---- Chapter 9 I stepped away to splash water on my face. When I returned, seven or eight studio invitations for representation lit up my notifications. I politely declined: [I've already accepted Mr. Maxwell Zane's offer.] The comments overflowed with support: Mr. Zane's talent paired with your expertise? He'd be unstoppable! ] Rumor says Mr. Zane's prepping for a global tour. With Rosalind onboard, they'll dominate the industry!] Can we acknowledge how Rosalind's talent was wasted on Henry Shepherd? She carried that studio, yet he treated her like a tool. Even the assistants sniped at her.] Remember when Tamara Lee messed up that ---- contract? Dropped a zero in the price? The client nearly died!] [Rosalind, take me with you! I joined Mr. Shepherd's studio to learn from you. Now? I have to work with that bitch!] (Ugh. That Homewrecker wins? I'm done with love.] The last comment was from my journalist friend who had been at the exhibition after-party. She had stayed and witnessed Henry shattering the painting at my feet. Her journalist instincts kicked in, and she secured the surveillance footage on my behalf. Later, she had published my divorce announcement on X along with footage of Tamara's performative antics and Henry's blind rage. It showed that Tamara had staged her own injury. ---- It trended instantly in entertainment circles. She texted me, slightly sheepish: [Rosalind, sorry for the surprise. I gathered this evidence to convince you to leave him, but you vanished from the studio before I could intervene. [Perfect timing, though. Since you've already cut ties with the jerk, let me help you stomp on that scumbag's reputation. No mercy-he and that scheming girl deserve this. [Consider it a trending topic gift from me.] I felt no pity, only vindication. I replied: [Since you've broken the news, why not go all the way? I'm now Maxwell Zane's exclusive agent. [Help me draft a press release for his international exhibition-let's attract some investors!] Her response was instantaneous: [OMG. Maxwell ---- Zane? The devastatingly talented Valmont-Azura painter? He absolutely crushes Henry! You two collaborating will redefine contemporary art!]