Page 54 of The Restaurant on Plum Island
Undeterred that she was treading on thin ice with Carly, Trinity pressed on, “And speaking of past relationships, there’s been speculation about your sudden move to Plum Island and the quiet life you chose. Some say it was to escape the scrutiny following your separation from your ex-husband, Davin Giles. Others believe it was an attempt to hide from a failed career. Would you like to tell your side of the story, Stella?” A look of empathy fixed on Trinity’s features, but Carly knew it was an act to try and gain Carly’s trust so she’d talk. “I never believed any rumors, but I’m sure many of your fans have been wandering.”
Carly’s demeanor shifted her composure as Stella Hart crystallized with a steely resolve. “Trinity, let me remind you that throughout my career, I chose my interviews carefully, prioritizing those who engage in meaningful dialogue rather than sensationalism and gossip,” hervoice calm and assertive. “I chose your show to announce my return to show business because I was under the impression that your show was of the former category. A platform for serious conversation. It appears I may have been mistaken.”
Trinity was about to respond, but Carly’s eyes locked with Trinity’s, her conveying a silent message to Trinity that the woman had pushed Stella Hart too far.
Carly continued her dialogue without missing a beat. “My move to Plum Island was a choice for peace and a new beginning, not an escape from anything or anyone. My career never failed. It was paused on my own terms. And as for my personal life, I believe it’s just that—personal.“ Carly leaned forward slightly. “Speculation and rumors might fill gossip columns and fuel clicks, but theydo not, and will never, define my narrative. My fans, the true ones, understand that. They appreciate the art, not the scandal.”
“Oh!” Trinity said, flustered. A sly smile split Carly’s face, making it clear to Trinity that Stella Hart was back in full force. Trinity turned to the camera, forcing a smile. “And on that note, we’ll move to a commercial break.”
As soon as the camera was off them, Carly turned to Trinity, but the woman was out of her chair and stormed off toward the back of theroom. Carly’s chest rose and fell with her angry breaths as she seethed as Jennifer approached her.
“What the heck was that, Jennifer?” Carly seethed. “That wasn’t an interview…”
“I know, it was an ambush,” Jennifer hissed, her eyes flashing angrily. “We’re trying to sort this out, but…”
“But what?” Carly’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Why do I feel I won’t like what you’ll say next?”
“Maybe you should sit down or have a bottle of water,” Jennifer suggested.
“Stop hedging, Jennifer.” Carly pushed herself into a standing position so she didn’t have to look up at her. “What’s going on? Or trust me, if you don’t tell me, I’m out that door, and my entiresupportteam is fired.”
“Wow!” Jennifer looked surprised by Carly’s conviction. “I see Carly Donovan really has left the building.”
“Jennifer!” Carly snapped.
“Okay!” Jennifer held up her hands. “Take a deep breath.”
“I thought there was a list of approved questions, and Trinity agreed to them?” Carly hissed.
“Yes…” Jennifer nodded. “But… apparently, Trinity got a new set of approved questions last night.”
“Excuse me?” Carly’s brows shot up as she looked at Jennifer, confused. “And who approved these questions.”
“Ethan!” Trinity told her, making Carly turn around, her eyes narrowing in on the woman.
“Really?” Carly said, not believing the woman for a minute. “I don’t believe you.”
Trinity snapped her fingers, turning her head slightly. “Bring me the new questions,” she demanded, and a sheet was placed into her hands within a few seconds. “There you go.” Trinity gave Carly a smug smile. “See for yourself.” She glanced around the room. “Funny, isn’t it, how he threw you into hot water and ran off?”
Carly hardly heard Trinity’s dig at Ethan as her eyes scanned the revised questions, her heart slamming into her rib cage when she saw the document was approved and signed by Ethan. Carly shoved the document at Jennifer, desperately hanging onto whatever control she had left as fury threatened to take over her rational side.
“I will not answer these questions,” Carly glared at Jennifer. “You’re my manager.” She looked pointedly at the documents in Jennifer’s hand. “Manage this.” She then turned to Trinity, who was still smiling smugly at her.
“Okay.” Jennifer’s voice wavered slightly.
“As for you!” Carly’s eyes turned as icy as her voice. “If you ask me one of those questions, I assure you, you will not like the fallout accompanying them.”
“Are you threatening me?” Trinity raised her eyebrows. “I was so hoping what I’ve been told about Stella Hart wasn’t true and that you weren’t the spiteful diva some of your co-stars have reported you to be.”
“What co-stars?” Jennifer jumped into the conversation.
“I can’t tell you that,” Trinity told them. “I don’t want to ruin the surprise.”
“It says nothing about you having other guests on the show,” Jennifer scanned the document again.
“Oh, they’re nottoday’sguests,“ Trinity said triumphantly. “While you may be able to control today’s show, you can’t control any of mynearfuture ones.”
“That does it,” Carly said through gritted teeth. “I’m out of here.”
