Reclaiming Her Heart

Ann was sprawled out on the couch, feeling all kinds of groggy when she sensed someone coming into her room.

Selena walked in, looking worried. "I sent you a bunch of messages, but you didn't answer. I got a spare key from the housekeeper. You're still burning up, so I called my doctor to check on you." Ann, even in her feverish haze, knew Selena was just trying to help. She wanted to thank her but her throat was too sore to get any words out. The doctor hooked Ann up to an IV, sticking the needle into the back of her hand.

Selena glanced at Ann, who looked so fragile, and noticed the bruises peeking through her pajamas. Those definitely weren't self-inflicted. Selena couldn't help but think, 'Who is this friend Ann mentioned? She seemed so hesitant last night. That guy must be trouble.'

But since Ann didn't want to talk about it, Selena let it go. It was Ann's business, after all.

Selena ordered some takeout and then got a call from Raymond.

Raymond said, "It was Aria. Nathan's still in the hospital, and Aria ordered it."

Selena already suspected it was Aria and was confused. Wasn't Aria supposed to be locked up? Who let her out?

Selena asked, "Raymond, who let Aria out?"

Raymond replied, "Rachel."

Selena immediately got it. Rachel was probably backed by Tessa. If the Smith family was involved, Selena knew she didn't stand a chance. She lowered her eyes. Raymond asked, "Selena, when are you coming back?"

Selena said, "Ann's got a fever. I'm staying here tonight and won't be back."

She also used this as an excuse to dodge sex tonight; otherwise, she'd be stuck with him again.

Raymond sat on his couch, thought for a bit, and said, "I'll handle Aria for you. I also have a way to deal with Rachel."

In other words, leave it all to him.

"Thanks," Selena said, sensing he wasn't too happy, and quickly added, "I'll make it up to you tomorrow night."

That seemed to calm Raymond down.

After hanging up, Selena felt like she finally had someone in her corner. But it didn't feel right. She should be totally independent.

But with Raymond around, if he couldn't help, he'd get mad. Just like earlier, if she had turned down his help, he would've been upset. Selena sighed. He was just looking out for her.

The next morning, while taking care of Ann, Selena glanced at the news online.

Selena scrolled through her phone and saw several trending topics, all about All Star Entertainment.

#AllStarEntertainmentExecutives UnderInvestigation

#AllStarExecs TakenIn Rachel FacingSevenCharges

#RachelImprisoned Lawyers PredictEightYears

Rachel had tried to use the Smith family's clout to dodge prison and had Aria go after Selena to get on Tessa's good side.

But Raymond had taken care of Rachel, causing All Star Entertainment to crumble. The top ten trending topics were all about the company. High-level execs at All Star were resigning left and right, and artists were scrambling to find new agencies.

Ronald called Selena, sounding super excited. "Ms. Fair, we've taken over all of All Star Entertainment's projects! You and Ann need to come back ASAP; there's a ton of paperwork that needs your attention."Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Selena knew this was a big deal. When they had taken over a quarter of All Star's business, everyone was already swamped. Now, with the whole business, S.M. Corporation's employees wouldn't get a break for the next six months. Feeling pumped, she got up to leave and called a servant to look after Ann.

But Ann was tougher than she looked. As soon as she heard about the company's acquisition, she was dressed and ready in under ten minutes.

Ann said, "Ms. Fair, my fever's gone. Thanks for taking care of me last night. From now on, my life belongs to the company."

Ann wasn't kidding. Selena was the best person she'd ever met.

Ann was super capable but a bit timid, thanks to her parents' oppressive upbringing. After she grew up, Connie kept trying to marry her off, worried Ann would mess up her relationship with Otha.

This made Ann feel really insecure, like she was abandoned. She never dared to contact Frank because he had moved on and started a new family.

Brody used to treat her well, and in her loneliness, Ann clung to him. She picked up a lot of good habits-cleaning the house, organizing clothes, being gentle and kind, not getting too close to other men, and being an excellent cook. But the truth was, if a guy didn't love you, he just didn't, and it had nothing to do with you. Men were more pragmatic than women.