Chapter 3 Studio Showdown
When I returned to the studio, it was eerily quiet.
But I still called the police.
“Cecilia, I didn’t mean to,” Suzanne’s voice trembled as she explained. “Mason asked me to get some backup files for you, and I—”
“You just broke in on your own?” I cut her off, my tone sharp.
“I texted you, but you didn’t reply.”
“So, because I didn’t reply, you thought it was okay to just walk in? What if I hadn’t changed the password? Were you planning to redecorate while you were at it?” I crossed my arms, watching Suzanne, who was on the verge of tears.
Something was missing., though.
Then the door to the mediation room swung open.
Ah. Mason hadn’t arrived yet. No audience for her performance.
“Mason!” Suzanne immediately stood up, rushing to explain herself. “I didn’t mean to. I know Cecilia doesn’t like me, and I was worried she’d get upset, so I just took the liberty… I really just wanted to get the files, that’s all.”
Mason stormed in, still catching his breath..
This studio had originally been rented by Mason and me. Back when we were poor, we used to sleep on the floor there, surviving on
nearly–expired canned goods.. Later, he bought a penthouses, and I had my own condo. But when it came to work, I still preferred being
there.
This cramped space with its walls of scripts, fan letters, and framed memories was my sanctuary. It was a space that was wrapped in the comforting sense of “dedication.”
It meant something to me.
“What the hell is going on?” Mason’s voice was reproachful, though his eyes were focused on me.
Suzanne bit her lip, holding back tears. Her face was red with humiliation.
“It’s all my fault,” she muttered, voice breaking. “It’s not Cecilia’s fault.”
One of the assistants, who had entered behind them, glanced at the scene and quickly tried to smooth things over with the cop. “We all know each other. It was a misunderstanding between colleagues. Sorry for causing any trouble.”
But the cop ignored her and turned her gaze to me, waiting for my statement..
Mason seized the opportunity to pull me out of the room, his voice lowering as he spoke. “It didn’t really cause any harm. You’re mad at me? Fine. But dragging Suzie into this? Think about the TMZ headlines.”
“Did you give her the password?” I shot back.
Mason paused, his expression stiffened. “She asked me about it…”
“You told her to do this?”
“Look, she’s my assistant. If she goes to get the files, it’s no big deal. You really want want to press charges?? How are you going to
explain this to Wendy? If this hits the news, it’ll be your problem, not mine.”
It hit me he still didn’t know I had planned to resign.
“Mason, do you really think you’re being fair here? Do you think I’m making things difficult for Suzanne because of you? You think this is about jealousy? She tried to break into my workspace, Mason, my safe space! And when I called the police, somehow, I’m in the wrong? You think she’s the only one who’s suffering?”
Chapter 3 Studio Showdown
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“I said it’s my fault,” Suzanne sobbed from the doorframe, trying to get my attention. “Cecilia, I’ll apologize however you want. I’ll make up for it, but can we settle this privately? Please, I’m begging you.”
Her pitiful look only made me angrier.
But before I could speak, Mason waved his hand dismissively. “Enough. The studio’s under my name anyway.”
The words landed like a slap.
He was right. When our studio lease was up, we decided to buy the place–only Mason’s name ended up on the paperwork.
I had just forgotten, taking the place for granted.
“Let’s go,” Mason said, stepping in between Suzanne and me, pointing toward the car outside. “The driver’s waiting.”
“I’d rather walk.,” I muttered, avoiding his gaze. “It’s too crowded. I don’t like it.”
I turned and walked out.
As I pushed through the precinct doors, whispers followed:
“Isn’t that the Mason Ryder? The one with a girlfriend he’s been dating for years? Who is she?”
“Must be the crying one inside. Other girl looks ready to murder someone.”
“Yeah, sounds about right.”
I didn’t even bother to look back. The whispers didn’t matter anymore.
Chapter 3 Studio Showdown
