The tension inside Amber’s house is almost unbearable. Ernestine stands near the living room entrance, refusing to back down. Amber is standing across from her, struggling to understand how someone she considered family could accept an opportunity from the very man who has repeatedly caused problems in her life.

No, Amber. You’re not going to keep shutting me down every time I try to explain myself. You want me to listen to you, but you don’t want to hear anything I have to say.

Because I’ve heard enough, Ernestine. You made your decision. You accepted Wayne’s offer behind my back, and now you’re standing here expecting me to celebrate it.

I expected you to understand that I have a life outside of yours. Everything doesn’t have to revolve around Amber. I have bills, responsibilities, and dreams of my own.

And nobody is stopping you from chasing your dreams. But why does it have to be with Wayne? Of all the people in this world, why him?

Because he offered me an opportunity! An opportunity that you never offered me. You keep talking about how much you value our friendship, but when was the last time you actually helped me grow?

Amber looks at Ernestine in disbelief. Those words hurt more than she expected because she never imagined her friend would question her intentions.

So that’s what this is about? You think I haven’t done enough for you?

I’m saying you have money, Amber. You have connections. You have everything you need. But the moment somebody else offers me something, suddenly I’m betraying you.

This isn’t about money. It’s about loyalty. Wayne knows exactly what he’s doing. He knows our history, and he knows how much damage he’s already caused.

Maybe you’re giving him too much credit. Maybe he simply sees something in me that you refuse to see.

Amber takes a deep breath, trying to control her emotions.

You know what hurts the most? I thought you were the one person who would never put me in this position.

And I thought you were the one person who would be happy to see me succeed.

I am happy when people succeed. But I’m not going to pretend that Wayne’s intentions are innocent.

Well, maybe you should stop assuming that everybody is out to get you.

You can believe whatever you want. But don’t come back to me when things start going wrong and tell me I never warned you.

Ernestine shakes her head and picks up her handbag.

I don’t need you to protect me, Amber. I can handle myself.

Then handle yourself. But don’t expect me to keep pretending that everything is okay between us.

For several seconds, neither woman speaks. Their friendship suddenly feels like something that could disappear forever.

Fine. Maybe we both need some space.

Maybe we do.

Ernestine walks toward the door, but before leaving, she turns around.

One more thing. Wayne told me something about you, and honestly, I wasn’t sure whether I should believe him.

Amber immediately looks up.

What did he tell you?

He said you were never going to support anybody who worked with him. He said your problem wasn’t the contract or the money. Your problem was that you couldn’t stand seeing someone else become successful through him.

That’s a lie, and you know it!

Then maybe you should ask yourself why he thinks that.

Ernestine finally walks out, leaving Amber standing in the middle of the room.

Ernestine gets into her car and places her handbag on the passenger seat. She sits quietly, thinking about everything Amber said.

Her phone suddenly lights up.

A message from Wayne appears on the screen.

Everything good? Did you talk to Amber?

Ernestine hesitates before replying.

She wasn’t happy, but I stood my ground. I think she’s starting to suspect something.

Wayne reads the message and smiles.

Don’t worry about Amber. Just keep doing what we discussed. This is only the beginning.

He places his phone on the desk and leans back in his chair.

A few moments later, someone walks into his office.

You look awfully happy. Did something good happen?

Something better than good. Things are finally moving in the direction I wanted.

Are you talking about Ernestine?

Who else? She’s exactly where I need her to be.

Queen looks confused.

I hope you know what you’re doing. Amber isn’t somebody who will sit quietly while you play games with her friends.

Wayne laughs.

That’s precisely why this is going to work. Amber thinks she knows everybody’s intentions. But this time, she’s going to have to watch everything happen without being able to stop it.

And what happens when Ernestine realizes she’s being used?

Wayne’s smile slowly disappears.

By the time she realizes anything, it’ll already be too late.

Queen studies his expression, beginning to wonder whether Wayne’s plans are even bigger than she initially thought.

