Chapter 52 I Feel Heartache for You
It was enough that she had the intention, even if it was just to vent and talk tough; who could actually go through with a deadly confrontation? It would be like bringing a knife to a gunfight; she'd be risking too much.
"We'll deal with those who've wronged me in time, but not recklessly; we can't afford to make mistakes and give them an advantage."
Amelia scowled, "Ashley, how can you endure so much without breaking? I feel heartbreaking for you."
With a wry smile, Ashley replied, "Well, this case has finally come to an end. Ridiculous, isn't it? All that time spent, thinking there was a fortune to be made."
She thought she had grown mature and invulnerable, but every time Damian came into the picture, she'd become a powder keg of rage and lose all rationality. It was her problem; she wasn't strong enough yet.
Seeing Amelia's fiery temper, Ashley's sorrowful laugh almost brought her to tears, "Don't worry, Ashley, we still have chances. Let Harold get you more gigs. You are all that matters. Worst comes to worst, Harold and I will take care of you."
Ashley laughed out loud at that.
Eyeing her elegant gown, with its plunging neckline and form-fitting cut, Amelia asked, "Aren't you off today?"
Grumbling, Amelia continued, "Our supervisor's crazy, had me do a whole photo-shoot for a social media post. I'm free this afternoon, let's hit the stores."
"You mean go out like this?" asked Ashley.
Amelia pinched Ashley's chin, examining her, "With your looks, you'd shine even in a burlap sack. We agreed to get you some new clothes, and today's perfect. I just got the final payment for my film role; let's treat ourselves like celebs."
Ashley declined, "Between your car payments, mortgage, and paying your assistant and makeup artist, your funds are tight. You've got to think ahead and live sensibly."
Amelia gently pinched her friend's cherubic cheek, noting the delicate thinness yet softness of her skin, "Have you forgotten the times you showered me with bags, clothes, and shoes? Now it’s my turn to spoil you."
Ashley smirked. "It’s different. I wasn't exactly strapped for cash back then."
Leaning in with a mysterious grin, Amelia whispered, "Little secret; I might be landing a major role soon. One hundred fifty thousand an episode, and the season's got sixty episodes."
That's a cool nine million for the season. Even after taxes, she'd be pocketing a hefty five to six million. With this job, Amelia could transform her finances overnight, and her fame and fortune were within reach.
"You're amazing, Amelia! I've got your back all the way!"
"Let's hit the road, shop 'til we drop!"
"I'm starving. Can we grab some smoothies and those bagels?"
Despite an initial hesitation, Amelia's indulgent side won over. "Sure, I'll get you some."
The two set off in their car, picking up some smoothies and snacks before heading to Rochester's most upscale mall.
Ashley sipped her smoothies and nibbled on the snacks, feeling her spirits lift considerably.
Suddenly, she halted in her tracks.
Munching on bagels, cheeks puffed, Amelia asked, "What's up?"
Ashley marveled at how small Rochester seemed at times like these. What were the chances of a run-in here?
Christian Brin stepped out of his Lamborghini, accompanied by a slender, belly-baring girl sporting oversized sunnies that covered a third of her face, an internet influencer.
Ashley, hoping to avoid an encounter, veered away, but in that brief moment of distraction, her gaze accidentally met Christian's.
Their eyes locked, charged with unspoken tension.
Christian, seeing Ashley in this unflattering state, scanned her from head to toe, his gaze lingering on her outfit for a moment. The corners of his mouth curled into a mocking smile. He didn't say a word, but his look and demeanor were daggers to her soul.
Ashley decided to treat him like thin air.
She had once respected Damian enough to not clash with his buddy, regardless of Christian's snide remarks. Now that their relationship had changed, there was no need to play nice.
"Who was that? Someone you know?"
"Just a friend of Damian's."
"Oh, makes sense! Saw him once at Blue Star. Dude puts on quite the show, so self-assured. Those so-called high-and-mighty types are nothing more than birds of the same feather, you know? Definitely not good news."
Amelia's encounter with Christian Brin was unexpected yet not surprising. Ashley advised, "His main business is in entertainment. Best to keep your distance if you see him around."
Amelia's disdain for Christian Brin was as clear as day on her face. "Arrogant peacock," she sneered with revulsion. "Last time at the club, I asked him for a lighter, and the way he looked at me, he'd think I was for sale. The nerve of that guy!"
Ashley's opinion of Christian worsened with each word. "Ugh, he changes girlfriends like he changes shirts, never serious about anyone. The man's got game and doesn't hesitate to throw money around. He knows exactly how to play women, and as far as I know, there isn't a lady he can't charm, such a classic playboy. Given your career in showbiz, you might cross paths with him once you're more famous. Just be careful, don't fall for his tricks, even if he gets down on his knees and serenades you. Remember the name, Christian Brin."
Sipping her smoothies and chewing on the berries, Amelia pondered. "Christian? Oh, the spoiled heir of Universe Film & TV, the only son of Howard Brin. He sounds like a total slimeball."
Ashley chuckled, "You know what? You're not wrong."
Christian Brin walked into the mall, arm around a girl's waist, enthusiastically dialing Damian's number halfway there.
Damian picked up nonchalantly, he wasn’t in a good mood, "You better have something important."
Christian loved his antics, often inviting his friends to parties. Damian would join sometimes but more often would throw a few jabs and then hang up.
Unphased by his friend's tone, Christian bantered, "Did Ashley get knocked down a peg?"
Thinking Christian had heard about the corporate fiasco, Damian's voice turned frostier, "If it's not your business, keep it shut."
"Such a big reaction? After a noticeable coffee spill on her clothes, she's still out shopping and snacking. Guess the damage isn't that bad, just a hit to her pride."
Ignoring him, Damian disconnected.
Staring at his silent phone, Christian smirked to himself, "Getting worked up over a girl like that? Must've hit a nerve."
The girl with him didn't dare interrupt his call or inquire who was on the line. Only once he was done did she sweetly say, "Honey, there's this new Hermès bag that would go perfectly with my outfit today."
Christian turned on the charm, planting a kiss on her cheek. "Do you want one?"
She playfully poked his chest, leaning into him like she hadn't a care in the world. "I do..."
A mischievous thought struck Christian, and he pulled the girl closer, whispering, "Do something for me, and it’s yours. You want a few, you get a few. Today, sweetheart, you will call the shots."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she gazed at him as if he were a deity. "What is it?"
