After a long journey, the plane touched down at 9 AM local time.
Nathan and Sophie stepped into the bustling arrivals area, where Kathy, Nathan's older sister, was eagerly waiting. As soon as she spotted them, she rushed forward with open arms, wrapping them both in a warm, enthusiastic hug that even Sophie couldn't escape.
Kathy was strikingly tall, and her outfit was a rare masterpiece, one-of-a-kind designer pieces that caught everyone's eye. Yet, despite her glamorous attire, Kathy's ordinary looks were her only flaw, holding her back from a career in the spotlight.
Kathy's redeeming quality was her keen eye for spotting talent. While her artists hadn't reached superstar status, they wielded significant influence in the western market.
Throughout Nathan and Sophie's relationship, Sophie had only encountered Kathy on two occasions. Sophie had a strong aversion to domineering women, and Kathy's controlling nature was something she found particularly hard to tolerate.
"Sophie, I've already heard about the issues between you and Nathan," Kathy announced, her voice sharp and clear for all to hear. "I've given him a piece of my mind, but you need to keep work and personal matters apart. It's not fair to let personal motives stir up trouble at the workplace."
Kathy's eyes bore into Sophie, clearly intent on asserting her authority. "For Mystic's magazine photoshoot this time, do me a favor," she continued, her tone firm. "Listen to their requests and don't make things difficult for Nathan, alright?"
As Kathy's words echoed in the room, Lisa felt a surge of anger. 'Why isn't Kathy reprimanding Amber instead of targeting Sophie?' she fumed internally. 'Does she think that by manipulating the situation and bringing Sophie here, she's got her cornered in her own territory, free to make her life difficult as she pleases?'
Despite the tense atmosphere, Sophie stayed composed. She simply looked at Kathy and offered a slight smile, maintaining her poise without a hint of anger or reaction. Her calm demeanor left Kathy puzzled, unable to decipher what thoughts or plans might be brewing in Sophie's mind.
The team made their way toward the airport exit just as Noah, accompanied by some high-ranking executives from one of his subsidiary companies, emerged from the arrivals hall.
The moment Kathy spotted Noah, it was as if she had seen a celebrity of unparalleled fame. She hurried after him, her high heels clicking rapidly on the floor. Noah's presence was magnetic, commanding attention like a natural-born leader, even more dazzling than any star.
"Mr. Noah... Mr. Noah!" Kathy called out eagerly.
Noah turned at the sound of his name, spotting Nathan and his team approaching. His eyes locked onto Sophie, and in that brief moment, they shared a silent conversation, their gazes speaking volumes.
Sophie caught the gleam in Noah's eyes. It was clear—he wished for her to seize the opportunity to join him at his place, ensuring they could be together even in Mexico.
With a knowing smile, Sophie resolved to do everything in her power to make it happen.
Meanwhile, Ashley and Lisa understood Noah's actions all too well. They were aware that Kathy would halt at least two meters from him.
Naturally, when Noah turned and spotted Sophie, he acted as if Kathy wasn't even there and stepped straight into the waiting Lincoln Limousine.
All Kathy could do was watch from afar as Noah departed.
"How absurd!", Lisa chuckled to herself, 'Did you really think anyone could get close to the Big Boss!?'
Even though Kathy didn't manage to approach her idol, she was still thrilled. "I never imagined I'd bump into Noah here! He's so handsome!"
Sophie remained calm, casually slipping on her sunglasses as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
Meanwhile, Kathy rejoined the team with the commanding presence of a top manager. She addressed the group with authority, "Sophie, since you've just arrived in Mexico, take some time to rest and get used to the time difference. The driver will take you to the hotel. Nathan, Amber, and I have a family dinner to attend. You three take care of yourselves!"
In other words, Kathy had already welcomed Amber as her sister-in-law.
For someone like Sophie, who lacked resources and media connections, it was easy to find herself at a disadvantage. Kathy seemed intent on ensuring Sophie would struggle.
However, there was one crucial detail Kathy had overlooked.
Three years ago, Sophie had starred in several major Mexican commercials. While she hadn't reached the peak of her career, she wasn't entirely without allies.
"I haven't been in Mexico for quite some time. I'll visit some old friends," Sophie replied with a serene smile. "In fact, I might stay with them while we're here, so you can go ahead and cancel the hotel room."
"That's fine, but make sure you're on time when we need you on set," Kathy nodded, her tone sharp but approving.
Throughout the exchange, Amber stayed quiet, savoring the satisfaction of watching Kathy subtly pick on Sophie. It was clear to everyone that Kathy was singling her out.
