At the Powell household, Lorelai Wells had just gotten home and immediately yanked her mom, Rowan Mendez, into her room.
"Mom, Anika's taken refuge at the Murphys'. She's probably roped Tessa Grant into helping her. You've gotta call Anika's mom and get her back here—without access to Anika's account, we can't stream and fill our orders!" Lorelai's real fear was that Anika, staying with the Murphys, might catch Evan Murphy's eye.
"Don't worry, honey. I'll make the call right now." Rowan shut the door and walked to the end of the hall, her voice cold and commanding as she dialed Anika's mother, Myra Knight.
"What's going on with Anika? A little tantrum is one thing, but hiding out at the Murphys'? Is she planning on never coming back to the Powell house? If she keeps this up, I can't promise my judgment won't be clouded when it comes time to arrange her marriage."
Myra felt like the rug had been yanked out from under her. Anika hadn't come back to the Powells'?
"Rest assured, Mrs. Powell. I'll have Anika home by tomorrow. Please continue to look favorably on her marriage prospects for us," Myra pleaded, her voice thick with desperate humility. All she wanted was for her daughter to have a decent life and a grand wedding—even if it meant swallowing her pride.
"It better be that way. And remind Anika that the Powell house doors won't stay open forever. If she keeps running away, we won't be rolling out the welcome mat again. Make sure she hears that."
"Absolutely, absolutely..." Myra nodded over and over.
The call ended, leaving Myra deflated on the couch with a heavy sigh.
**
Over at the Murphy estate, on the second floor of the mansion, Anika and Tessa were sprawled out on a bed together, each cradling a phone. Anika opened her livestream app. Normally, this was when she'd go live, sharing her expertise in voice acting. She never showed her face, but her captivating voice kept fans eagerly awaiting her broadcasts.
"Hey, you okay?" Tessa knew Anika was upset. Even though she claimed she didn't care, Anika deeply valued her supporters' opinions, and the backlash was really getting to her.
"I'm fine," Anika replied, setting her phone aside.
"You sure don't look fine. Lorelai is so shameless, and I can't believe my brother is that clueless! It makes me so mad. I just wanna punch something," Tessa fumed, thinking about how her brother was completely oblivious to Lorelai's manipulations.
Anika just smiled, staying quiet.
"How about blowing off some steam? Hit me, yell at me—whatever you need," Tessa offered.
Anika ruffled Tessa's hair playfully. "When did you turn into such a glutton for punishment? Seriously, I'm good. Let's just go to sleep." Anika lay down, tugging the covers over herself, about to drift off when her phone chimed.
"Not streaming tonight?"
The message was from her top benefactor and long-time mentor on the platform, whose screen name was simply 'M'.
She had always addressed him as 'Mr. M' due to his sophisticated industry insights and composed, mature demeanor. He had a profound understanding of voice acting, clearly an elite veteran in the field.
"Not streaming tonight?" M messaged.
"Not tonight," Anika replied briefly.
"Rough day?" his response popped up almost instantly.
"A bit, but I'll manage. No need to worry about me, Mr. M."
"Get some rest, then. Don't let petty people drain your energy."
"Goodnight, Mr. M," Anika texted back, feeling an unexpected wave of calm wash over her.
Anika was just about to turn over when Tessa's face startled her, peering over the covers with nosy eyes, trying to sneak a look at her messages.
"Go to sleep," Anika grumbled.
Tessa, still wide awake, dug deeper. "That top-spending mentor of yours checking in again?"
"You're reading way too much into it. He just asked about my next stream, and I answered," Anika said.
Tessa wasn't buying it. "I'm telling you, he's into you. Wonder if he's good-looking. From his voice in your streams, he sounds decent and definitely loaded. Why don't you two meet up? There might be a spark."
Anika rolled her eyes, pretending to smack Tessa.
"He's an established professional—who knows how old. Plus, we only talk about voice acting. And FYI, I'm your aunt now. Aren't you worried Adrian will tear into you for pushing me toward other men? I don't mind telling him," Anika teased.
Tessa shrank back instantly. "Don't, please! You know I'm terrified of him. I was just kidding!"
Anika turned away, closing her eyes to finally get some rest.
"But seriously, are you really gonna be with Adrian?" Tessa asked.
"What, is calling me 'aunt' that big a deal?" Anika clearly had her reasons.
"Not at all—it's just that Adrian has a temper. I've literally never seen him smile. Ever. If you can handle him, more power to you. But my brother calling you 'aunt' every day? That's hilarious. If Lorelai marries him, she'll have to call you that too. I'm seriously thrilled for you!" Tessa kept chattering away excitedly.
Anika offered no response.
Tessa was beside herself with curiosity. She'd always found Adrian intimidating, but undeniably hot. The thought of him getting romantically involved with her bestie blew her mind.
Oh my god, oh my god!
Exasperated, Anika picked up her phone and turned on the recorder, aiming it at Tessa. "Why don't you repeat that? I'll make sure Adrian hears it tomorrow."
Tessa clammed up instantly. "Sleep, sleep."
