Wife by Day, Boss by Night

“Madelyn didn't graduate from Heartland College, right?” the actress said with surprise. “What's she doing here?”

A crew member whispered back, “We really shouldn't gossip, but... you know, Madelyn’s ex, the one who died in that plane crash, went to Heartland College too, right? Maybe she’s here to connect with his old friends on his behalf.

Homecoming's a big deal. All the promising young graduates come back. Or maybe she’s here for Brian.”

“So, she’s tagging along with Brian,” the actress muttered, curling her lip. “Their relationship is so weird. They have a kid together. Why on earth aren't they married? Doesn't Madelyn feel slighted?”

“I know. And Gracia is pressuring for marriage. Whatever happened after that proposal, anyway?"

“That's high society for you. Think about that actress. What's her name? She has four kids with a tycoon and still no wedding ring. It's not like having a baby guarantees a spot in the elite. The rich play by different rules.”

“Some of these heirs have a wife and keep mistresses on the side, and the legit wives just turn a blind eye. Who are we to judge their happiness?”

Natalie sat quietly, listening without a word.

Noticing her silence, the actress glanced at Natalie and asked softly, “I heard your neighbor's related to the Howard family. Is the child Madelyn’s?”

The idle chatter ceased, and all eyes turned to Natalie.

It must have been since Nate and Brian visited. The actress must have spilled the beans to the crew.

Natalie offered an easy smile before replying, “You're digging pretty deep there.

Even if the kid belongs to Madelyn, who's to say without them confirming it?"

“Fair point,” the group agreed, nodding before diving into another gossip.

With a scene to shoot later, Natalie stood up, grabbed her script, and moved to a secluded corner to study her lines.

After some time, though, not a single word had stuck.

“Looks like Madelyn did show up. Her agent just posted a picture of Heartland College,” two passersby mentioned in their casual conversation.

Natalie glanced at them, then picked up her script again.

As evening approached, the fan crowd thinned, leaving an unusual quiet.

Without the fans* disturbance, the shooting progressed faster.

After wrapping up all her scenes, it was just after nine o'clock.

Natalie boarded the last service van. Rosie was about to follow when Miller, phone in hand and on a call, hurried over and pulled Rosie aside, whispering,

“Take the van upfront. This one’s full.”

Natalie caught a glimpse of Miller's phone screen for a second, which flashed

“Mr. Howard.”

Rosie looked puzzled. “Aren't we the last ones? How's it full?”

Only one van was left.

Then, Lundy and his agent finished their conversation and climbed into it.

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Rosie glanced at Lundy's vehicle, noting the man in uniform and boots, his face weary but dhrastdkable, the iB. Rh kiarette glowing in the evening breeze, carrying a trace of tobacco.

With a reluctant expression, Rosie was prodded agaimpy(y ill and4 5 ’fimally thidged foward Lundy's van.

“Mind if I hitch a ride?” she heard Rosie ask Lundy's agent in a low voice.

Lundy flicked his cigarette away, crushing it under his boot.