Despite her dislike for Sophie, Kathy restrained herself a bit, all for the sake of her younger brother.
'Now that she's in Mexico, does Sophie really believe she can stage a comeback?' Amber mused, convinced that this was the opportunity she had been waiting for.
Meanwhile, Kathy did want to support Amber. But did she truly believe it would be that simple?
Kathy, with Nathan and Amber in tow, departed the bustling airport, leaving Sophie behind to handle things on her own.
Once they were out of sight, Sophie quickly dialed Noah's number. "Noah, are you still nearby?"
Noah smirked as he leaned back in his seat, having already told his driver to stay hidden. "What do you think?" he replied with a touch of amusement. He had anticipated Sophie's clever escape plan, and it seemed he had judged the situation perfectly.
Sophie couldn't help but smile as she stood there waiting. It wasn't long before a sleek Lincoln limousine rolled up to her, the driver stepping out to open the door with a courteous bow and a warm welcome in English.
She gracefully slid into the car, joined by Lisa and Ashley. For both of them, this was the first time being so near to Noah, especially for Ashley, whose heart raced with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
Despite their curiosity, neither Lisa nor Ashley dared to meet Noah's gaze. They knew that his demeanor was as icy as a winter's chill with everyone except Sophie, who was the only one to melt his frosty exterior and see his gentle side.
"Is the shoot with Mystic troubling you?" Noah inquired, offering her a glass of red wine while his fingers tenderly combed through her long, dark hair.
Sophie sighed, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Those three are in cahoots. They're bound to stir up trouble for me. It wouldn't surprise me if I'm replaced or if this all turns out to be for nothing. I'm just trying to brace myself mentally."
Lisa's eyes flashed with anger as she chimed in, "Kathy is picking on our Sophie because she's new here, without any connections or fans to back her up."
Sophie turned to Lisa with a knowing smile and a glint in her eye. "Who said I'm unfamiliar here?" she asked, her words layered with a deeper meaning.
"When I first stepped onto the runway in France, it was like entering a whole new world," Sophie began, her voice steady but filled with memories. "Back in those days, I mingled with top European and Mexican supermodels—names like Alena and Georgia were just a part of my everyday life. The editor of the renowned Mexican Royal Magazine even took me under his wing as a mentor for a time. I doubt they remember me now, though. Back then, nobody knew my real name; everyone called me Kira."
As Sophie spoke, Lisa and Ashley exchanged astonished glances, their eyes wide with disbelief at the famous names Sophie so casually mentioned.
"I'm well aware that Kathy plans to discard me the moment I'm no longer useful," Sophie confessed, her voice tinged with frustration. "She's just using me to promote Amber, especially now that I'm here in Mexico. In her eyes, I'm no competition."
"Unbelievable! How shameless!" Lisa muttered, her disgust evident.
Noah, who had been silently observing the conversation, suddenly spoke up. "I know the editor of the renowned Mexican Royal Magazine too. Would you like a chance to reconnect with your mentor?"
Sophie shook her head. "Noah, I've told you before, I don't want your help," she replied, her tone firm yet grateful for his concern.
"Think of it as a private little get-together," Noah suggested with a charming smile, the sunlight highlighting one side of his perfectly handsome face.
"Hmm. Alright," Sophie agreed, nodding. Little did she know, this intimate meeting would become a pivotal moment in her rivalry with Amber.
Noah owned a beautiful manor in Mexico, so staying at a hotel wasn't necessary. The rooms, designed in an authentic Mexican style, were warm and inviting, offering a comfort that surpassed any hotel suite.
Since Noah's manor was a bit distant from Mystic's headquarters, he had already instructed his team to uncover Mystic's schedule. Ethan was incredibly thorough—they even knew exactly when the Mystic team would be having dinner.
Sophie found this level of preparation impressive, while Ashley and Lisa couldn't help but reflect on their own efforts.
After a quick shower, Sophie stood by the window, gazing out at the view beyond.
Just then, Noah approached, wearing a black robe, his hair still dripping from a recent shower. Without thinking, Sophie took the towel from his hands and stood on her tiptoes to gently dry his hair.
Noah watched her intently, his expression serious and thoughtful.
"What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?" Sophie asked, puzzled by his focus.
Noah paused, then said, "I was just considering whether, since it's daytime, I should do something I probably shouldn't." With that, he gently lifted her chin and kissed her softly on the lips, their tongues dancing together in a tender, unexpected moment.
After the kiss, Noah's soft lips trailed slowly to her ear, where he whispered seductively, "On the plane, I couldn't stop thinking about kissing you."
