Timothy had barely settled into the office when his phone lit up with a call from Sheila. He answered right away.
"Timothy, I need a favor." Sheila's voice was quiet, almost hesitant.
She knew all about Director Smith's casting search. Even living abroad, within the animation industry circle, news traveled fast-there was no way she wouldn't have heard. What truly surprised her was that, after failing to find the right producer overseas, Director Smith was now looking back home.
Timothy could tell from her tone that Sheila had worked up a lot of courage just to make this call.
"Go ahead," he said gently.
"I heard from people in the industry that Director Smith's new animated feature has a critical role still unfilled. He might be coming back here soon to look for an animation producer. I'd sent in my portfolio before, but not for the role he's stuck on. Now that Ines is willing to represent me, I really want to take another shot- see if I can land this role with Director Smith."
"It's good you're ambitious. He's arriving the day after tomorrow-I'll be picking him up. I'll bring it up with him then."
Timothy had been studying overseas since he was young. Back when Mr. Smith was still an unknown director, Timothy had helped fund his very first animated film -largely because Sheila was studying animation herself. Timothy had always been happy to lend a hand to people with genuine passion for the craft.
He hadn't expected Smith to turn out to be such a talent. That debut film had put him on the map, and now Smith was a globally renowned animation director. Because of this, Timothy and Smith shared a longstanding friendship.
There was also another connection-one Timothy had only recently learned about. Smith was of mixed heritage: his mother was once a student Larkin had sponsored through hardship. This trip home was partly to accompany her to celebrate Larkin's seventieth birthday.
Given all this, Timothy figured helping Sheila get a role with Smith wasn't going to be a problem.
"Thank you, Timothy."
"There's no need to thank me. Just focus on your work."
When the call ended, Sheila exhaled deeply. Over the years, every promise
Timothy had ever made her, he'd kept.
Jessica... Don't think you can snag Director Smith's role so easily.
She couldn't help wondering: when Jessica found out the part went to her, thanks to Timothy, what kind of face would she make?
Sheila didn't want to run into Jessica right now. She could already tell that Ines favored Jessica. Whenever Jessica was in the room, Ines's attention was almost entirely on her. If Sheila showed up, she'd just be the awkward third wheel.
So, she ducked into the café next door to wait for Jessica to leave before going to see Ines herself.
After discussing Jessica's shot at Smith's new film, Ines couldn't help but give her a word of encouragement. "Jessica, promise me you'll give it your all. No matter what setbacks you face, don't give up, okay?"
The truth was, Jessica was now Mrs. Lawson. Even if she never worked a day, she could live comfortably for the rest of her life. Ines just didn't want to see Jessica squander her talent.
Hopefully, this chance would help Jessica rediscover her passion for animation and bring her back into the industry.
Ines and Timothy had already talked it over: Sheila would have six months. By the time Jessica finished her work on Director Smith's film, Sheila's window would be up. Maybe, then, Jessica would return to Ines's side.
For someone who cherished talent, letting go of a gifted protégé was simply impossible.
Jessica nodded with determination. It wasn't that she hadn't wanted to come back -her schedule just hadn't allowed it. Now that this rare opportunity had fallen into her lap, she was determined to make the most of it and not let Ines down again. Later, Jessica would need to meet Timothy as well, so she asked Ines for a favor. She opened her suitcase.
Ines's eyes widened at the sight of so much cash. "Jessica, what's all this?"
Jessica wasn't ready to let Ines know about her marriage to Timothy the way it was crumbling from the inside out. She didn't want Ines to worry.
Smiling, Jessica signed, "I sold some of the paper cuttings I made with my grandma. I want to put this money aside for something else. I'd rather Timothy didn't know about it. Would you mind keeping it safe for me?"
Ines raised her brows, suspicion flickering in her eyes. "Jessica, are you hiding something from me?"
Jessica's heart skipped a beat. This was exactly what she'd been afraid of that Ines would press for answers.
To allay Ines's doubts, Jessica explained that she was supporting Carlisle's team. Carlisle's film was nearly finished, but they'd likely need more funding before it wrapped.