Bette settles Mickey into the back seat, carefully strapping him into his car seat, checking the buckle twice like she always does.

Michelle stands nearby, running a hand through her hair, trying to steady herself. “We should meet up and talk about our options,” she says, her voice quieter now, almost tentative.

Bette closes the car door and straightens, her expression composed, resolved. She opens her driver’s side door. “We’ll have a phone conversation,” she says. “I’ll text you my schedule for the rest of the week.” She slides on her sunglasses, her face immediately unreadable. Without another word, she gets into the car, shuts the door, and pulls away from the curb.

Michelle stands there, watching the car disappear down the drive, left behind in the stillness, with nothing but the echo of what used to be….

***

Tina steps off the elevator and strides down the corridor at Alphaville Studios, her heels clicking with purpose. Her tablet is tucked under her arm, her notes already pulled up, highlighted, organized, and weaponized.

Through the open doors of Aaron’s office, she sees loud, easy, unchallenged laughter. A cluster of men gathered around his desk, lounging, completely at home. One of them gestures animatedly, another slaps the desk, and Aaron grins like he’s exactly where he wants to be.

Tina pauses for half a beat and watches the boys’ club from the doorway before she steps inside. The energy shifts just slightly, not enough to stop the conversation, but enough to acknowledge her presence.

Aaron looks up. “Oh, Tina.” He glances at the group. “Give us a minute, guys.”

A few nods, a couple polite smiles, but no one moves quickly. They filter out slowly, still mid-conversation, still laughing as they pass her.

Tina watches them go, expression neutral, but her eyes are sharp.

Aaron grabs his phone and keys from the desk. “Walk with me.”

Tina doesn’t hesitate. “I was hoping we could go over—”

“We will,” he cuts in, already moving. “Cart.”

***

A few moments later, they’re seated in a small studio golf cart, rolling out onto the lot.

Around them, controlled chaos, crew members hauling equipment, extras in costume walking around. The entire place hums with production energy.