Gary slipped a sleek blue folder from his leather document bag and handed it to Ares with measured confidence. The sharp scent of paper and ink drifted faintly into the room as he flipped open his laptop and brought up a presentation. The glow from the screen illuminated his composed face.

Without saying a word, Gary glanced at Scarlet.

The subtle signal was enough.

Scarlet immediately stepped forward and took the laptop from him, her fingers tightening slightly around its edges. She inhaled quietly before facing Ares.

"Ares," she began, her voice calm yet carrying quiet excitement, "allow me to present the summary of the proposal."

Ares gave a slight nod and settled onto the sofa beside Scarlet, his posture relaxed but attentive. Gary took the seat on Scarlet’s other side, creating an almost formal triangle of discussion in the middle of the living room.

Near the staircase, Lara had been guiding Shay upstairs. But the moment Scarlet’s voice echoed through the room, she slowed her steps and paused, curiosity flickering across her face.

"You want to create a documentary about the Kromwel Mausoleum?" Ares asked, one brow lifting in interest.

Scarlet shook her head gently.

"Not exactly a documentary," she clarified. "It’s a romantic movie —a blend of fiction and history." Her eyes brightened as she continued. "The story follows two archaeology students who traveled to Isla to watch the migratory birds. During their expedition, they accidentally uncover ancient ruins hidden deep within the island."

Ares leaned back slightly, studying her.

"And you’ll be playing the female lead?" he asked. A faint trace of amusement touched his lips. "Are you changing careers now? I thought you came here for a medical internship."

At once, Scarlet’s cheeks flushed pink.

"I already completed my internship," she replied softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I’m taking a three-month break, and... I want to spend it doing something meaningful."

"Besides, you of all person should no what my dream really is." Scarlet sought Ares’ eyes but he wasn’t looking at her.

Gary took over the discussion, elaborating on the projected budget, filming logistics, marketing plans, and profit-sharing arrangements. His voice carried the smooth confidence of someone accustomed to closing deals.

Ares listened in silence.

Though Scarlet was still a newcomer to acting, the production itself carried weight. The male lead was a celebrated veteran actor with multiple awards to his name, while the supporting cast was filled with established industry stars.

After a long moment of consideration, Ares finally spoke.

"I’ll invest," he said simply. Rising from the sofa, he adjusted the cuff of his sleeve. "I’ll have my lawyer review the contract first."

Relief flashed briefly across Gary’s face.

"Mr. Zuvel..." Gary called, his tone turning more cautious.

Ares paused.

"I also hope you’ll reconsider the proposal I discussed months ago with your governess." Gary cleared his throat. "About Shay endorsing a children’s brand. It would work even better as a mother-daughter campaign."

Before Ares could respond, the sound of heels clicking against marble echoed from the entrance.

"I’d love to see that proposal."

Every head turned.

Moira entered the living room with effortless confidence, her body-hugging mini dress accentuating her striking figure. Her lips curved into a knowing smile as she extended a hand toward Gary.

"I’m Moira," she introduced smoothly. "Shay’s mother."

Gary’s eyes immediately lit up with interest.

Quickly, he pulled a calling card from his breast pocket and offered it to her with practiced professionalism.

Moira glanced at the card and let out a short scoff.

"Seriously?" she said with playful disbelief. "People still use calling cards these days?"

She held out her phone instead.

"I’m definitely going to lose that thing. Just give me your contact details directly."

Gary laughed under his breath, clearly amused as he shared his contact number with her. He found Moira refreshing—bold, candid, and completely unapologetic.

But the atmosphere shifted instantly.

"And who told you," Ares said coldly, his voice suddenly cutting through the room like a blade, "that I would allow Shay to do the endrosement?"

The sharpness in his tone was enough to make even Summer and Layla flinch.

Moira turned toward him, refusing to back down.

"But Ares, this could help Shay," she argued. "She’s only comfortable around a very small group of people. Whenever she’s around strangers, she becomes withdrawn and reclusive."

Ares’ expression darkened.

"Don’t forget where you’re standing, Moira." His voice dropped into a dangerous calm. "I am Shay’s legal guardian. I decide what’s best for her." His eyes hardened. "And I will not allow her to be corrupted by the entertainment industry. She doesn’t need it."

A suffocating silence filled the room.

Then Ares gestured sharply toward one of the servants.

"Escort the guests out."

Without another glance, he turned and strode toward the study, the heavy tension trailing behind him like a storm cloud.

Moira’s face burned crimson with humiliation and fury.

Her hands curled tightly into fists at her sides as she stomped toward the staircase, her heels striking each step with angry force.

She needed space. She needed air. She needed to cool the fire raging inside her before she exploded completely.

...

Lara had heard every word exchanged between Ares, Scarlet, and Gary.

And with each passing second, the urgency inside her grew heavier.

Too many people were beginning to notice Isla.

First came travel bloggers. Then historians. Now filmmakers and producers were circling the island like vultures drawn to buried treasure. If this continued, Isla would soon lose the mystery that made it valuable in the first place.

Amelia’s novel adaptation needed to be released before the market became saturated.

Otherwise, Rise and Fall of an Empire—a film meant to become a cinematic masterpiece—would drown beneath a flood of cheap imitations and competing stories set on Isla. Instead of becoming a blockbuster, it could collapse into obscurity before it even had the chance to shine.

Lara refused to let that happen.

That was why she had moved quickly and arranged a private meeting with the owner of Starlight Films. Fortune, for once, seemed to favor her. The aging producer and Starlight’s last remaining director were currently staying in Calma, scouting locations for a small indie project centered around the everyday life of Isla’s residents.

If Lara could convince them tonight, she might still secure the advantage.

By the time she arrived at Garden Café, dusk had already begun settling over the town.

The western horizon burned with streaks of crimson, amber, and deep violet, casting a dreamlike glow over the streets. Warm lantern lights flickered to life around the café’s garden patio while soft music drifted lazily through the evening air.

Lara stepped out of the car, smoothing the creases from her dress as her sharp eyes scanned the entrance.

Then she froze.

Just ahead of her, a familiar figure disappeared behind the door of one of the café’s private rooms.

Beatrice.

Lara blinked.

What was she doing here?