It was Zayden calling, finally returning Sadie's call after days.

As soon as she answered the phone, Sadie cried. Zayden, slightly surprised, inquired, “Are you crying? Did you miss me that badly?"

As Zayden's voice reached Sadie's ears, Sadie's throat was constricted with emotion, tears cascading down her cheeks uncontrollably. She cried out, "You've finally called me back. How could you just leave me like that? Do you understand the suffering I've faced in Eleymond, all by myself?"

Sadie sobbed heavily, her voice choked with sadness as she poured out all the grievances that had built up inside her recently.

On the other end of the line, Zayden stayed quiet, letting Sadie express her emotions without interruption. For a moment, a twinge of compassion crossed his mind.

Yet, he swiftly composed himself, dismissing the unusual feeling of empathy. He scolded himself for sympathizing with Sadie, blaming it on the current stress and confusion in his mind.

After all, their connection had solely revolved around mutual interests.

When Sadie's emotional outpouring ceased, Zayden cleared his throat and spoke gently. “Please don't cry. I didn't mean to cause you pain. I'll make it right by getting you the bag you've always desired.”

With some gentle persuasion, Sadie's crying gradually subsided, and she inquired, “Where have you been? Why couldn't I reach you?"

"I've returned to Conata," Zayden responded. "I can't go back to Eleymond for the moment. Since you're still there, I need your help with something."

"I refuse to help you." Sadie's voice turned firm as she retorted.

She clenched her teeth and declared, “You abandoned me to face the public's judgment in Eleymond alone. I won't help you now."

Zayden snorted in disdain and adopted a menacing tone. “You won't help? Do you want Holden to find out about your real identity?"

Sadie's heart raced as Zayden's threat registered. "You... You're threatening me? How dare you do this to me!" Her tears streamed down her face without restraint again.

With a weary sigh, Zayden felt a headache looming. He needed to soothe her again, stating, "I'm not making threats, Sadie. This is a critical issue. If you assist me this time, I assure you that our plans won't face interference in the future."

Sniffling, Sadie asked, “Do you truly mean that?"

“Indeed, I give you my word," Zayden replied. Convinced by Zayden's commitment, Sadie agreed to help.

Following the call's end, a message from Chloe popped up on Sadie's phone screen. "Sadie, we've lost two more spokesperson deals. The partner's position remains firm, and there's no room for negotiation. Prepare yourself."

Sadie wiped her tears and responded, "Got it."

She had mentally prepared herself for the endorsement losses, recognizing Holden had been behind this.