"Nathan wants to take advantage of my popularity to boost Amber's status , that's why he put us together. At the same time, by doing this he thinks it will prevent me from doing anything against Amber, as it would have a negative Impact on me too!"
"However... " Noah finished off what she was going to say, "With your abilities, even if you both were to appear on the same cover of a magazine, you are going to make her into your prop!"
"You have so much faith in me!?" Sophie asked.
"I believe in you!"
Sophie was satisfied, Hubbelling up to Noah's warm embrace, she slowly fell asleep.
Meanwhile, Noah made a phone call to Ethan, "Find out Mystic Magazine's schedule. I need to know when Sophie will be going to Mexico. Plus , clear up my schedule for the same time frame. While you are doing that , help me make an appointment with the best insurance company in Mexico"
Early the Next Morning,
Sophie arrived at Global Pictures Entertainment accompanied by Ashley and Lisa.
At the same time, Amber and her assistant also walked in through the main entrance of Global pictures.
Her imposing manner was the same as usual.
Upon seeing Amber, The staff greeted her with respect.
However, Towards Sophie they were extremely casual, some even chose to ignore her.
Amber looked at Sophie and then looked behind her at Ashley, "Sophie , towards the person that betrayed their previous owner , you better be careful!"
"I have even dealt with a mistress that stole someone's fiance, why would I be afraid of a manager that has betrayed their previous owner" Sophie smirked
"I admit, your popularity is not bad right now , but no matter how Popular you are , you will still be a backdrop of me! Didn't Nathan tell you , the whole purpose of Mystic's photoshoot is to help me gain support for the top ten model awards"
"Oh! Well then , let me wish you all the best in advance!"
After speaking, Sophie looked around as she announced to the staff, "Yesterday my lawyer has clarified my contract with Nathan, Global pictures has agreed to treat me the way that I deserve to be treated. Amber and I are both models of Global pictures, so when you all see me , you should do what you are supposed to do , from now on if you respect me, I will respect you back"
Sophie's words were neither weak nor neither overbearing, as she spoke strongly.
Those who Previously treated Sophie as Invisible immediately realized this woman was not one to mess with.
So they instantly reacted by greeting Sophie by respectfully, this time around their voices were even louder than that of when they greeted Amber.
After Sophie was satisfied, she lifted her legs and walked over to Amber, Being Amber's backdrop she must be dreaming.
9 AM
Global Pictures'meeting room,
Nathan organized a short itinerary briefing for Amber and Sophie's Mystic magazine shoot in Mexico.
Nathan sat ahead of the table, while Amber and Sophie sat on his two sides. The only change from the previous meetings was the difference in their identities, Amber, the mistress has successfully promoted herself kicking the original partner to one side.
As if that wasn't enough, she was even shameless enough to exchange loving looks with Nathan. Everyone present, couldn't stand watching them.
Ashley looked at Sophie sideways, although she was sitting under the projector, it was hard to predict what she was feeling. However, Ashley could sense at this moment, her eyes had completely blocked out Amber and Nathan.
This was one of the things that Ashley was impressed with Sophie about. No matter how hurt she was , she would never reveal her deepest emotions, nor would allow others to Humiliate her.
"For Mystic's shoot this time, I will be personally taking you both to Mexico. As we will be working together for a few days, you should get to know each other in advance. In case it affects the progress of the work!" Nathan handed out some information about Mystic to Sophie and Amber , as he said, "Mystic was founded 26 years ago and was once all the rage in the international market. Although they have shown a decline in popularity in recent years, their influence is not to be underestimated. In terms of fashion Amber is more familiar with what is required, so Sophie, you will have to listen to her opinion and let her take the lead"
Once the words left his mouth, everyone in the room already understood what was happening, Nathan was trying to make Sophie step back to highlight Amber.
Upon seeing Amber's arrogant look, Lisa gritted her teeth in anger,
"Nathan , no need to worry , I won't disappoint!"
Sophie did not retaliate, she simply stood up , turned to Ashley and Lisa and said, "Let's Go!"
"Sophie, what is the meaning of this !?"
Sophie looked around and looked at Nathan calmly, "Nathan, do you really think my patience would last a lifetime!? It's clear to see with Amber's reputation as a mistress, it's impossible for her to land a job at this time, using my name , scrounging off my popularity and asking me to highlight her, is she worthy!?"
"SOPHIE!" Amber yelled in anger, "I dare you to say that again!"
"If you have the ability, then just go and shoot it by yourself!"
After speaking , Sophie turned around ready to leave with Ashley and Lisa.
However, Nathan held back his anger, to open his mouth to speak to stop her, "Wait, If you are unhappy with something, we can discuss it!"
