“What’s on your mind?” Simon asked, noticing Hamilton had gone quiet. He slid over and handed him a drink.
Hamilton took the glass and had a sip, but his mind couldn’t help but drift back to that possibility.
If Kristin was his child…
“Have you and Maria already tied the knot?”
Hamilton’s brow tightened as he looked at Simon. “Who told you we got married?”
“You haven’t?” Simon exclaimed, pulling out his phone to check the trending topics. “Look. This is a picture of Maria at an event tonight. She’s wearing a ring on her left ring finger. Everyone online is speculating she’s married, and it’s a top trending story.”
Simon showed him the screen, then scrolled down to reveal several more trending posts about it.
“Your relationship is practically public knowledge, but that doesn’t stop people from talking about you. See, here they’re discussing your family background, saying that if Maria marries you, she’ll be marrying into a true dynasty, set for life as a high-society wife.”
As Simon scrolled, Hamilton also saw a story that brought up his past with Natalie, calling her a socialite outcast.
“The garbage these media outlets are writing these days is unbelievable.”
Simon saw the article about Natalie too. “Yeah, dragging Natalie into your business isn’t cool.”
Just then, one of the heirs from their circle returned from the restroom and leaned in conspiratorially. “Guess who I just saw in the private room next door?”
Simon shot him a look. “Spit it out.”
The heir chuckled. “I saw that old bastard Brian Lee.”
Simon scoffed. “What’s so special about seeing him?”
Natalie offered a polite smile. “I wouldn’t say we’re acquaintances, Mr. Lee. But I’m happy to listen from here.”
Brian’s face hardened. “Still think you’re the old Natalie? Mrs. Amos? Ha! Everyone in our circle knows Hamilton blacklisted you. Honestly, if it weren’t for our past association, I never would have let you on this project. Since I’ve shown you that courtesy, you should know what’s good for you!”
Seeing Brian’s anger, the director frantically gestured at Natalie.
“Ms. Taylor, if we don’t get more funding, the show will have to shut down. Please, just help me out. Take pity on me, will you?”
She knew exactly what kind of man Brian was. The director knew too, yet he was still pushing her to go over and let Brian take advantage of her.
“I have a major scene early tomorrow morning, so I need to get some rest. Please, enjoy the rest of your evening. I’ll be leaving now.” With that, Natalie stood up.
“Ha! You think you can walk out on me and I’ll still let you continue filming?”

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