At the Frederick residence, Thelma sat at her vanity, layering powder onto her already flawless skin. As she checked her reflection, irritation flared. Christian still hadn't called.
"Grace!" she snapped. No answer. Her jaw clenched.
"Grace!" she yelled again. Silence.
By the third time, the housemaid rushed in, breathless. "Yes, ma'am"
The slap came before she could finish. Three sharp strikes cracked across her cheeks. Grace stumbled, holding her face, eyes wide with tears.
"How many times have I told you not to make me call you twice? You're useless," Thelma hissed, spitting in disgust.
"I was in the laundry, I didn't hear"
"Get out. Call my mother."
Grace ran, sobbing, and moments later Cindy appeared with a cup of coffee.
"You called?" Cindy asked casually.
"Yes, Mum. What are you doing about Chris? He hasn't called me, hasn't scheduled a meeting nothing!" Thelma snapped.
"I spoke to his mother. Cassandra promised she'd talk to him," Cindy replied smoothly.
"Well, call her again. Or I will."
"Don't be foolish," Cindy said sharply. "You push too hard, you lose him."
Thelma folded her arms. "Fine. Where's Dad?"
"Work. As always," Cindy said. Then, lowering her voice: "I hear Bella's mother is getting married next week. At their house."
Thelma smirked. "Perfect. Neil can be there. Maybe he'll drag Bella into another scandal."
Cindy shook her head. "Forget Neil for now. We need Chris to announce his relationship with her. Once it's public, one picture one mistake will be enough to ruin her. And Arian has already proven useful. The plane didn't go down yesterday because your sister was on it."
Thelma's lips curved. "Then maybe next time she won't be so lucky. If Bella's gone, Chris will finally be mine."
Cindy's eyes glinted cold. "Patience. We'll use her weakness against her. If it comes to it... yes, she'll have to be removed."
At Hampson International, Elliot entered Chris's office with his tablet.
"Sir, your mother just called. She's upset you haven't set up the meeting with Thelma."
Chris sighed. "Not surprised. Fine schedule it for this afternoon. If she shows up, good. If not, her loss."
Thelma arrived on time, dressed more elegantly than Chris had ever seen her: a cream suit dress, silver heels, and a designer bag. She extended her hand with a polished smile.
"Mr Hampson, it's a pleasure. I'm Thelma Frederick."
"Christian," he replied, shaking briefly before motioning for her to sit.
She took in every detail of his office, impressed despite herself. "I owe you an apology for my behavior the other day. I had a shoot and didn't have time to change before meeting you." She fluttered her lashes, but Chris barely looked up from his iPad.
Her smile faltered. "If you knew you'd ignore me, why even set this meeting?"
Elliot smoothly cut in. "Miss Frederick, there was an emergency earlier. If you'd like, we can begin while Mr Hampson finishes"
"My father made it clear," Thelma interrupted, eyes fixed on Chris. "He wants you to oversee this project personally. No one else."
Finally, Chris set aside his iPad and leaned back. "Very well. Tell me what you want. We have several unreleased designs. What style are you after?"
"Something unique. My mother only wants limited editions. And I want it to feel like a home living room, bedroom, kitchen, everything."
Chris nodded once. "We'll draft a sketch and contact you by next week."
Thelma stood, extending her hand again. "Perfect. Thank you, Mr Hampson."
Chris rose, shook her hand, and offered the practiced corporate smile he reserved for clients. Inside, though, he was already finished with her.
Thelma returned home glowing with satisfaction from her meeting with Chris. She couldn't stop smiling as she dropped her bag for the maid.
"Madam is not home," Grace called from the kitchen.
"Where did she go?" Thelma asked sharply.
"She said she had a meeting with Mrs Hampson."
Thelma froze. Without me? She stormed upstairs, already dialing.
"Mum, why would you go to see Mrs Hampson without me? You know how important it is that I meet her!"
Cindy's voice was calm. "Relax. She just got back to London. She joined my charity club, and I'm paying her a courtesy visit. It'll make things easier when I introduce you formally."
Thelma exhaled. "Alright. I trust you." She hung up, then quickly dialed another number.
"Hey, baby sister," she greeted.
"Hi, sis! How was your meeting with you-know-who?"
"He gave me audience today," Thelma purred. "I'm so happy. One step closer."
"I can't wait to call him brother-in-law," her sister said eagerly.
"Temper, temper," Thelma teased with a laugh.
"Not my fault. I just can't wait."
"I understand. Anyway... how's the bitch trying to take my place?"
"She's here, smiling like an idiot. So annoying," her sister spat.
"Keep an eye on her."
"I'm doing that, but it's getting to me. She acts like she's the only capable attendant. Tracy's even in jail because of her. Such an irritating piece of trash."
"I'm sorry you have to deal with that. It won't be for long. I promise."
"It's fine, sis. Anything for you."
"Alright then, Mia. Take care. I'll talk to you later."
"Bye."
At the airport, Bella stretched on the crew bunk, scrolling through her phone when Nadia leaned closer.
"Who were you talking to, Lilly? First time I've seen you so smiley on a call," Nadia teased.
"I noticed that too," Bella added with a playful grin.
"I was talking to my sister," Lilian replied brightly.
Bella's brows shot up. "You have a sister? Wow, I never knew."
"Lucky you," Nadia sighed. "I'm an only child."
Bella slung an arm around her. "Don't worry. You can share mine anytime."
Nadia chuckled, but before she could reply, a muffled voice came from under the bunk duvet.
"I'm right here," Alexia said, emerging.
"You've been hiding there the whole time?" Lilian asked, startled.
"Yes. And I heard every word," Alexia replied coldly, her gaze locked on Lilian with open disgust.
The air shifted.
"What's with the tension?" Bella asked, looking between them.
Alexia stood, her voice low and edged. "Just a warning, Lilian don't try anything stupid. Or you'll regret it."
Nadia blinked. "Whoa, what's going on here?"
Alexia ignored the question and walked out. Bella hurried after her.
"Babe, what was that about? Why so harsh with Lilly?" Bella pressed.
"Because she deserves it," Alexia said firmly. "I've found her suspicious from the start."
Bella tried to laugh it off. "You find everyone suspicious, babe. That's just you."
Alexia grabbed her arm. "No, Ella. I mean it. Don't trust people so easily. It'll only hurt you."
Bella sighed but smiled faintly. "Alright, thanks. I'll be careful."
Alexia nodded, then changed the subject. "So... have you gotten a dress for the end-of-year party?"
Bella groaned. "Not yet. And I need something for Mum's wedding too, but there's no time."
"Let's check Fashion Nova later. We'll find something," Alexia suggested.
"Good idea. Let me call Mum first, find out what color she wants for the wedding." Bella pulled out her phone, already dialing.