"In the past I was too easy to convince, that's why I was stepped all over by a jerk and a slut. Nathan, do you know how important this shoot is !? Even though you act like you are calm , if I don't agree to do it, I am sure you will he in a panic"
"Wheather you want the shoot to go ahead, it's up to you, after all it's not the first time you have frozen my career! Let Amber go!"
As soon as the word left Sophie's mouth, Lisa almost couldn't herself from clapping her hands and cheering.
Ashley also couldn't stop herself but to sneak in a smile .
Were they still dreaming about bullying Sophie, it's time they woke up.
"Also, wheather or not Amber's fashion sense is better than mine, it's still to be verified. Nathan , don't forget , although, my status no longer exists, I am still the one in Global pictures,that has been in a film. Are you sure you want to send this non advancing B-Grade Model to Mexico , to lead the way and let's not forget to mention, she is a B-Grade Model that requires a translator!"
"Sophie, I am going to rip you mouth apart!" Amber jumped up in anger and slammed her hands on the table glaring at Sophie.
"Amebr, what Sophie has said is not all wrong, this time you listen to her"
Although Nathan was angry, for the sake of the bigger picture, he had to endure.
When Global pictures makes it's comeback, he had no doubt that he would be able to put Sophie back in line.
"I don't want to!" Amber rejected angrily
"It is decided, you have no rights to refuse"
Sophie smirked, revealing only one side of her face to everyone at the room. It was from this angle that Nathan realized, that Sophie had completely changed, she was clear, calm and everything she did no longer revolved around him.
Nathan discovered everything was different, Sophie was no longer the original Sophie.
He suddenly felt a little upset.
In the empty meeting room, where everyone else had departed, Amber remained, storming about like a whirlwind, hurling objects onto the floor in her fury.
"Nathan, I've reached my limit! Why should I have to take orders from Sophie? Wasn't this shoot supposed to be about me? Because it sure doesn't feel like it!"
"Enough!" Nathan's voice boomed with authority, his patience finally snapped. "When will you start seeing the bigger picture? Without Sophie at this shoot, you can kiss that top ten model award goodbye. Think hard about what you're risking!"
Amber was taken aback; Nathan had never raised his voice at her like this before!
In response, she clutched her stomach, tears streaming down her face. "Nathan, do you remember that I'm carrying your child?"
"If it weren't for your pregnancy, I wouldn't have to make trips to Mexico myself. Everything I do is for you. Why can't you just rein in your temper a bit? You're always complicating things for me."
With those words, Nathan exited the meeting room, leaving Amber and her assistant alone in the tense silence.
"Amber, Mr. Nathan has a point," her assistant said gently, trying to reason with her. "You've already got him on your side, and now is the critical time. Just hold on a bit longer. Once you make your comeback and regain your fame, Sophie won't be a threat to us anymore. Don't let your anger take a toll on you, or you might end up losing more than you gain."
Amber's thoughts simmered as she stewed in her frustration. "Sophie, I can't wait to see whether an outdated model can really outshine me," she mused to herself.
After listening to her assistant's advice, Amber reluctantly decided to swallow her pride for now, bottling up the anger that had surged from today's humiliation.
Meanwhile, Lisa, elsewhere, could almost picture the scene unfolding. "Amber must be throwing a fit in the meeting room right now," she speculated with a knowing smile. "She's probably pointing fingers at Nathan, furious that he didn't make her the star of the Mystic Photoshoot."
On the drive home, Amber couldn't help but mimic Sophie's words with a mocking tone, replaying the scene over and over in her mind.
"But Sophie, you're getting quite the attitude, aren't you? Those words you threw out at the meeting were just so... invigorating," she sneered, rolling her eyes.
Ashley, who was driving , burst into laughter. "Sophie, who knew you had such a fiery side?" she chimed in.
"At just 17, I stepped into the world of fashion and by the time I was 23, I was already New York's top model. It's been nine long years since I first started, and I've learned all the ins and outs of this industry. Or so I thought. There was a moment when I believed that having a partner and getting married would be my anchor in this whirlwind life. But now I've come to see that the only person I can truly depend on is myself"
Well, except for Noah, who has been steadfast supporter behind the scenes.
"Some folks spend their whole lives in this industry, yet remain blissfully unaware of its darker sides. They haven't felt the sting of heartbreak or the sharp edge of betrayal," Sophie mused, reflecting on her own tumultuous journey.
"But enough of that. Make sure you head home and pack your bags. We're catching a flight to Mexico tomorrow!"
After a lively chat with Ashley and Lisa, Sophie remembered Noah's instructions. He had asked her to let him know as soon as she got her itinerary. Without delay, Sophie forwarded all the details to him.