Back at home, Amber is still trying to process the argument. She walks toward the kitchen, pours herself a glass of water, and reaches for her phone.

She immediately calls someone she trusts.

I need you to find out exactly what Wayne is telling Ernestine. I want to know everything about that offer, including what he promised her and what he expects in return.

What’s going on? Did something happen?

Ernestine accepted Wayne’s offer, and now she’s repeating things about me that sound exactly like something Wayne would say.

Are you sure he’s trying to turn her against you?

I don’t know everything yet, but something isn’t right. Wayne doesn’t usually do things without a reason.

Okay. I’ll see what I can find out.

Amber ends the call, but before she can put her phone down, another call comes through.

The number is unfamiliar.

Hello?

Amber, I think you need to know something about Wayne and Ernestine before this goes any further.

Amber immediately becomes alert.

Who is this? And what are you talking about?

Let’s just say Ernestine doesn’t know the entire truth about the opportunity she accepted.

What truth? You need to explain yourself.

Wayne isn’t offering her that position for the reasons she thinks. There’s something in that agreement you need to look at.

What agreement? What exactly is Wayne hiding?

Before the caller can respond, the line suddenly disconnects.

Amber stares at her phone.

Oh, no. What is this man planning now?

Meanwhile, Wayne sits at his desk reviewing several documents. One particular folder has Ernestine’s name written across the front.

He opens it and carefully examines the paperwork.

Queen enters the office again and notices the folder.

Is that Ernestine’s contract?

Wayne quickly closes it.

Yes. Why?

Because I still don’t understand why you’re making such a big deal out of hiring her. You could have hired anybody.

That’s because I don’t need just anybody. I need someone Amber trusts.

So this was never really about Ernestine’s talent?

Wayne gives her a knowing look.

Ernestine has talent. I’m not denying that. But having her around gives me something much more valuable.

And what’s that?

Access.

Queen folds her arms.

Access to what?

Amber’s world. Her connections. Her business relationships. The people she talks to and the decisions she makes. Ernestine doesn’t even realize how much information she could give me without knowing it.

Queen looks uncomfortable.

Wayne, that’s dangerous. You’re involving somebody who genuinely believes you’re helping her.

I’m giving her a job. What she chooses to tell me is her business.

You know that’s not the whole story.

Wayne ignores her and returns to his paperwork.

Just make sure everything is ready for Monday. Ernestine will be coming in, and I don’t want any unnecessary problems.

Queen slowly walks out, but she now understands that Wayne’s offer is not as innocent as Ernestine believes.

Later that evening, Ernestine arrives home and throws her keys onto the table. She looks exhausted.

She remembers Amber’s warnings and tries to convince herself that her decision was the right one.

Her phone rings.

It’s Wayne.

Hey, Wayne.

There she is! I was just checking on my newest business partner. How are you feeling?

I’m okay. Today was a little stressful.

Let me guess. Amber?

Ernestine sighs.

Yeah. She wasn’t happy about the job.

I told you that was going to happen. Amber doesn’t like losing control of situations.

I don’t think it’s about control. I think she’s genuinely worried about me.

Wayne pauses briefly.

Ernestine, listen to me. You’re a grown woman. You don’t need anybody’s permission to make decisions about your future.

I know that.

Then don’t let anybody make you feel guilty for accepting an opportunity. You deserve to have something of your own.

His words make Ernestine feel better, but something about the conversation still bothers her.

There’s something I wanted to ask you.

Go ahead.

Why did you choose me? I mean, you could have hired somebody with more experience. Why were you so interested in bringing me into your business?

Wayne smiles slightly.

Because I believe in you. I’ve watched how you handle yourself, and I know you have potential.

That’s all?

What else would there be?

Ernestine remains silent.

Don’t overthink everything. Just enjoy the opportunity. I’ll see you Monday.

The call ends.

Ernestine puts her phone down and looks toward the contract lying on her dining table.

For the first time, she wonders whether she should read every single page before signing it.