Page 57 of The Hollywood Switch-up

Erika rounded the corner, head bent over her script. She glanced up, stumbled half a step backward. “Oh—hello.”

Isabelle’s eyes narrowed as they traveled from Erika's messy bun to the pen still clutched in her hand, ink smudged across two fingers where she'd been marking up her script.

“Anneliese.” Isabelle cocked her head. “How . . . unexpected. The woman who set fire to The Chateau pool cabana is usually louder than this.” She closed the distance. “The studio has invested considerably in you. I’d hate to see that . . . compromised.”

Erika swallowed hard. Then her chin lifted. “The studio’s investment is safe,” she said. “I always deliver.” She held Isabelle’s gaze, one beat, two, then slipped around the corner.

Isabelle watched her go, calculation flickering across her face. Then she turned back to Stefan. “Keep your eyes open. And keep them where they belong.” Her heels struck a slow rhythm as she disappeared into the evening.

He scrubbed his face. Joder. His phone was out before he’d consciously grabbed it.

Boss Man:

Dig up everything on Martin Blackwell. Complaints. NDAs. Anyone who left his productions under strange circumstances.

Boss Man:

Isabelle hinted at ugly history. I want to know what she knows.

He stalked the perimeter of the pool. His phone vibrated.

Alex M.:

On it. Also, you’re trending. #Stennalise is everywhere. That pier jump hug is everywhere.

Of course it was.

Alex M.:

And heads up, Bradley Smart was spotted in Malibu.

Boss Man:

So? The guy lives in the hills.

Alex M.:

He’s been hanging around a private wellness retreat. One that’s strictly off-grid. If he’s sniffing around there, the paparazzi are going to start asking why. They don’t have the scent yet, but Bradley is basically a neon sign for the press.

Boss Man:

Bradley’s a problem.

Alex M.:

Bigger issue. Bradley’s in Malibu, and you're both supposedly camped out with ‘Anneliese.’ Two places at once isn’t a rumor problem—it’s a math problem.

Alex M.:

Stefan. How is Anneliese in Malibu with Bradley Smart when she’s supposed to be stuck out there filming with you?

Stefan stared at the screen.

Alex M.:

Stefan.

Boss Man: