Chapter 626

Eleanor met Alberto Patrick’s barb with nothing more than a calm, sidelong glance, as if the woman’s words weren’t even worth acknowledging. Her indifference was sharper than any verbal retort. "You know," Alberto went on with a theatrical sigh, her eyes gleaming with barely concealed mischief, "if you don’t want to go through with this, you could always talk to the production team. Just tell the director you’re quitting. It wouldn’t be the first time a guest dropped out at the last minute." The jab was obvious—an open invitation to walk away, neatly disguised as friendly advice. Her comment rippled through the group like a pebble dropped into still water. The male guest standing nearby kept his silence, though his glance toward Eleanor hinted at curiosity. The female guests exchanged loaded looks, their eyes bright with unspoken speculation. In truth, Susan’s departure wouldn’t be ideal for anyone here. She was one of the biggest talking points on Heartbeat Moment—a living, breathing