Rebirth: The New Bride Wants A Divorce-Chapter 308: You still haven’t learned

Meanwhile, inside the private booth of the restaurant, Roseline and Ester sat across from each other, the air between them taut with unspoken hostility. Their gazes clashed—cold, sharp, and unyielding.

"I knew you’d come," Ester said calmly, leaning back in her chair with deliberate ease. A faint, mocking smile played on her lips. "I just didn’t expect you to rush here so quickly. Looks like my warning worked after all, Roseline."

Roseline’s fingers tightened around her glass. Fury burned behind her eyes, but she kept her expression composed. A woman like Ester was beneath her attention—or so she told herself. Yet the words Ester had spoken on the phone were impossible to ignore.

"You think far too highly of yourself," Roseline shot back. "I’m not here because you threatened me. I’m here to see what pathetic trick you’re trying to pull next."

Despite having barely survived a deadly attack, Roseline’s tongue remained as sharp as ever. Ester’s lips twitched at the insult, but she didn’t rise to it.

"At least I’m not a liar, Roseline," Ester replied evenly. "I don’t build my success by ruining other people’s lives."

Roseline stiffened. Ester might not hold power the way she once did, but she knew exactly where to press to keep Roseline on edge.

"What are you talking about?" Roseline demanded, though her pulse had already begun to quicken.

Her mind flashed back to the call.

If you don’t come, I’ll have no choice but to bring up the past you’re so desperate to hide.

The Bennetts and the Stewards had once been close—close enough to know each other’s secrets. But there was one particular part of that past Roseline had buried so deep that even speaking of it felt dangerous.

Ester leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping just enough to carry menace. "Relax. I haven’t said anything yet."

Yet.

"And I won’t," she continued, "as long as you remember one thing."

Roseline’s eyes hardened. "Which is?"

"That some ghosts don’t stay buried forever."

Ester’s eyes turned cold as she leaned in, lowering her voice to a whisper meant only for Roseline. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"I know what you did back then to get yourself into Hugo’s life."

The words hit Roseline like ice water.

Her entire body went rigid, lips twitching ever so slightly before she forced her expression back under control.

"So," Ester continued, her eyes gleaming with dark satisfaction, "if you don’t want that past dragged out in front of Hugo, you’ll tell Daniel to spare my husband’s business."

A slow smirk curved Ester’s lips as she watched the color drain from Roseline’s face.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about," Roseline snapped, denying it on instinct.

Ester laughed—soft, humorless. "I know you do."

Her smile vanished just as quickly, replaced by a chilling calm.

"So do as I say," she warned, "before you lose everything."

This time, Roseline couldn’t mask it. The silence that followed spoke louder than any denial.

Because she knew— Ester knew far more than she ever should have.

***

Today marked the last day of the shoot, and the filming wrapped up on a high note.

"You all did an excellent job," Wilsmith announced, clapping his hands as the crew gathered around. "Now let’s head toward celebrating the success of this film."

Anna smiled, congratulating the cast and every crew member she passed. Just as she was about to leave, Wilsmith called her over.

"You have a long way to go, Anna," he said thoughtfully, making her frown in confusion. "But I’m going to be a little selfish once again."

She looked at him, puzzled.

"I’ve sent Kevin another script I’m working on," Wilsmith continued, "and I want you as the lead."

Anna froze, completely speechless.

Wilsmith had been patient with her throughout the shoot, even with all the unwanted attention and complications she brought along. Yet here he was, wanting to work with her again.

"Director Wilsmith," Anna said carefully, "may I ask you something?"

He nodded. "Go on."

"Was it Daniel who wanted you to cast me?" she asked quietly.

The smile on Wilsmith’s face faded, but the steadiness in Anna’s gaze left him no room to evade the question.

"H–how did you find out?" he asked, and that alone was answer enough.

Anna smiled in disbelief. "I guessed. With the way you’ve supported me all along."

Wilsmith laughed, shaking his head. "You’re wrong there, Anna. Yes, Mr. Clafford wanted me, and having him as the producer was the only way this film could happen." He paused, his expression turning serious. "But I chose you because of your talent—because of how real you are on screen."

