wonder why she never came after me.”
Someone else joked, “What, you wanted her to seduce you?”
“Of course, man. A woman like that, she’s not ordinary, she’s a knockout – a rare find. Just seeing her, I’d get a hard–on, seriously. It’s been years, and I still regret not making my move before she was shipped off overseas.”
“She’s back now, so here’s your chance.”
“You said it.”
Jerome’s grip on his glass tightened until his knuckles turned white. It seemed he wasn’t the only man with Quintessa on his mind.
Someone else asked, “Hey, isn’t your fiancée Quintessa’s aunt? You ever meet that
woman?”
Tyrone lounged on know her.”
e couch, swirling his drink lazily, drawling, “Quintessa? Don‘
Jerome glanced over. Tyrone’s face wore a half–smile; Quintessa’s name seemed to have
no effect on him whatsoever. It was as if it really didn’t matter to him.
The casting for the TV series “Shadows of the Past” was settled; all that was left was to sign the contract and wait for the call to join the set.
However, there had been no news about the role in the film “Whispers in the Wind“. After a full week of waiting, at 10 p.m. on a weekend night, Quintessa was already asleep when Violet burst in.
“Quinn, get up, quick! Director Gardner, the producer, and a few of the investors want to meet you.”
Quintessa frowned, “This late? Where?”
“Tonight, the leads for the movie are meeting with the producer, the investors, and the director for a get–together. Quinn, you need to be sharp; whether or not you get this part depends on tonight. It’s crucial.”
Violet didn’t spell it out, but the implication was clear to Quintessa.
A late–night meeting, huh. Quintessa nodded, “I understand.”
Seeing Quintessa agree so readily, Violet felt a pang of guilt, “Quinn, you’re new to the scene, but you’re not getting any younger. If you don’t seize this chance, there might never be another one.”
As Quintessa picked out her outfit, she replied, “Yeah, you don’t need to tell me; I know what I want.”
Quintessa knew better than anyone what she was after power, revenge. She had waited three long years; she wasn’t in a hurry, not for a moment more. Now, what she needed to do was to rise quickly in the world of entertainment.
ultimately successfully escaping and transforming into a glamorous star, returned home in splendor. Upon meeting again, the two locked eyes, each harboring their own secrets. Quintessa is determined to seek revenge, while Tyrone quietly lends his support, gradually falling uncontrollably in love with her. He cornered her in the elevator: “Have a meal with me, and I’ll let you play the female lead.” “Come with me to the banquet.” “Accompany me to…” “Tyrone, will you ever stop?” He lightly laughed as he placed a ring on her middle finger, saying, “Marry me, be my forever leading lady.” 
