Chapter 44

The shoot was put on pause. Out in the corridor Trevor leaned against the wall with Yvonne, enjoying his coffee while a cool breeze drifted by. His eyes flicked toward Rita, who was still surrounded by a crowd of eager flatterers.

With a scoff, Trevor muttered, "Hard to believe Julian actually goes for someone like her. She's nothing but eye candy, and honestly, I wouldn't trust her as far as I could throw her. You're lucky you're sharp, or she would've made your life hell."

Yvonne just offered a knowing smile, keeping quiet. If Trevor had any idea that Rita was actually the woman who'd come between her and Julian, he'd probably be floored.

Once everyone's coffee was finished, filming resumed. Since Rita still couldn't get her scenes right, Braden suggested switching to some of the other key moments to keep things moving.

Rocco,who understood that Rita's support behind the scenes was powerful but didn't want to waste time, quickly agreed.

For now, that meant only Rita and Yvonne were left unoccupied while the rest of the crew worked.

In the costume room, Yvonne was busy checking the wardrobe when Rita stormed in, her voice laced with disdain. "I have to admit, Yvonne, you're even more sly than l expected."

Yvonne didn't bother replying, choosing to focus on her task.

Rita ground her teeth in frustration before flashing a sugary smile. "But Julian, he'd never let his real love do this kind of grunt work. He always takes care of me."

Mentioning Julian finally made Yvonne pause. Her hands stilled on the hangers, and she turned to Rita with a pleasant smile. "Is that so? Then tell me, why aren't you Mrs.Powell yet?"

The comment struck a nerve, and Rita lost her cool.She snapped, "You bitch! If you'd just signed the divorce papers, Julian would have married me ages ago!"

Yvonne arched an eyebrow, her patience at its end.She let out a short laugh. "Oh, you didn't know?I sent those divorce papers to Julian a long time ago.He's the one dragging things on. He was even at my place just last night. He wouldn't leave, no matter what I said."

Rita's face froze, eyes wide with disbelief. She remembered all the times Julian had dodged her questions about divorce, and jealousy twisted in her gut.

Still, she refused to let Yvonne see her falter. "Don't kid yourself. If Julian actually wanted you, why hasn't there been a child?"

A shadow passed over Yvonne's eyes. Of course, enemies always knew where to aim, and Rita's jab had landed right on her most sensitive spot.

Rita, sensing victory, continued with a self-satisfied grin, "Julian hasn't cut you loose because the timing isn't right. The Powell family's future will belong to me and my child. There's no way he'd let someone like you walk away with half of everything. The moment my baby arrives, you'll be tossed out of the Powell family with nothing to your name!"

Those words might have shaken Yvonne before, but after her talk with Julian last night, she found herself willing to believe in him, if only a little.

Instead, Yvonne shot Rita a mocking smnile. "Drop the act. Julian told me himself last night that the child you're carrying isn't his."

Rita went pale, her anger soaring until she wwas nearly retorting fiercely.

Julian had sworn to keep her secret, vowing never to expose the truth of her pregnancy. He'd agreed to shoulder the blame and let everyone believe the baby was his. But now, he'd gone and told Yvonne everything!

Trying to recover, Rita sneered, "And you just take his word for it? Men will say anything to get what they want. If it isn't his, why does he treat me so well?"

Yvonne's eyes grew serious. That question had always gnawed at her, too. If Julian had nothing to do with Rita's child, why would he go so far for her?

Still, the look on Rita's face gave Yvonne more reason to believe there was something she hadn't uncovered yet.

This time, she decided to trust Julian's word.

With a small, confident smile, Yvonne replied, "The truth doesn't concern me. Now I have work to do."

She left the costume room, registration form in hand,not giving Rita another glance.

Rita's fingers clenched into fists, rage twisting her features. Then, just as quickly, a cunning smile appeared. She swept out of the room, made her way to the makeup area, and leaned in to quietly give the artist her next round of orders.