He met her eyes, sincerity clear in his voice. "As for supporting you, I’m old enough to know what’s right and what’s wrong. I don’t back people without reason."

Anna felt something warm settle in her chest—pride, gratitude, and the quiet reassurance that she had earned her place.

Wilsmith congratulated her once again before excusing himself to speak with other members of the crew.

Anna smiled to herself and turned to leave—only to stop short when she found Fiona standing directly in her path.

For a moment, Anna was taken aback by the way Fiona’s eyes were fixed on her, sharp and unblinking. Then Fiona stepped closer.

"So," she said coldly, "you did lure Mr. Clafford to get this role."

Anna frowned slightly.

Here we go again.

"If you were eavesdropping," Anna replied evenly, "you should’ve heard everything properly, Fiona. Director Wilsmith clearly said he chose me for my talent."

Fiona let out a short, mocking laugh. "He can say whatever he wants. It doesn’t change the fact that you caught Mr. Clafford’s attention long before this." Her lips curled. "Wasn’t he supposed to marry your sister, according to the rumors? Or were you already sleeping with him behind her back?"

The words were meant to provoke.

Anna’s eyes darkened, a dangerous glint flashing through them—but her expression remained composed. Fiona wasn’t just reckless; she was desperate. And desperation made people say pathetic things.

"You really should be careful with accusations," Anna said calmly. "They tend to reveal more about the person making them than the one being accused."

Fiona stiffened, clearly not expecting that level of restraint.

Anna met her gaze without flinching, her silence far more cutting than any insult she could have thrown back.

"It was you," Fiona hissed, her jaw clenched tight, anger simmering dangerously behind her eyes. "You posted my picture on social media and turned me into a laughing stock."

Anna didn’t look shocked. She didn’t even look surprised.

"Oh," she said calmly, taking a slow step closer, "so you do remember everything."

Fiona’s breath hitched, but Anna didn’t stop.

"Didn’t you want me there in the first place?" Anna continued evenly. "You called me again and again. For the sake of that so-called friendship we once had, I came to pick you up."

Fiona’s fists tightened at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as Anna’s composure only fueled her rage.

"So you took revenge on me," Fiona snapped, "for what I tried to do to you?"

Anna’s brows lifted, her expression feigning mild surprise. "So you’re admitting you were behind everything?"

That did it.

Fiona’s silence screamed louder than any confession.

"But you still haven’t learned, have you?" Anna said softly, her voice dropping as she leaned closer. "One wrong move, Fiona. Just one—and it started your family’s downfall."

She tilted her head, her words barely above a whisper. "Stop. Before it’s too late."

Anna straightened, stepping back with an almost gentle smile.

"I don’t care what you say, Anna," Fiona snapped. "I’ll make sure you face the consequences."

Her pride wouldn’t let her back down—not now.

"Then I have nothing more to say," Anna replied with a shrug. Without sparing Fiona another glance, she walked past her.

Fiona stood there, seething, her nails biting into her palms.

She knew she had been reckless—bringing the media onto the set had been a mistake. Her father would despise her for everything that followed. But losing wasn’t an option.

She couldn’t lose.

There was only one move left.

Fiona’s jaw set as a dangerous resolve took hold.

She needed to speak to Daniel in person.

With that thought in mind, she quickly excused herself from the wrap-up party.

***

Anna had barely taken a few steps when she came to an abrupt halt.

Ethan stood right in front of her, arms crossed, a faintly amused smile playing on his lips.

"Aren’t you going to congratulate me?" he asked.

Anna stared at him for a second before letting out a slow sigh. She had a lot to ask him, and Ethan, having observed her reaction, realized it wasn’t the right time to be with her.

Before Ethan could even comprehend what was happening, Anna grabbed his arm and dragged him away from the crowd, steering him toward a secluded corner.

"Alright," she said sharply the moment they were alone, "how long have you and Daniel been working together?"

The directness caught him off guard—but only for a second.

It didn’t take Ethan long to connect the dots. A slow, knowing smile crept onto his face as realization dawned.

So Daniel finally pushed me under the bus to save himself.