Lana sat in the backseat of the Tesla Model S, feeling frustrated and annoyed as she watched the houses and bushes pass by in rhythm with the car's pace.
She had argued with Mike about the extravagance of the car, but like had insisted it was the only remaining low profile vehicle in the mansion.
Mike pulled up in front of a store called "La'porch Fashion and Clothing Stores".
Lana reluctantly got out, gazing at the large store with Mike following obediently.
"Miss Baldwin , the boss said to buy clothing you know would be useful," Mike stated.
Lana's hands stilled as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Her thoughts turned to Liam, how is he fairing, she knew Nicholas had his eyes on him, and he must be doing fine, Afterall Nicholas is not the type to go back on his words.
"Mike," she began, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Can you do me a favor?"
"I'd be happy to, Miss Baldwin as long as it doesn't involve breaking any of the boss's rules, or helping you escape " Mike replied, his tone wary but his eyes soft with concern.
Lana hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"I was wondering if you could do me the kindness of delivering some clothes to Liam when I'm finished here"
Mike nodded solemnly. "I understand, Miss Baldwin. I'll do what I can."
Lana's smile grew, her shoulders visibly relaxing at Mike's promise.
She turned her attention back to the clothes, this time with a renewed focus, and began carefully selecting items with Liam in mind.
For the next three hours, Lana carefully selected items that she knew Liam would love.
A pair of shoes he would love, a shirt in his favorite color, and a few accessories that would make him smile.
As the hours passed, Mike's arms became laden with bags and bags of clothing.
With Mike's arms full of bags, they made their way towards the exit of the store.
Lana's step was light, her heart soaring at the thought of reconnecting with her brother, even if it was only through a package.
But just as they reached the door, a snide, all-too-familiar voice stopped them in their tracks.
"Well, well, look who's here," it said, the tone dripping with sarcasm.
Lana's breath caught in her throat as she turned to see Betty standing there, her face twisted in a smirk.
Betty morris was Lana's classmate , and the daughter of her late mother's friend.
They be been at each others neck since they were small.
Even after Lana's mother's death , when she had to drop out of school to provide for her brother and her useless father, and became an actress, Betty makes sure she's also signed by the same company as Lana.
"What again? You took a loan to buy all these clothes?" Betty asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Lana clenched her teeth in anger. "Betty, can you just stop being nosy? It's none of your business!"Betty scoffed.
"Oh, I forgot you're now warming mr Anderson's bed,I heard your father ran away , leaving you, with an hefty Amount of loan" Betty continued, her voice rising as her face twisted into a sneer.
"You're just a prostitute, that's what you are."
Lana's face went red, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.
"Who I sleep with has nothing to do with you," she countered, her voice quivering with anger.
"And my private matters should remain private, we aren't families Betty"
She turned to leave, but Betty grabbed her arm, stopping her in her tracks.
"Have you no shame or pride at all?" Betty hissed, her voice dripping with venom.
"You're even feeling good about being a prostitute and a failure!" Betty spat, her face now flushed with rage.
"What makes you any better than those actresses who sleep with directors to get ahead? You're nothing but a cheap whore!"
Lana's tears spilled over as she turned to face Betty, her eyes blazing with anger.
"You don't know what you're talking about," she said, her voice rising to match Betty's.
"Not everyone is like you. You sleep with every sleazy director in town just to get ahead, but I'm not like that. I'm sleeping with my boyfriend." Lana paused.
"At least I know who I'm sleeping with," Lana continued, her voice growing colder and more confident with every word.
"What about you, Betty? Are you dating all those pot-bellied old men you sleep with?"
The other shoppers in the store started to murmur, their eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before them.
Betty's face reddened in embarrassment, and she stammered for a moment, unable to think of a response.
Lana seized the opportunity, her voice now loud and clear. "Maybe I am a whore."
"But at least I have the decency to know who I'm sleeping with," Lana said, a hint of satisfaction in her voice.
"And I'm not selling myself for nothing, like you are."
Betty's face was now a mask of rage and humiliation, and the other shoppers began to whisper among themselves, gossiping about Betty's scandal.
Lana walked out of the store and gets into the car with mike guiding her.
Lana knew she had won, but she couldn't help but feel a small twinge of pity for Betty.
She had allowed her jealousy and bitterness to consume her, and now she was paying the price.
As Mike pulled the Tesla into the garage, Lana noticed that three unfamiliar cars were already parked there.
Mike's face was a mask of worry and panic, and Lana could sense his distress.
"What's wrong, Mike?" she asked, her voice gentle but concerned.
Mike ran a hand through his dark hair, his eyes darting around nervously.
"Miss, we've got some unwanted visitors," he said, his voice tight with apprehension.
Lana's heart skipped a beat as she stared at the cars. "What do we do now?" she asked, her voice quavering slightly.
Mike took a deep breath, his face set in determination.
"Confront them. Go directly to your room, and I'll handle the situation." he reassured Lana, his voice firm and steady despite his obvious worry.
Lana nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. She knew that Mike was trying to protect her, despite his own fears.
But still, her heart raced as she walked quickly towards the mansion with mike, glancing over her shoulder every few steps.
As she reached the front door, she heard the sound of voices coming from inside.