Chapter 35
At that moment a stunned silence followed.
Samuel didn’t move. He didn’t speak. He just stood there—his hands twitching slightly by his sides, his throat tightening with regret.
In his mind, a thousand thoughts swirled, Why didn’t I keep quiet? Why didn’t I let her introduce herself first?
Why did I assume? Now, looking at Cora... really looking at her—he saw what he hadn’t before. The poise. The grace. The authority that wrapped around her like a tailored suit. She wasn’t just powerful; she was extraordinary. A woman of elegance, class, and command. And he—Samuel Callum, the nation’s beloved actor—had insulted her.
He wanted to hit himself.
If there was one thing he now knew, it was that he didn’t want to lose MK. It wasn’t just about the money. MK had given him structure, backing, a reputation that no other agency could offer. And now, more than ever, he didn’t want to lose her—Cora.
A woman like that was rare. She was the kind of woman a man fought for, not disrespected.
He swallowed hard, then stepped forward. His shoulders slumped slightly, and he formed his voice into something softer, something vulnerable—something almost unfamiliar to everyone in the room.
"I..." he began, then sighed deeply, his tone carrying the weight of guilt. "I apologize. Truly."
Cora remained silent, her eyes unreadable.
"I’m sorry for what just happened," he continued, now sounding like someone who had been cracked open. "And for the way I spoke to you. That wasn’t me. I know it doesn’t excuse it, but... I was angry. Just like my representative said—I’ve been overwhelmed. This new movie role, it’s... it’s pushing me mentally and emotionally, and I guess I let all of that out in the wrong place, at the wrong time."