Third Person's POV
"Was I too busy on my wedding day and forgot? Don't take it to heart. I've let go of any resentment," Catherine said indifferently.
"Catherine, Gina's mental health has improved. I've brought her home. She feels remorseful about the past. I could have her apologize to you in person," Troy said abruptly.
"Is that so? If she's better, let her stay home and behave. There's no need for an apology. I'm swamped lately and have no time to meet her," Catherine's expression turned cold at the mention of Gina. The lingering pain from her injury made forgiveness impossible.
Troy, caught off guard, fell silent.
"What do you really want? Spit it out!" Catherine urged, sensing his unspoken request.
"I was fired by Nick. I want my job back. Can you put in a good word for me?" Troy blurted out.
Catherine's face twitched. Troy had worked for Nick, who apparently valued him—until now.
"Sorry, I don't have a close relationship with him. I can't help you," Catherine refused outright.
"Catherine, you're my only hope. I know Nick treats you well. Please, just a word from you..."
"What makes you think he treats me well? He's him, I'm me. We have no connection. I can't help," Catherine said sternly, halting Troy's implication.
Troy realized he'd crossed a line. "I know. I just thought, since he's Blake's cousin, maybe you could help me keep my job."
"I don't care for him and won't initiate contact. Find another way. Also, shouldn't Gina face consequences? She had a prison sentence. Can she just evade punishment because she's mentally ill?"
Catherine wasn't the woman to be pushed around.
She suddenly recalled that Gina might still have a prison sentence hanging over her. Could mental illness really erase her crimes?
Troy looked panicked. "I only brought her home temporarily. She's still receiving treatment. Once she's fully recovered, she'll make amends."
"Good. I'm out. I've got company business to handle," Catherine turned and left without another word.
Troy watched her resolute figure and slumped, defeated.
He never expected to fall so low. Was this karma for past misdeeds?
Hunched over, Troy returned to his car where Elena eagerly awaited. "Well? Did Catherine agree to help?"
"She refused," Troy sighed.
"What a heartless woman! She won't lift a finger for her own adoptive father?" Elena's face darkened with fury.
"Enough. Stop ranting. Do you want more chaos in our lives?" Troy snapped.
Troy felt that his current dire situation was rooted in his own past actions.
He couldn't blame anyone—only his failure to treat his daughter kindly back then had sown the seeds of her resentment.
Elena, already on edge, burst into tears. "You're yelling at me again! You never used to speak to me like this. You must hate me now."
Troy roared in frustration, "What are you crying for? Cry again and I'll divorce you!"
"Fine! You've finally said it. You've wanted to leave me for years to be with that daughter of yours. But she ignores you. What's so great about that?" Elena's insults flew.
Troy slammed the car door and squatted by the roadside, lighting a cigarette.
Catherine's business car passed by.
She saw Elena storm out of the car and viciously kick Troy's shoulder.
Troy, cigarette in hand, stared in shock as Elena screeched and sat on the ground.
Catherine's heart ached.
Contrasting Troy's current plight with his family's former glory made her sigh.
But she wouldn't help him.
She knew Nick's feelings for her and avoided him altogether, let alone ask for favors.
On the film set, Jessica waited for her cue.
"Jess, you're up!" the director called.
Jessica, in a youthful denim dress and clutching a book, played a high school girl—a role she nailed effortlessly.
Her innocent gaze captivated the camera.
"Ugh!" Mid-line, Jessica felt a wave of nausea and vomited on the spot.
Though nothing came up, the sensation was miserable.
"Cut! Hold it!" The director rushed over. "Jess, are you okay? Did you eat something bad?"