Chapter 139

He left those words hanging and strode out of the conference room without looking back.

Tiffany Merouin clicked forward in her ten-centimeter heels, her voice dripping with snark. "Kids these days have no sense of reality. Threatening to terminate contracts over nothing. Does she even have enough to cover a fraction of the breach fee?"

With a sway of her slender waist, she hurried after Derek Langley.

The crowd gradually dispersed.

Only Julian Lombardi remained standing in place.

As Lowell Entertainment's newest top-tier celebrity, fresh off landing the male lead in "River Banquet," he was riding high on his success.

"Scarlett," he drawled, sauntering toward her. "Must you make such a scene?"

Scarlett shot him a frigid glare. "Get lost."

"Still so fiery?" He chuckled, unfazed. "I'm only giving you friendly advice, for old times' sake."

Her fists clenched.

Nails dug deep into her palms.

They had been university sweethearts once, the golden couple everyone envied.

Until he'd hooked up with Derek's niece.

"Karma will come for you," she bit out, each word sharp as a blade.

Julian suddenly leaned in, his whisper brushing her ear. "Heard I got the lead in 'River Banquet'?" His smirk widened. "You'll never catch up to me."

Her pupils constricted.

Melanie Vance quickly pulled her back. "Let's head to the office first."

Julian's taunts chased after them. "Beg me nicely, and maybe I'll throw you a bone—"

Scarlett didn't look back.

The office door shut behind them. Melanie's face was etched with worry.

"Mel," Scarlett said abruptly, "let's resign."

Melanie gave a bitter laugh. "The breach fee isn't small."

For years, Tiffany had bullied them under Derek's protection.

Just as Melanie despaired, Scarlett murmured, "Someone's willing to cover our breach fees."