Rewriting the Script — Episode 2

Suddenly, his expression changed. He straightened so fast that I stopped talking. Mr. Calloway. The entire set seemed to go silent.

People turned. Someone whispered, Julian's here. I slowly looked over. A group of people was walking toward us.

His manager, his PR team, two assistants, and in the middle of them was Julian. The man who once shared a cramped apartment with me was now wearing a perfectly tailored surrounded by people who moved when he moved. The director rushed over.

Mr. Calloway, it's an honor. The producer followed. Julian, we've been waiting for you. He barely nodded, then his eyes moved through the crowd and stopped on me.

Then he walked toward me. Claire. My fingers tightened around my phone. Julian.

His eyes dropped to the hospital message still glowing on my screen, then back to my You came back because you need something? My face burned. No.

A pause. Then I forced myself to say it. Yes. What do you need?

Money. Then he reached into his jacket, pulled out a black card, and held it between two fingers. Come upstairs tonight. I stared at him.

One night, I'm offering you $100,000. My breath caught. I swallowed hard. The doctor's voice echoed in my head.

The full payment has to clear before we can start treatment. Luca couldn't wait. I couldn't either. Even if Julian was doing this to humiliate me, I had no right to care.

I reached out and took the card. I'll see you there. He turned away.