Rosalynn sneered.

"Thank you then."

His concocted tale hadn't been to help her, though. It was clear he wanted to make Brian squirm.

“Wow, you're so insincere." Barlow's focus was more on his phone than the woman beside him.

Rosalynn watched him for a moment, then couldn't help but prod, "Did you really come here just to chit-chat?”

Raising his eyebrow, Barlow answered, “You're sharp. I wanted to ask you if Karina has been in touch. She's been pretty active lately; she's practically a trending topic every day!”

His tone carried its usual cynicism, yet Rosalynn picked up a note of irritation.

Perhaps he was bothered by the rumors swirling around Karina and a certain young man.

She couldn't resist a playful smile.

"Barlow, are you getting green-eyed over the rumors about Karina and that handsome lad?"

Barlow's only reaction was a derisive snort, his attention still riveted on his phone.

"You can believe this or not, but I could boot that pretty boy out of showbiz in a heartbeat.”

Playing along, Rosalynn retorted, “Well, talk is cheap. Let's see some action."

Barlow shifted his gaze to her, his voice dropping to a near whisper.

“Do you believe I can?"

The corners of Rosalynn's smile dipped.

She was aware that should he follow through, the reality might surface.

They could uncover his hidden affection for Karina.

“You're quite the character, Barlow. You're so committed to hiding your feelings; you'd rather put Karina at risk than reveal them," she said, her tone laced with irony.

Barlow, responding with a cynical smile, leaned back against his seat.

“Save the sarcasm. Did you ever ask Karina about the rumors?"

Rosalynn acknowledged with a nod.