She spoke in a faint, almost pitiable voice as she tried to explain herself.
âMadam, honestly, I had no idea how the power went out. The whole house was plunged into darkness, and I was just⦠scared. Itâs a natural instinct, you know?â
She kept on explaining, her voice laced with desperation. It was evident that she understood the influence Alyssa held; if she willed it, she could make life in the industry unbearable for her. And she wasnât about to let all her hard work go down the drain.
Waiting for the day she would become Mrs. Howard, plotting sweet revenge on the old bat.
âGiselle, do you really take me for a pushover? You think I didnât do my homework before coming here?â
Alyssa paced slowly towards the main switch, her steps measured and deliberate. She reached out, opened a hidden panel, and firmly pulled down a lever.
Instantly, lights throughout the house flickered back to life.
âNow, Giselle, do you have any more excuses youâd like to throw my way?â Alyssaâs voice was icy as she turned to face her. Giselle froze, stunned. âThis⦠this⦠how could this be? Maybe a fuse blewâ¦â
Alyssa chuckled, âGiselle, you come from a respectable family. I know your father once did a favor for Balfour, so Iâd rather not make this unpleasant for either of us. This is your last warning. If thereâs a next time, you can forget about finding another production team willing to work with you. Got it?â
Giselle was intimidated by Alyssaâs grin, âI⦠I understand. You can rest assured and I wonât bother Balfour again!â
She was practically on the verge of swearing an oath.
Of course, Alyssa knew all too well that promises from a woman like Giselle werenât worth much.
Her presence today was merely to assert the stance of the Howard family. If Giselle continued down this path, she shouldnât be surprised when her mercy ran out!
Once Alyssa had left, Giselle let out a sigh of relief, collapsing against the wall on the floor, a mix of defiance and defeat in her slump.
âWhy?!â In a sudden rage, Giselle grabbed a wine glass from the side and hurled it against the wall, âWhy, damn it! All of this should have been mine. Why does Ivy get to swoop in, and why does that old hag get to threaten me?â
Alyssa anticipated that a woman like Giselle wouldnât back down so easily, but the Howard family had been more than fair, giving her two chances already. If she caught her harassing Balfour again, she wouldnât be lenient!
She understood that Balfour was reluctant to cut ties with Giselle, out of respect for her fatherâs past favors. Not wanting her grandson caught in a bind, she decided to play the villain herself!
When Balfour came downstairs to fetch his phone, Alyssa had already deleted those few messages.
Noticing Alyssa was gone, Balfour asked Dean, âWhere did Grandma go?â
Dean waved his hand dismissively, âJust go back up to keep Ivy company. Your grandma had a bit of business to take care of; sheâll be back soon enough!â
Balfour nodded, not particularly concerned âTell Grandma to rest early when she gets back. Iâm heading up.â
Upstairs, Ivy was poring over a script at the head of the bed.
Balfour swept her a glance as he returned, then settled onto the couch and began to work.