CHAPTER 42

"I KNOW ITS A FRAUDULENT REPORT....." Jeannine hissed. Her hair was puffed and she seemed to have been given an overdose of sedatives. Her eyes were blood red as though from sleepless dark nights.

"Because Eleanor never positioned me in the first place. I lied....." she cried and everyone placed their hands on their lips. Whisperes erupted all over the place like a volcano. Hot and filled with fury. I looked at Jeannine, my eyes filled with mist.

I pitied her.

She deserved absolutely everything that she had faced but I know we could have done it some other way.

In front of all these women, her reputation was absolutely tarnished and I knew no one would want to associate with her anymore.

Unfortunately, that's what it took to defeat a rival in the entertainment circle.

"She wronged me dearly and blackmailed me. That was my comeback and am sick of it....." she took a deep breath and continuously blinked. Her mascara had melted and stained her tears black, giving her a very hideous look.

She looked terrible.

We all remained silent when Kelly explained the entire scenario to everyone.

I was against the idea because I didn't want anyone else to know about it.

I didn't want my name getting associated to such scandals ever but this was just inevitable.

"What did you gain?" someone asked.

"But who is this Jeannine? isn't she some infamous star?"

"I know...how could she pick a fight with someone like Eleanor?"

"I heard she's staring in the upcoming movie Chasing Red...."

"The one based on a novel by , Isabella Ronin. What a waste...why pick her?"

"I know right....I heard she didn't even audition for it..."

"Silly girl. A cosy bed was definitely involved....."

"Obviously....she can't even afford to be cast with Daphne Rosen, and here she is as the lead??"

"She should've been cast as Beatrice if you ask me, She'd do just a perfect job...."

"How did she get an invite to Kelly's party anyway??"

"Wise question. She can't even afford an ice cream at a local store...."

"She wasn't invited, she bought the invitation...."

One after another, insulting comments brew from everyone around us. I was surprised by how so much about her people were able to gather in only a few seconds.

I looked at Jeannine and she was looking around; ashamed and coated in pure mortification. She was wet and humbled to lowliness standing in the centre with everyone around her.

She was crying and I felt pity.

As a fellow actress, I knew how much expensive keeping a good reputation was.

Jeannine had gone out of her way but maybe we were a bit harsh.

On the other hand, I understood Kelly. Her background and way she was raised didn't allow her to do such things and having someone ruin it for her was a sin. Total misfortune and obviously wouldn't go unnoticed.

"Briar and Trey.....please dispose the trash...." Kelly snapped her fingers and pointed at Jeannine who looked miserable than a street rat. The two female bouncers appeared and everyone was filled with fright.

They stared at Jeannine , enough to cause her an upset stomach. She looked at me and before I knew it, fast like a flash, I was down on the floor with her on top of me, her hands on my neck.

"This is because of you...I will kill you!!" she shrieked and threw her sharp nails at me like a cat.

In a single grip, she was suspending in the air with her hands and legs moving in every direction.

"This isn't over between us Eleanor....I'll be done with you at all costs....." She continued to scream as the two muscular girls took her away.

The room suddenly became dim and everyone was silent. The incident was traumatizing enough to the point that not even another free Gucci sale would compensate for it.

"Now that the trash's disposed, are you guys ready to party????" Kelly screamed and her first spirit was able to ignite ours.

Everyone was screaming again as if none of that ever happened.

"Thanks your majesty...." I smiled at her and she nodded.

"Kelly is just fine...." she wore a duck face and as the river, flowed away.

I was excited.

With Jeannine out of the way, I'd finally get some time to have some real fun. I was worried that she would ruin the entire function for Kelly but now I knew she was a grown woman and would easily handle a loose thread. I was the rthymn to her melody and the sequence was just thrilling.

"Hey....." Ciara jumped on me and I hugged her tight. She clung to me like a baby and we twirled all over the place. Victory was ours.

"Thankful. She's out of our hair....." Ciara smiled. I was happy she was happy.

"She dare mess with us....." I posed and took a picture. I was feeling confident and so excited.

Exposing Jeannine was what I wished for since the moment I knew her. She was devious and it was written all over her face. Evil really did have many forms and at the moment all I could see was Jeannine.

When her rage sparrows out of control, the whole world gets to suffer for it.

Unbelievable.

Now that she was gone, I was excited. More than happiness could ever be defined.

"I called Griffin a day ago asking for him to find a way out. He said he would trace the root of her money and get back to me...." Ciara whispered. Walls around here had ears and in a breath all of your secrets would be out.

I leaned in so that the words directly target my ears.

"Lady Margaret...that's who you were talking about last time, wasn't she?" I asked plainly and seeding how serious I was, she nodded.

I could tell this was a conversation she wasn't ready for and as usual, I was going to be patient.

"Eleanor...."

"I know you're not ready to talk about it now...whenever you're ready.....am right here...." I smiled and tears formed in her pretty eyes.

She surprise-hugged me and I hugged her back.

"I love you....." she whispered. Her voice trembling and beautiful.

"I love you too...." I replied.

As if seeming to disturb our homosocial intimacy, a combination of elements of pop, doo-wop and soul started of on a low beat. It progressively increased in volume and I realised it was the famous song Marry You by Bruno Mars.

In a hint of perfect timing, the boys finally made it in with the groom, Sven Astride, leading.

There was shrieking among the girls and I could totally understand why. We love them boys and we totally missed them.

I placed my phone in my clutch and decided to look for Adam. With this loud music, a phone call would most certainly not be ideal.

Before I could leave, a tap on my shoulder. I span around and found just that guy staring at me.

I grinned, showing him all my teeth like a Colgate commercial.

"Do you wanna dance???" he bent his head down and offered me his hand.

"Why, I thought you'd never ask...." I placed my hand in his and followed him onto the dance floor.

I looked back at Ciara who waved at me and sent a flying kiss.

I turned back to Adam and having arrived at the dance floor, we let the music take charge as we danced and sang along to the music.