She had no clue what Noah was planning, but she felt certain that he would never harm her or let anyone else do so.
After glancing at Sophie's itinerary, Noah immediately tasked Ethan with uncovering her flight number. He then strolled over to the massive floor-to-ceiling window at the Collider Scope building and dialed Sophie's number.
"Hun!" he greeted warmly.
"Huh!" Sophie responded cautiously, her voice subdued. She was still in the car with Ashley, someone she couldn't fully trust yet, so she knew she had to tread carefully.
Hearing Noah call her "Hun" sent a warm feeling through Sophie.
"I've asked Ethan to upgrade your economy class ticket to first class. Will that cause any inconvenience for you?" Noah inquired, wanting to ensure it wouldn't disrupt any plans Sophie might have. He was always considerate, aware that even a thoughtful gesture could inadvertently cause complications.
"Absolutely not," Sophie replied, understanding the reason behind Noah's question and feeling moved by his thoughtfulness.
She was initially set to sit in the same row as Amber and Nathan on the flight tomorrow. However, she could already envision Amber not staying quiet for long...
Thanks to Noah's arrangements, Sophie could look forward to a peaceful rest on the plane.
Yet, a question lingered in her mind: Was she the only one who received this upgrade, or did Lisa and Ashley get one too?
"In that case, we'll discuss it when you return home," Noah suggested.
"Wait..." Sophie interjected hurriedly.
Noah detected the uncertainty in her voice and realized it might not be the best time for her to chat. Understanding her situation, he quickly added, "If it's difficult to talk now, just send me a message instead!"
"Okay!" Sophie agreed, nodding as she ended the call.
Right after, she sent Noah a message, sharing her concerns.
Sophie expressed that she didn't fully trust Ashley. However, since Ashley had chosen to stick by her side, Sophie felt she needed to treat her the same as Lisa, to avoid discouraging her.
As Noah read her message, a charming smile appeared on his lips.
Sophie's thoughts were thorough, yet she sometimes missed the bigger picture.
Noah, with his knack for seeing things from a broader perspective, perfectly complemented Sophie, which is why they were such a great match.
He was the one who could guide her in the right direction and assist her in making decisions.
- Relax and take a chance. While Lisa is loyal, her capabilities have limits. On the flip side, despite Ashley's flaws, she has a track record of managing renowned artists. In many ways, she's more skilled than Lisa. Remember, we've got everything we need on Ashley, right in our hands. Even if our gamble doesn't pay off, the worst outcome is simply breaking even. - Noah
- I understand, hubby - Sophie
Seeing Noah's reply, Sophie felt a wave of calm wash over her, relaxing her entire body.
- I've already upgraded both of them, so don't worry - Noah assured.
Sophie always knew her husband was a master at wielding his influence. How could he not have already taken care of such a minor detail?
Later that night, under the soft glow of their beautifully lit bedroom, Nathan was busy packing his luggage.
Amber quietly approached him from behind, wrapping her arms around him. Her voice, tender and gentle, was a stark contrast to her demeanor in the meeting room earlier that day. "I'm sorry, Nathan," she murmured, "I was wrong in the meeting today. I wasn't considerate of you."
"It's okay," Nathan replied, setting his luggage aside and turning to face Amber. "We've been together for so many years now; don't you think I'm already used to your temper? Think about it—if I didn't care about you or our child, would I really need to personally go to Mexico?"
He gazed into her eyes, gently adding, "From now on, try to keep your temper in check and stop clashing with Sophie. I don't want you to end up hurting yourself."
Amber's heart was a tangled mess of fear and doubt. "I can't shake off this worry," she confessed, her voice trembling. "What if you and her start something again?"
Nathan, surprised by her words, quickly reassured her, "What are you saying? You know it's you I love. Don't let your mind play tricks on you. We have a bright future waiting for us. Let's not let her come between us."
He gently reminded her, "You're expecting our baby. It's important for you to stay happy and calm."
Amber crossed her arms with a playful pout. "Then promise me, tomorrow on the plane, you won't even look at Sophie. Your kindness is reserved just for me," she insisted with a hint of mischief.
She leaned into Nathan, knowing well that such closeness often swayed men.
Nathan chuckled, "Alright, as you wish!" He swept her off her feet, cradling her in his arms as he headed towards the bathroom, laughter echoing between them.
With Nathan's promise fresh in her mind, Amber felt determined. This trip to Mexico was her chance to show Sophie where Nathan's heart truly lay.
Amber was resolute; no matter how famous Sophie became or how she tried to worm her way back, she would make it clear that Nathan's heart belonged to her and her alone.