Grace had hated Helena's background.
But Helena had been docile, obedient, and quiet.
Most importantly, she had never dared to talk back.
Janetta, on the other hand, was arrogant and entirely ungrateful.
"You are Kyle's mother. Shouldn't you focus on raising your own child instead of obsessing over this flashy, superficial world? What, is our family not providing enough money for you?" Grace continued her relentless interrogation.
Janetta sat in stunned silence.
Grace's rapid-fire scolding left her completely humiliated and out of excuses.
Without waiting for a reply, Grace hung up.
Janetta stared at the darkened screen in disbelief.
The van cruised down the highway toward the film set.
A tidal wave of toxic resentment completely swallowed her whole.
Meanwhile—
Helena watched the entire drama unfold through the rearview mirror.
Her WhatsApp notification pinged.
It was Rory.
Rory was one of her few real friends, though Helena had vanished from her life completely after faking her own death.
It wasn't until she woke up in Coralia that she learned Rory was still alive.
Rory's own disappearance had been tied to a messy, complicated romantic entanglement.
When they finally reconnected, Helena discovered she had been entangled with Beau Sterling.
Sebastian's best friend.
She had known Beau was a wealthy Coralian heir with a complex family and a wife.
She just never realized the wife was Rory.
Rory: [You're in Riverton? I just got back. I was thinking we should grab dinner.]
Helena: [I'm flying back in a few days.]
Rory: [I saw the news. Lena, are you really going to keep your identity a secret from him forever?]
Helena: [Where's the fun in ruining the surprise? I'll reveal it when the time is right.]
Rory: [Sebastian is dangerous. Don't underestimate him.]

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