Chapter 4 Severed Ties with the Pitts

"Oh! We can discuss that," Richard said, first addressing the Pitts. He then turned to Demi and asked, "What did you just say?" "Just lend me your pen, and I'll sign it," Demi repeated calmly. The Pitt family looked at her. They wanted to ask her if she was really going to sign it so casually. Did she even understand the contract? "Here." Richard handed her his pen. Richard was actually somewhat surprised by Demi's decisiveness. Even though she was currently a minor celebrity, she had just finished working on a film with Matt. Once the movie was released, her status would rise. Shouldn't she at least negotiate for better terms? Their program usually started out with a low offer as they expected the guests to ask for more. Additionally, the initial contracts often included harsh conditions. Perhaps it was because Demi was young and without an agent, and maybe she didn't understand such things. After all, she hadn't even bothered to review the contract. Demi's straightforwardness—or maybe recklessness—stood out even more, especially when compared to Ana. If she ever encountered bad people, she might not even know she was being taken advantage of. Demi took the pen from Richard without hesitation and swiftly signed her name with a few strokes. Daniel finally spoke up after hesitating for a few seconds. He said, "Demi, don't rush to sign it just yet. Give the contract to me, and let me have our lawyer review it." Demi looked up and gazed at Daniel as if he were a lunatic. Then, she lowered her head again and coldly mocked, "What relationship do I have with your family to use your lawyer?" Daniel, Michelle, and the others were all stunned by this. Demi raised her head and sneered at the four of them. She then handed Richard the contract and pen back. Richard quickly flipped through the contract, admiring her nice, elegant signature. He confirmed that all the necessary signatures were there. "Demi, I still need two copies of your ID. Did you bring it with you?" Richard asked. She paused slightly, then apologized, "I'm sorry. My ID and phone were…" Demi was about to say they were lost, but after catching a glimpse of the displeased and resentful expressions on the Pitt family's faces, she changed her words. She continued, "Burned in the fire. I'll get it replaced and send it to you, okay?" Demi thought the Pitts were being utterly ridiculous. She, the victim, had said nothing, yet they looked aggrieved and indignant as if she was the one who locked them in the burning car. Especially Michelle—her gaze made it seem like Demi was some kind of heartless traitor. "Sure," Richard agreed without any further questions. After all, Demi was so straightforward, and he didn't want to seem nitpicky. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now," Demi said as she stood up. "Alright. I'll have someone send you the program's schedule later," Richard told her. "Okay." Demi nodded before turning and striding out of the room. Thomas, who was sitting at the edge of the group, hesitated for a moment before standing up and chasing after her. "Demi!" Thomas caught up with her outside. She didn't even turn her head back as she replied, "Get lost!" Thomas quickened his pace and stopped in front of her. He angrily asked her, "Since you're fine, why didn't you come back? Do you know we thought you… you… Do you know how heartbroken and guilty we've been? Your mom cried so much that her eyes became swollen!" Demi's lips curved slightly into a mocking smile. "You guys were so heartbroken that it took a full day and night before anyone noticed I was missing. If the police hadn't called, I would've been completely forgotten, right? "You would've told them I was just a housekeeper, wouldn't you? And after just a few days, you have the energy to sit here and carefully negotiate Ana's contract with the director." "How did you know about this?" Thomas asked. The Pitt family was shocked, and then they were angered. "So, you really escaped from the car and followed us home, huh? Just because you blame us, you intentionally hid and refused to show your face to make us feel guilty. "Look at how we've been interrogated by the police every single day and how consumed with guilt we were. Are you satisfied now?" "You're truly calculating and malicious. Why can't you learn from Ana and be as simple as her?" Demi snorted. "I'm a Moone, after all. I could never learn the Pitt family's art of 'righteousness before loyalty.' Nor could I learn from Ana how to steal someone else's place and play the innocent victim!" The four Pitts were nearly fuming with rage, but Demi's pointed use of "righteousness before loyalty" clearly referred to how Michelle had deliberately locked the car door during the fire. They dared not press further as they were afraid that Demi would bring it up now. Still, Thomas felt humiliated and lashed out, "Just because we're upset doesn't mean we can't handle other matters!" Demi sneered and coldly said, "Let's reverse the roles. If Ana had been burned alive—or if you thought she had—would you still have the energy to come with me and help me negotiate a contract?" Thomas had nothing to say to that. "Thomas, go back and tell your family this. From now on, the Pitts and I have completely severed ties. We're done, and all the bridges have been burned! If we meet again, we're nothing but strangers!" Demi's expression was dark and looked as icy as a tundra.