Sophie glanced nervously out the window, worried someone might see them. But Noah's teasing was irresistible, and she felt herself surrendering to the moment, her body weak in his embrace.
Somehow, their robes slipped to the floor, leaving them facing each other in their most vulnerable state, wrapped in the intimacy of the moment.
Overcome by passion, they soon found themselves tangled together on the sofa bed. The bright lighting made it hard for Sophie to see Noah's features clearly, but what she could make out was comparable to a work of art.
His physique was anything but thin or frail; it was strong and perfectly sculpted, muscles defined and firm. His skin had a healthy bronze glow that seemed to drive Sophie wild, igniting a fire within her that was impossible to ignore.
Noah couldn't help but feel pleased as he noticed Sophie admiring his physique. He, too, was captivated by her. With her international model standards, Sophie stood tall at 170 centimeters, her body perfectly proportioned. Her long, slender legs added to her allure, making her nearly irresistible.
Their bodies seemed like two masterpieces coming together, a union so perfect it felt destined by the heavens.
With a chuckle, Noah remarked, "If we keep ourselves looking like this forever, I bet our chances of divorce would be zero."
Sophie laughed in response, her eyes sparkling with affection. She gently lifted her left hand, brushing it against Noah's right ear. "I adore this mole of yours," she said playfully. "It's like you were born with an earring!"
Overwhelmed by his burning passion, Noah leaned in and pressed his lips firmly against Sophie's. His warm hands, unable to resist, gently explored the lower part of her body, eliciting a quiet moan of pleasure from her. In return, Sophie planted a passionate kiss on Noah's ear, sending shivers down his spine.
Their affection continued to build, enveloping them both in a whirlwind of emotion and connection.
Eventually, exhaustion took over, and they lay in each other's arms, drifting into a peaceful sleep, content in the warmth and closeness they shared.
After they woke up, they leaned against each other and whispered sweet words before affectionately doing what they wanted to do.
Of course they didn't complete the final step of their intimacy. Despite this, Sophie wished that life could remain just as it was—perfect and serene.
Meanwhile, at the hotel, Kathy was having dinner with Nathan and Amber. Noticing Amber's cautious demeanor, Kathy quickly reassured her, saying, "You don't need to be so afraid of me!"
"Kathy..." Amber began, her voice tinged with hesitation.
"Honestly, I'm not thrilled about you, but you're the choice my brother made. Since we're about to become family, I'll stand by you," Kathy said, slicing her steak with precision before tasting it.
She looked at Amber with a soft gaze and continued, "I know you and Sophie clash like oil and water. Sophie's been acting all high and mighty lately. At first, I thought we owed her something because of what went down between you two. But with her recent antics, I doubt she's worth our sympathy. There's a meeting with Mystic scheduled for 8 AM tomorrow, but I told my assistant to inform her it starts at 9 AM. Mystic's editor despises tardiness. So, chances are, Sophie might lose her spot tomorrow."
"But... wasn't the plan for us to attend the shoots together?" Amber questioned, confusion clouding her voice.
Kathy leaned back, a sly smile playing on her lips. "I only mentioned you two shooting together to stir up some buzz and divert attention from your recent scandal. Now that we're in Mexico, she's not the only star model around. When the moment is right, we'll have no trouble finding someone else to step in and pair with you instead."
"Sophie isn't the type to just back down," Amber warned, a knowing look in her eyes.
Kathy nodded, her expression firm. "This decision rests with the magazine, not Global Pictures. Once the shoot wraps up, your value will skyrocket, while Sophie's career will take a hit when folks back home hear about the chilly reception she got here in Mexico. It'll be a lesson she won't forget."
Sophie had mentioned before that Kathy loved to have control, especially over her artists. The moment Sophie arrived with that defiant look on her face, it was like lighting a fire in Kathy's eyes, as if she was set on finding ways to make Sophie pay.
Amber glanced at the two people supporting her, feeling the thrill of impending stardom. How could Sophie, with nothing to her name, ever hope to compete with her now?
Ashley had been informed by Kathy's assistant about the meeting scheduled for 9 AM. However, Kathy was completely unaware that Noah already had Mystic's exact timetable.
When Sophie noticed the timing discrepancy, she quickly grasped the situation.
"Ashley, can't you see? Global Pictures is clearly trying to edge you out. What are our next steps?" Sophie inquired with urgency.
"Since Kathy wants to make me late, I'll arrive early instead," Sophie declared with determination. "But you both need to brace yourselves—I might be replaced."
"I've been ready for that possibility for a while now," Ashley replied confidently. "And I've also got a plan to help you reclaim your position."