Ruby gave a small smile, silently enjoying how things were unfolding. "I will," she said. "Thank you for the opportunity."
Sylvia smiled warmly at Ruby, her tone soft but persuasive. "Miss Ruby, if you could reconsider my offer, you wouldn’t have to worry about travel expenses. I’ve arranged luxurious accommodations for all staff. The shooting will take five months, so staying nearby will make things easier for you."
Ruby shook her head firmly. "Sorry, Miss Sylvia, but I can’t agree to that. I have responsibilities back home."
Sylvia’s brows furrowed slightly. "Can you think about it again, Miss Ruby? I really don’t want to lose your talent."
Ruby crossed her arms lightly, her expression thoughtful. "I appreciate the offer, but I can’t commit to staying here. However, if you finish shooting scenes in advance, I can come on weekends to work on editing and post-production. I don’t take much time to get things done."
Sylvia pondered her words, tapping her fingers lightly on the table. Ruby’s reasoning was solid. The movie was long, and they needed parts edited quickly for timely progress. With Lyra’s team lagging behind, Ruby’s efficiency was a boon.
"Alright," Sylvia agreed. "You can come on weekends, but you’ll need to dedicate your full time on those days. We’ll discuss the terms and conditions, and I’ll have the lawyer prepare the contract today."
Ruby nodded. "That sounds fair."
Sylvia instructed Ara to prepare a contract with their trusted lawyer, and after finalizing the details, the two witches stepped out of the tent. Lyra and her team paused mid-conversation, their attention caught by the sight of Sylvia walking alongside Ruby, speaking earnestly.
Sylvia’s sharp eyes immediately landed on Lyra. "Lyra! Apologize to Miss Ruby for disrespecting her earlier," she commanded in a no-nonsense tone.
Lyra’s expression darkened, and her hands clenched at her sides. "But Director—"
"No buts!" Sylvia snapped, her voice cutting through the murmurs around them. "I won’t tolerate such behavior in my team. Apologize. Now."
Lyra clenched her fists, her pride clearly taking a hit. She glanced at her friends, hoping for some kind of backup, but they all avoided her gaze, unwilling to challenge Sylvia.
Taking a deep breath, Lyra finally muttered, "I’m sorry." Her voice was barely audible, and her eyes didn’t meet Ruby’s.
Sylvia narrowed her eyes. "Louder, Lyra. Say it like you mean it."
Lyra gritted her teeth but managed to say, louder this time, "I’m sorry, Miss Ruby."
Ruby tilted her head slightly, her red eyes gleaming as she watched Lyra squirm. After a pause, she said, "Apology accepted. Just remember, actions speak louder than words. Next time, judge me by my work, not my appearance."
Sylvia nodded approvingly, while Lyra’s face burned with embarrassment.
"Good," Sylvia said, her tone softening. "Let this be a lesson to everyone here. Respect isn’t just given—it’s earned. And Miss Ruby has more than proven herself today."
The other team members exchanged glances, a mixture of guilt and admiration flickering in their eyes.
After hours of waiting, Ara finally returned with the contract. Ruby took her time to read through it carefully, scanning each clause and detail. When she reached the section about the salary, she paused.
’10 gems per hour,’ Ruby muttered under her breath, calculating quickly. ’If I work a full day, that’s 240 gems. And if I only work weekends, I can earn 480 gems easily.’
Her eyes glinted with satisfaction as she realized this would amount to four notes in no time.
Satisfied, Ruby signed the contract, her neat and elegant handwriting catching Sylvia’s attention.
Sylvia couldn’t help but comment, "Your handwriting is beautiful. I haven’t seen anyone write so well in a long time."
Ruby glanced at her briefly and nodded. "Thank you."
Sylvia smiled, clearly pleased. "Alright then, everything is set. You can leave for now, Miss Ruby."
"Thank you, ma’am," Ruby replied politely. She gathered her belongings and headed out of the tent.
As she was walking away, she noticed Lyra following her. She frowned but said nothing, continuing until they reached a quiet corner.
Suddenly, Lyra’s voice rang out, filled with venom. "You humiliated me so much! Don’t think I’ll let you get away with it!" she shouted, her face twisted with anger.
Ruby stopped in her tracks and turned around slowly, her expression cold and Sharp. She walked toward Lyra, her every step radiating confidence and danger.
"W-what are you doing?" Lyra stammered, stepping back instinctively as Ruby approached.
Ruby tilted her head slightly, her sharp gaze piercing through Lyra. "What am I doing? I should be asking you that. Why are you following me?"
"You think you’re so great just because Director Sylvia praised you?" Lyra spat, trying to regain her footing. "You’re nothing but a showoff!"
Ruby smirked, her voice calm but cutting. "A showoff? No, Lyra. I let my work speak for itself. If you’re upset about your own incompetence, don’t blame me."
Lyra’s fists clenched, her face red with anger. "You got lucky! That’s all!"
Ruby chuckled softly, the sound dripping with disdain. "Luck? Do you think luck edits scenes, perfects angles, and delivers results? No, Lyra. That’s called skill. Something you clearly lack."
Lyra froze, her bravado crumbling under Ruby’s confidence.
Ruby leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Next time, focus on improving yourself instead of trying to bring others down. You might actually achieve something."
Without waiting for a response, Ruby straightened up and turned to leave. But before walking away, she glanced over her shoulder and added, "Oh, and Lyra? Don’t waste my time with petty tantrums again."
Lyra stood rooted to the spot, her face pale and her confidence shattered. She watched helplessly as Ruby walked away, her white hair swaying with each step.
"Do you want to take revenge?" a sudden voice broke the silence.
Lyra turned sharply, her eyes narrowing at the figure who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.
"What? Who are you?" she demanded, her tone cautious and unsure.
"I am someone who can help you get your revenge," the figure replied, a sly smile curling on his lips.
—To be continued...🪄