The Road to Rebirth Her Fresh Start and His Late Sorrow

Judson's face was cold and detached. "Why is that surprising? Why would Cyrus help Lucy?"

"What value is there in helping her?"

Michael shrugged with a smile. "Judson's got a point. But honestly, the more Baldrick and Cyrus fight, the better. Hopefully, they'll both end up worse for wear."

Judson remained noncommittal. "It's not over yet. Baldrick still has a few tricks up his sleeve."

"A counterattack?" Michael sensed something was off. "What counterattack? Judson, if you know something, care to share?"

"You'll find out soon enough." Judson's lips curled slightly, a hint of impatience as he glanced at his phone.

Michael watched Judson's demeanor with amusement. "Waiting on a call from your wife again? Don't worry, after tomorrow's show, you two can finally have some time alone."

Mentioning this only made Judson more frustrated, but he had no choice but to endure it. Nancy had been incredibly busy these past few days, caught up with a collaboration with Ramona, leaving little time for anything else. Yet, the thought of tomorrow's show lingered in his mind.

Judson frowned, turning to Michael. "Has Malcolm Buchanan been behaving himself lately?"

Michael understood the implication immediately. "He seems to be keeping a low profile. Don't worry, I'll keep a close eye on him tomorrow. No way I'll let him cause any trouble for Nancy."

If Nancy's show was a success, it would elevate her to a status beyond that of a mere designer, opening doors to philanthropy.

Judson gave a nonchalant nod and stood up.

Michael observed him, instinctively teasing, "So you're going in there without her calling?"

"Of course not," Judson said confidently, "but I can always call Nancy myself." Michael was speechless.

In the past, he would never have believed that Judson could be so easily swayed by someone. But now, Judson not only seemed to be swayed, he was downright obedient, following directions to a T.

Judson didn't care what Michael thought as he quickly pulled out his phone.

Nancy picked up almost immediately.

Judson grinned, "Nancy, it's time for me to pick you up!"

"Not now. Come to the office in two hours," Nancy's voice was firm and a bit stressed.

Judson's smile froze. "Why? Do you have to work late again?"

Michael watched the scene unfold silently, bemused by Judson's dramatic shift from jovial to

crestfallen in seconds. Now that net

was acting-something the up-and-coming stars could learn

from. swnovel

If it were any other time, Nancy might have offered some

comforting words, but her tone was

urgent, "No, it's just that one of.

Four

opening models is demanding more money last minute. Ramona and I

are heading over to deal with it." swnovel

Before Judson could speak further, Nancy's voice turned stern, "Stay at the office

and wait for me. I don't need you stirring things up."noveldrama

With that, she hung up, leaving Judson staring at his phone, frustration etched into his features.

Michael, having overheard, pondered aloud, "Ramona is known for being generous, yet someone's still trying to uptheir fee? Mind if I tag along to watch the show?" fo swnovel

"Then what are you waiting for?" Judson shot him an impatient look. "Find out which room the model is staying in."

Raising the price last minute was a bold move, indeed.

Meanwhile, in a fast-moving car, Ramona glanced at Nancy with an amused smile. "Judson really cares about you. He listens to everything you say."

"Listens?" Nancy sighed. "I wish he did. I tell him not to come, but does he ever listen?"

Ramona's smile deepened. "I get it. Who wouldn't want to be with someone they love every moment of the day?"

Nancy was taken aback.

Judson liked her, so he wanted to be with her all the time?

Nancy wanted to deny it, but the words wouldn't come out. She couldn't deny that,

at least while Judson's memory was lost, he did seem to care for her.

But this affection was built on false premises. Once Judson regained his memory, he would surely leave.

The thought weighed heavy on Nancy, so she changed the subject. "Ramona, how much do you think Ember is asking for to be satisfied this time?"

Raising prices right before a show was a major breach of etiquette, but Ember had a unique leverage...

Ramona shook her head slightly, a sharp glint in her eyes. "I don't know, but as long as the demands aren't outrageous, I'm willing to meet them."

Nancy nodded thoughtfully, though her expression remained tense.

Before her thoughts could linger, Ramona gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Relax, my star designer. I've got this under control."

Nancy paused, looking at the warmth in Ramona's smile, and managed a smile of her own.