Meanwhile, Flavia had just finished filming a shampoo commercial when her boss’s message came through.
The writers and investors of *The She-Wolf* had decided to give the final casting choice to Yolene.
Reason: they’d found out Flavia’s face had been “worked on.” It didn’t look as natural as Yolene’s. And, bluntly—she wasn’t as young anymore.
Flavia’s blood surged hot. She grabbed the glass of water her assistant handed her and smashed it onto the floor. The cup exploded into shards. Her assistant froze, wishing she could turn invisible.
Flavia immediately called a friend, voice shaking with fury. “That little slut told the investors I’m old. That I’ve had surgery. I cannot lose *The She-Wolf*. I’m going for an Oscar!”
On the other end, the woman sighed lazily. “Have you seen Yolene’s latest post?”
“What post? I blocked her ages ago,” Flavia spat.
“She’s at Apex’s concert as a special guest. She ran into someone. Want to guess who?”
“I don’t care who—” Flavia snarled. “I’m not here for gossip. I want that bitch out of the industry. I want her dead.”
The woman’s voice stayed calm. “Hank has a new girl. I’m sending you the photos. Look. Something about her face feels familiar.”
Flavia’s rage stalled mid-breath.
Hank had a new woman?
Pain knifed through her chest, sharp and humiliating.
“Who is it? Which actress?”
“Look for yourself.”
Women in their world watched Hank the way scavengers watched a feast—waiting for the moment he might choose them and drag them into a different life.
News of Hank’s “new girlfriend” started spreading in small circles almost immediately.
Flavia forced her expression back into place and opened the photo. It was taken at the concert. Only half the girl’s face showed, blurry at the edge, but her expression—cool, unmistakable—made Flavia’s mouth curve slowly into a smile.
“So Yolene’s been telling people she’s Hank’s new girl?” Flavia asked softly.
“Yeah. Yolene likes him too. She’s probably furious. Like you.”
Flavia’s eyes darkened for a heartbeat—yet her smile stayed.
“No,” she said. “This is good news. *The She-Wolf* is going to be mine.”
---
At first, with the concert’s spectacle and the novelty of young, sculpted bodies onstage, Loyce watched with mild interest.
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