The Day I Stopped Waiting Was the Day He Started Begging novel Chapter 57

When Madeline arrived at the studio, the photography crew was already there.

She had no desire to burn any bridges. They all worked in the same industry and bumped into each other constantly; odds were they'd have to collaborate again tomorrow. Sparking a messy feud wouldn't do anyone any favors.

So, she sought out the photography crew first.

Coincidentally, this was the exact same crew that had shot a cover for her magazine a while back.

After asking around, Madeline learned they were shooting a promotional cover for another fashion publication. The theme for the season was "Her Story," an episodic feature focusing on female perspectives.

They were originally scheduled for an outdoor shoot, but today's interviewee suddenly changed her mind, demanding this specific studio because she "loved the vibe."

Madeline listened quietly, then finally said, "I hear you're photographing Mrs. Yates. Has she arrived yet?"

"She'll be here any minute."

"Madeline, maybe you should just book a different studio?"

Madeline's lips curved into a smile.

"Your boss Warren Wallace is here. There are a few things I'd like to say to him personally."

She strode over, flashing a polite smile at the balding man in front of her.

"Mr. Wallace, after all the projects we've done together, I never thought you'd be the type to leave me hanging."

Warren's eyes darted around shiftily.

"Ms. Monroe, what can I say? You just can't compete with someone like Mrs. Yates. No matter how much pride you have, in this industry, if you don't have the backing, this is how it goes."

Though they had no open hostility, Warren was a lonely, aging creep who had thrown explicit and implicit advances at Madeline for months.

After a shoot one day, she had aggressively shut him down with a few savage remarks, and ever since, Warren had held a massive grudge.

"Did Mrs. Yates tell you that herself?"

"Maybe that will cure these delusions of grandeur some women have. Not just anyone can take the title of Mrs. Yates."

Madeline stared at the triumphant gleam in Felicity's eyes with a half-smile.

"Felicity, I'm actually incredibly curious to see if York shows up for you today."

Felicity beamed back with a sugary smile.

Just then, Madeline's phone buzzed. She frowned and pulled it out.

Seeing the name flashing on the screen, she tapped to answer with a surge of amusement.

The video call connected instantly, and York looked mildly surprised.

"You answered fast, Ms. Monroe. Do you have my alerts set to high priority, or were you just waiting by the phone for me to call?"