Mia scoffed bitterly, running her fingers through her hair as she scrolled through her phone. The article about her felt like a punch to the gut. Just how low can you go, Zachary? she thought, lips pressing into a thin line.

"I should've known Zachary was behind this," Mia muttered, shaking her head with a humorless laugh. "I'll deal with him myself," she declared, standing abruptly.

"Mia," Maya's hand caught her wrist, halting her. Maya's calm gaze clashed with Mia's fiery determination. "Let me handle this," her manager said softly. "You have a taping scheduled, and the last thing we need is for you to end up in another scandal."

Mia laughed sharply, the sound laced with frustration. "Maya, do you really think this isn't a scandal?" she snapped, her fists clenching at her sides. "He's my ex-husband, for crying out loud! Why is he still hovering around, waiting for my downfall?"

Maya sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "That's exactly what he wants, Mia. He wants you to lose control, to act impulsively. Don't give him that satisfaction."

But Mia wasn't listening. She stormed toward the door, determination etched on her face. Maya called after her, but before Mia could reach the handle, Ashley stepped in front of her, blocking the exit.

Mia glared at Ashley, who raised a calm, unyielding brow. "Move," Mia ordered firmly.

Ashley crossed her arms. "Not happening," she replied, her tone low but resolute.

"What do you think you're doing?" Mia demanded, trying to push past her.

Ashley's hands shot out, gently but firmly grasping Mia's arms. "Stopping you from making a mistake," she said, her voice steady. "You're letting that article get under your skin."

"You don't understand!" Mia hissed, shaking her arms in a futile attempt to break free. "You have no idea what it's like!"

"Maybe I don't," Ashley admitted, her sharp gaze locking onto Mia's. "But I do know this isn't the right way to handle it. Take a deep breath. Think."

Mia glared daggers at her. "If you don't move, I swear I'll kick your ass."

Ashley smirked, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "I'm not scared of you kicking my ass, sugarplum. But this?" She gestured at the tension radiating off Mia. "This isn't you. Don't stoop to his level. You're better than this."

Mia rolled her eyes. "Move," she said, her tone firm as she shoved Ashley aside.

Stunned but amused, Ashley chuckled softly, watching as Mia reached for the doorknob. Before Mia could pull it open, Ashley grabbed her wrist and pinned her against the door in one swift motion.

Mia's eyes widened as her breath hitched. She glanced nervously over Ashley's arm, checking for Maya's reaction. "What the hell are you doing?!" she hissed under her breath, her voice sharp but tinged with unease.

Ashley leaned in slightly, her voice low but steady. "You're being stubborn, Mia," she said. "Stop it before you make things worse. I don't want you getting hurt in the process, so just—calm down."

Mia let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine!" she snapped, cheeks flushing in frustration. "But could you at least not pin me to the door?" she added, her voice softening as she pushed lightly against Ashley's arm.

"Good," Ashley said with a smirk, stepping aside without a hint of apology.

Mia straightened her clothes, shooting Ashley a glare before stomping back to the couch. She plopped down, crossing her arms with a dramatic huff.

Maya blinked at the scene, her confusion clear. "Are you good now?" she asked carefully.

"Yeah," Mia grumbled, slouching into her seat. "That so-called bodyguard wouldn't even let me leave." She threw Ashley a pointed look.

Ashley laughed, unbothered. "Just doing my job, little superstar," she said, her voice laced with playful teasing.



Mia shut her eyes and gently slapped her cheeks, trying to focus on her script. She scanned the lines one last time before the floor director guided her to her position for the scene—a tense standoff set in an open forest field.

Taking a deep breath, Mia centered herself. When the director called "Action!" she snapped into character, her focus locked on her co-actor as their confrontation unfolded.

The tension of the scene was suddenly interrupted by chaos.

"Stop! Stop!" the director shouted, running toward a commotion in the distance.

Mia froze, her instincts kicking in as she followed the director's line of sight. Her blood ran cold when she saw her manager, Maya, held hostage by a man with a knife pressed against her neck.

"Maya!" Mia screamed, dropping the prop she was holding as she bolted forward.

Before she could take another step, two familiar figures stepped in her path.

"Here I thought you had secured the area," Ashley snapped at Natalie, irritation flashing across her face.

"Don't come closer, or I'll kill her!" the man roared, his arm tightening around Maya's throat.

"Drop your weapon!" Natalie commanded, pulling her gun and aiming at the man.

"Everyone, back away!" Ashley called out, her voice calm but firm as she ushered the crew and extras away. "We'll handle this. Just move back."

"You drop that gun, or this woman dies!" the man barked, pressing the blade harder against Maya's neck.

Clicking her tongue, Ashley sighed. She placed a hand on Natalie's gun, lowering it gently. "This isn't going to work. Let me handle him," she said.

"But—"

"I've got this," Ashley said firmly, removing her gun and handcuffs and raising her hands in surrender. "Everyone, drop your weapons," she commanded.

Ashley approached slowly, her movements deliberate. "Sir," she began, her tone calm and measured, "let the woman go. Tell me what you need, and I'll do my best to help you."

The man laughed harshly. "How could someone like you help me? Don't make me laugh!" He tightened his grip on Maya, the knife glinting dangerously.

"Don't!" Ashley said sharply, stopping in her tracks. "Look, I'm unarmed. Just release her, and we'll figure something out."

The man's eyes darted around, scanning the authorities closing in on him. "Either you let her go and work with me," Ashley said, her voice steady, "or these officers will take you down—and it won't end well for you."

The man hesitated, his grip faltering slightly. "Swap her with me," Ashley offered, stepping closer. "You can hold me instead. Just let her go."

The man's lips curled into a grin. "Fine," he sneered. But as Ashley stepped forward, he yanked Maya back, his deranged laughter echoing. "Don't think I'm stupid, officer!"

Ashley froze, her jaw tightening. "What do you want, then?"

The man's eyes glinted with madness as he scanned the crowd. "Bring me the actress—Mia Tran! She comes to me, or this woman dies."

Mia's breath hitched as all eyes turned toward her.

"Is that what you want?" Ashley asked, her voice dangerously calm. "What do you plan to do with her?"

The man laughed again, his voice unhinged. "I'll make her my wife!"

Ashley's jaw dropped. "Is this guy insane?" she muttered under her breath.

Mia clutched her chest, ready to step forward, but Natalie grabbed her arm. "What are you doing?" Natalie hissed.

"You heard him," Mia replied, her voice trembling but resolute. "He'll let Maya go if I go to him."

"Are you out of your mind?" Natalie snapped, glaring at her.

"Bring Mia to me, or this woman dies!" the man barked, his voice growing darker as he tightened his grip on Maya.

"Fine," Ashley said, stepping back and turning to Mia. She placed herself directly in front of the actress, her intense gaze locking onto hers.

"I'll take you to him," Ashley said, her voice low. "But..." She leaned closer, her tone almost a whisper. "Remember that move I taught you?"

Mia blinked, her brows furrowing. "You mean—"

"Exactly," Ashley interrupted. "Use it when the time's right. Don't worry, I'll cover you."

Ashley shot Natalie a warning look. "Keep your gun ready, but don't fire until I give the signal. Got it?"

Natalie nodded reluctantly, her grip tightening on her weapon.

Ashley turned back to Mia and held out her hand. "Let's go."

Hesitant, Mia took Ashley's hand, her grip shaky. Ashley gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"I've got you, Mia," Ashley whispered, her voice steady and unyielding.