‘It’ll work,’ Darcy assures her, a little disappointed but not surprised by the piece. Bonnie had only read the very basics of the script Darcy had written for her and she’d remained quite emotionless throughout the whole thing. It’s going to be dissatisfying for the viewers, but what could the production team really expect when the poor woman had witnessed Ty’s admission to still being in love with his ex?

They’ll try to minimise Bonnie’s exit and instead create hype about the three women left. Max has edited together an impressive package of Ty with Addison, Jodie and Hayley. This will run straight after Bonnie’s exit interview. ‘We’ll blow up the online buzz for the other women,’ Darcy adds. Bonnie fans will be disappointed, but hopefully there won’t be too much damage.

‘Who are you pushing for the win?’

Darcy’s throat tightens. She’d hoped Bonnie would win. ‘I think Jodie’s our safest option.’

‘You don’t sound confident.’ Alice is far from impressed.

Darcy is far from confident. Getting Ty to commit to any of the remaining women in the end is going to be a massive feat.

‘We’re relying on you, Darcy.’ Alice’s eyebrows furrow, causing a thousand lines to wrinkle across her forehead. ‘You’re the one who has formed a working relationship with Ty.’

Her relationship with Ty has been damaged since she threatened the network would sue him if he walked. ‘He’s still not keen about finishing the show.’ Darcy has relayed this message several times, but Alice continues to ignore the gravity of it.

‘We both know that’s not an option.’

Darcy wishes she could concentrate on just this rather than being on the brink of her own break-up.

‘You do realise that if you don’t pull this off, I won’t be able to promote you?’

It doesn’t even surprise her that Alice is willing to blackmail her with this. ‘This isn’t a normal season,’ Darcy tries to point out. It’s hardly her fault that they got stuck with Ty as their suitor. Alice’s boss Nigel should be taking the blame.

But Alice isn’t going to be making any special considerations. ‘I can’t take your name forward to the network if the show doesn’t get the normal height of ratings.’

‘I’ll do my best,’ Darcy says through gritted teeth, hoping that will be enough.

Alice’s serious gaze doesn’t falter as she gathers her things to leave. She’s about to be picked up by a taxi to be taken back to the airport while Darcy drives back to Sydney. Darcy’s at least grateful she doesn’t have to spend five hours in the car with her. ‘Is there anything else?’