In the meeting room, Sophie flashed a knowing smile at Ashley and Lisa, suggesting that she might have the upper hand in this situation.
The moment Linda walked out, Kathy pounded the table with her fist and demanded, "What do you really want, Sophie?!"
"You can't treat someone like this when you're asking them for help!" Sophie declared with determination, her eyes locked on Kathy's. "I assume you already know about your brother's actions. In this cutthroat industry, the strong ones always have people backing them, while the weaker ones get crushed underfoot. I'm aware that my words might not mean much to you. After all, we can't stand the sight of each other. So, why should we even bother to try working together? You might want to consider begging someone else for assistance!"
Kathy's eyes blazed with fury, yet she found herself trapped in a situation she couldn't escape. As a manager for a different company, even her secret assistance to Global Pictures was already crossing a dangerous line and breaching her contract. Helping Amber openly was simply impossible.
Opportunities like this were rare, so Kathy knew she had to swallow her pride for now. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her voice. "Alright, Sophie," she said, her tone more measured and conciliatory. "Tell me what you're after. If you push things too far, neither of us stands to gain anything from this."
"Amber accused me of stealing something that was hers," Sophie retorted firmly.
Kathy clenched her teeth, struggling to maintain her composure. "No, Amber actually needs your guidance," she replied, though her words were forced and heavy. Deep down, she wished Sophie would vanish from her sight, and she knew Sophie harbored the same animosity toward her.
The provoking stares from the people around her made it clear to Sophie that reasoning with them might be futile. She realized she needed to make a decision that would ultimately serve her own interests.
Casting a swift look at Amber, whose determined expression spoke volumes, Sophie arched an eyebrow and declared, "I'll give Amber a chance, but there's one condition."
"Speak!" Kathy responded, barely managing to suppress her simmering anger, eager to hear what Sophie had in mind.
"I want Global Pictures to promise me that from now on, I will have full control over my projects," Sophie declared boldly. "I will choose whom I work with and take on only the jobs I want. They will have no right to interfere or assign me work I don't agree to."
Kathy's response was immediate and resolute. "That's impossible," she stated firmly. "How is that any different from tearing up your contract or starting your own personal studio?"
"You can refuse," Sophie said with a calm confidence, "but rest assured, I'll make this happen one way or another. Meanwhile, can Amber really afford to wait? The top ten model awards are fast approaching."
Kathy exchanged a glance with Nathan, both lost in thought for a moment. Finally, Kathy turned back to Sophie. "The best I can offer is to ensure you have a say in your projects," she conceded. "We won't assign jobs to you without your knowledge. But as for choosing your clients, the company must keep some control. If you start working with obscure, low-profile companies, what would that do to our reputation?"
"Sophie, no artist can surpass their company and call all the shots," Nathan interjected, trying to assert his authority.
"The company can remain in control," Sophie replied firmly, "but I insist that all the higher-ups be present whenever decisions are made. I simply can't trust Nathan anymore."
She continued, "I know other companies provide their artists with the best resources, and I'm not asking for that. I just want you to stop interfering with my choices. And one more thing, keep Amber out of it. She shouldn't be dragged into every decision." Her words were clear and unwavering, setting her boundaries with conviction.
Kathy sneered inwardly, doubting Sophie's ability to follow through on her bold demands. She saw it as a rash move, one that wouldn't hold up in the long run.
She was confident that once Amber's status climbed, Global Pictures would have no trouble tarnishing Sophie's reputation again. When the time was right, Kathy planned to orchestrate a problem so intricate that Sophie wouldn't be able to escape its grasp.
For now, however, agreeing seemed like the most strategic choice. It was the best decision she could make at this moment, setting the stage for her future plans.
Unable to directly undermine Sophie, Kathy plotted to have her share the spotlight with Amber. She was eager to see whether Sophie could truly outshine Amber, especially with Kathy's expertise and influence backing Amber's career.
"I agree!" Kathy responded, nodding her head, a sly smile playing on her lips. She was ready to watch the unfolding drama, confident in her ability to steer the situation to her advantage.