"Let's cut the act and get straight to the point. I've already signed with another publisher. That bestseller, 'Seven Days', that you've seen making the rounds? Yeah, that's their work. So, a renewal with you is off the table. Let's part ways on a good note, for old times' sake."

"Part on a good note?" Nadine scoffed, dropping her pretense, "Just like that, you're walking away? And who's going to make up for my losses?" "Losses? What losses?" Madge couldn't believe her ears.

"All the money I poured into bringing you over, a whole decade, Madge. Ten years and not a single hit book from you. Then, the moment you switch publishers, you strike gold? Are you trying to rub it in my face?"

"Was it my choice not to write? You were the one rejecting all my ideas, never giving me a chance to publish. How many book proposals did I submit to you over these ten years? Did you even count? All shot down! How was I supposed to produce a bestseller or a masterpiece under those conditions?"

"You-"

"And let's not forget the signing bonus. Yes, you did pay a hefty sum, but that also tied me down for ten years. You've been managing the rights to my old books all this time, haven't you? You know exactly how much you've made off of them."

Nadine's gaze flickered, guilty. How could she have known about the old book rights?

"It's got you wondering how I found out, huh? I've had a lawyer go over the contract. You sneakily added a clause about managing the rights to my old books without making it clear before having me sign."

"Ha... So what now? You want to dredge up the past? Had your lawyer look into it, I see. Guess you've been guarding against me for a while." "Say what you will, I could overlook the past, but from now on, please, leave me be."

Madge stood up, clearly indicating it was time for Nadine to leave.

Nadine laughed coldly, standing up as well, "Oh, so we're drawing a line here? Too bad, I don't agree!"noveldrama

"On what grounds? Our contract has expired."

"Then let's renew it."

"You're being unreasonable! My home is no longer open to you, please leave "

With that, Madge turned and headed for her study.

Nadine followed, "Think climbing up the social ladder lets you ditch me? Dream on!"

"Leave, now—"

"I'm not going anywhere today! What are you going to do about it?!"

Madge had never seen someone so shamelessly stubborn, infuriated she reached for her phone: "You

won't leave? Fine, then I have ho

choice but to call the police!

Q.UMS

As she dialed 911, Nadine lunged for the phone.

Amidst their struggle, they barged into the study.

Nadine's eyes immediately locked

onto

the

laptop on the desk, cleane

in the midst of writing something.

swno

Curious and defiant, Nadine pushed past Madge, determined to see what "masterpiece" could be written for another editor but not under her guidance.

Madge's face paled, "What are you doing-"

"A new book, huh? Scared of a little peek?"

Madge rushed to intercept, but Nadine was quicker.

"Put my laptop down!" Panic set in for Madge.

All her drafts were on that laptop, and she hadn't backed up this morning's work...

Seeing Madge so flustered, Nadine hoisted the laptop above her head.

"Working on a new book, are we? Let's see how you manage without this!"

"No, please"