Interview after interview, I hit walls. When I finally landed a position at a small private studio, she filed malicious reports against us.

In the end, every single one of my media credentials was revoked. Just like that, I became the industry pariah everyone loved to hate.

I couldn't be bothered to argue with her. In half a month, I'd be free of all this.

Grandma had promised to clear my name when the time came. What they thought of me no longer mattered.

I stared at her, expression blank, then let out a long breath and rolled over onto the bed.

"Do whatever you want."

She thought I was about to beat Noel like I used to. She tensed up, planting herself in front of him like a shield.

But when I simply turned my back and lay down, every trace of her panic evaporated.

After a long silence, she asked in disbelief, "You're... you're not angry?"

My voice was flat. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? For me to get along with him?"

She relaxed, a laugh escaping her. "You've finally learned. I knew you weren't that heartless. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

I didn't respond. I didn't look at her once, not even as they left.

A long time later, I pressed my hand to my chest.