Chapter 163

“James, would you hate me for complaining to her?” Amelia looked at him with pitiful eyes, her lashes already moist like she was about to burst into tears. Classic acting switch—cry on demand, total pro move. James let out a low chuckle. “She’s your friend. Talking to her about how you feel isn’t weird.” Then his voice softened, almost too gentle. “Just… maybe don’t start drama with Maria again? It’ll mess up the whole filming schedule. Kevin doesn’t have a chill button. Next time he’ll blow up, and I won’t be happy either.” That calm tone made Amelia’s skin prickle. A cold shiver ran up her spine. He wasn’t warning her out of concern for her—it was all about Maria. Even if Rachel Collins went up against Maria and probably wouldn’t win, James clearly didn’t want Maria caught in any more mess. As the car rolled through the quieter part of town, the packed buildings gave way to wide, spaced-out homes. The road was lit up, but barely anyone was around. This was North City’s rich people zo