Divorced and Dominant Now You Cry novel Chapter 364

“Is it because of Ashton?” Hester asked sternly.

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Martha hesitated for a moment before nodding. “I’d like you to respect my decision this time, Hester.”

“What if I don’t agree with your decision?” Hester countered, truly unwilling to let Martha destroy her hard- won career just to sign with Evermore Medla. She knew it had taken years of relentless effort for Martha to reach this height, after all.

Hester knew how brutal and ruthless the entertainment industry was. One mistake could lead to total and permanent downfall.

“If you don’t agree to it, then I’ll have no option but to look for a new manager,” Martha stated with unflinching resolve.

“W–What did you just say, Martha?” Hester’s eyes widened with surprise. She never thought she would hear Martha threaten to replace her. She had been by Martha’s side since her debut, managing every aspect of her

career.

They shared a bond even deeper than kinship, yet at this moment, Martha was willing to dismiss her entirely for Ashton. She couldn’t help but wonder if Ashton actually meant so much to Martha.

Hester was even more puzzled at that thought, as she had never seen Martha alone with Ashton. How did Martha develop such intense, hidden devotion toward Ashton, then?

Hester felt a headache coming on. She knew Martha’s stubborn temperament, so she reluctantly agreed to Martha’s decision.

“I’ll do whatever you say, since Evermore Media is not without its advantages. I guess we can just establish an independent studio. That way, our development might not be any worse than if we had renewed with Summit Media!”

“Thanks, Hester!” Martha murmured, her heart brimming with affection. She managed a quick, covert look at Ashton, which sent her heart racing again. She took a moment and eventually calmed herself down, reminding herself that there was still much time for things to develop.

She approached Roxy moments later and said, “I’m sorry, Roxy.”

Roxy felt as if she had been stabbed in the heart after hearing that apology. She had offered every possible concession and condition, yet she still couldn’t retain Martha’s loyalty. She thought that she was supposed to be Martha’s close friend, yet Martha turned on her so quickly without a moment’s hesitation.

“Why, Martha?” Roxy asked, her face draining of color. She would have collapsed if Anna had not been there to steady her. She knew that failing to finalize Martha’s contract renewal would mean staggering, massive losses for the entire Summit Group.

Martha smiled faintly, replying, “Do you recall what I told you previously, Roxy? I’ve always envied you, but my envy was never directed at your career; it was for the fact that you possessed a man I thought I could never have.

“You’ve finally relinquished your claim on him, and though it lacks decorum to admit it, I feel nothing but pure, unadulterated joy about it. I could even say that today’s the happiest day of my life!”

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Roxy couldn’t help but wonder if the man Martha couldn’t possess was Ashton again.

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She already had a hunch, but hearing the confirmation from Martha still caused a sharp pain in her chest. She was full of disbelief, nearly breaking down as she yelled, “I just don’t get it, Martha! What exactly is it about Ashton that compels you to give up on renewing your contract with Summit Media?

“You must realize that while Summit Media will take a hit when our deal expires, your career will also suffer tremendously! How could you endure this mutually destructive outcome? Is it genuinely worth it for Ashton?”

Martha stated firmly, “It’s definitely worth it! It would still be a worthwhile trade even if I have to give up everything!”

She then looked into Roxy’s eyes, feeling completely at ease while asking, “Do you know why I chose Summit Media back then, even though Summit Media was nothing more than a fledgling company, while I had countless offers from major companies, Roxy?”

“Is it because of Ashton as well?” Roxy murmured, feeling her body drain of all remaining strength. She suddenly recalled the sheer joy she had felt back then when Martha chose to sign with Summit Media. She had embraced and even kissed Ashton amid her joyful laughter.

Ashton, on the other hand, had never once sought recognition for influencing the deal, offering only his congratulations and encouragement.

In that instant, certain scenes she had forgotten replayed in her mind, causing her to feel choked up, and her breath came in short, quick gasps.

“Are you alright, Ms. Sloan?” Anna asked, her voice laced with concern, as she tightened her grip on Roxy to keep her steady.

“I’m fine,” Roxy replied, forcing herself to take several deep, controlled breaths. She pulled herself back from the brink of collapse, finally fixing a look of profound, complex emotion upon Martha and Ashton.

“Did Ashton help you before this, Martha?” Roxy asked in a weary tone, as if she had already accepted the

outcome.

Martha nodded in assent.

“Do you like Ashton?” Roxy asked before hesitating for a moment.

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