Chapter 182: Battle Worn

Laura “I… look, I’ve been in this business longer than you’ve been alive, kid. Richard? He’s not my first rodeo. But there are some people you just know to stay the hell away from, and these people are that kind. It’s not just ‘these people’—it’s a ‘she’ and the whole team of troublemakers behind her. Cassandra, bless her heart, came up with the idea, and I knew she didn’t mastermind it alone. Honestly, she’s not as brilliant as she likes to think. Sure, Richard isn’t perfect, but you know how this world works nowadays. People flock to the pitiful-looking girl and ignore the guy. I’d have been ruined if I didn’t play along. The truth about what I did with Richard was bound to come out sooner or later, so I figured I’d lay low, stay out of the spotlight, and align myself with the winning side. And let’s face it, staying with the losers never did anyone any favors. So here I am, riding the wave of whichever side promises the least amount of mess.” I closed my eyes, trying to keep my fr