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.
Upon hearing Kathy's reply, Ashley, who stood quietly behind Sophie, felt a surge of admiration. In an unexpected twist, Sophie had flipped the situation entirely, rising above Kathy with confidence and poise. It was clear she wasn't just any artist; she was extraordinary.
Rather than letting anger take over, Sophie faced Kathy head-on, firmly asserting her rights. From that point forward, Global Pictures had no authority to meddle in her career.
In essence, Sophie had gained some freedom from her contract. She knew these deceitful people all too well and was determined to secure her ability to make her own choices. She couldn't risk a repeat of the disaster with Mystic.
Her approach was far more effective than simply disgracing them. Sophie's mind was sharp and focused.
Ashley truly believed that even without her as a manager or any assistant, Sophie would still soar on her own. After all, how many artists could actually guide their managers instead of the other way around?
Despite knowing this, Ashley had no intention of leaving Sophie. There was so much wisdom to gain from being by her side. When Sophie spoke about reclaiming the fairness she deserved, it deeply resonated with Ashley, inspiring her even more.
In this industry, Ashley had almost forgotten that fairness could exist, but Sophie stood out. She wasn't concerned about sharing the spotlight with Amber. With Sophie's immense talent, outshining Amber would have been a breeze.
Deep down, Sophie longed for a fair chance to compete against Amber. Having once been Amber's understudy, she needed to show the world that being a substitute didn't mean she lacked ability. For Sophie, surpassing Amber was as effortless as playing an easy game.
In the end, both sides finally agreed, and Global Pictures couldn't just decide on Sophie's projects without thinking. From this point forward, every job Sophie took on would need the approval of the company's top executives.
With these leaders watching closely, Nathan couldn't keep secrets from the public anymore. From now on, the projects Sophie suggested had the chance to earn huge profits. There was no way they could turn them down.
At the same time, Sophie invited Amber to join her in a photoshoot with Mystic. Together, they aimed to set the stage for the oriental trend.
When Linda heard Sophie's decision, she was taken aback by Sophie's openness to include Amber. This move earned Sophie's newfound respect from Linda, who couldn't help but admire her decision.
Sophie had an unbreakable spirit, enduring her enemies' harsh words and humiliations, even when they nearly tore her apart.
"Sophie, you've truly amazed me. I can't wait to see you on the cover of our magazine. I'm truly sorry for all the times I misjudged you," Linda confessed, her voice filled with genuine regret.
"It's okay!" Sophie replied with a calm smile, showing she wasn't shaken by it. She knew the business world well enough to realize that winning people over was far more beneficial than making enemies.
"I look forward to our collaboration!" Sophie added confidently.
As she turned to leave, Kathy and her group shot icy glares at her, their eyes cold and unforgiving. It was clear that the Davies family and Sophie were now on opposing sides. But that didn't faze her; if she were scared of such things, she wouldn't have dared to speak up in the meetings, either yesterday or today.
As Sophie was leaving Mystic, Kathy stopped her with a warning. "I can't tell if you're clever or foolish, Sophie. Yes, you were famous once, but that's history now. How dare you challenge the company for such a minor gain, especially when you lack strong support? You might enjoy this victory for a while, but it won't last long."
Sophie turned to her with a serene smile and said, "You don't need to worry about that."
From behind, Lisa scoffed, thinking, "Sophie has Noah. Even if she's not much on her own, she's still the wife of the CEO of Collider Scope Entertainment. Just wait until the truth is revealed. You'll all be stunned beyond belief."
Nathan, with Amber clinging to his side, glared at Sophie. "I used to cherish the good times we shared, but after today, all I feel for you is disgust," he said, his eyes cold and filled with hatred.
Amber felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her. For the first time ever, Nathan openly declared his loathing for Sophie. This was it—Amber believed it meant Sophie had no hope of rekindling any sort of relationship with him. To Sophie, this would be the ultimate defeat—or so Amber imagined.
But, it was all a figment of Amber's imagination. At that very moment, as Sophie was walking away, she chuckled softly. "I figured you'd pick up on my disdain for you long before now," she said with a serene smile. Sophie's calm retort sent Lisa and Ashley into fits of laughter.
After the trio hopped into their car, they sped away, leaving everything behind without a single backward glance.
"Ah...!" Lisa exclaimed with a grin of pure delight. "Today was just what I needed!" she laughed. "I've got to pop some champagne tonight to celebrate. Imagining Kathy's twisted expression makes me wish I could capture it and show her just how ridiculous she looks."
Ashley swiveled in her seat to face Sophie, curiosity shining in her eyes.
"That was all part of your plan to finally speak up, wasn't it?" she asked.
Sophie nodded, determination in her voice. "If I didn't take this step, they'd keep using me to prop themselves up until Amber loses her throne. I needed to claim my right to be heard."
Sophie gazed at the extra contract Nathan had given her, trying to spot any mistakes. As she read it, she realized she couldn't make sense of many of the legal words. She thought to herself that Noah would have to take care of this since he gets all this legal stuff.
"Wait, are you planning to take down Amber?" Ashley asked, not knowing that Amber was expecting a baby.
"It's not the right time for that yet," Sophie explained.
Ashley gazed into Sophie's eyes and decided not to push further. She knew that if Sophie needed to share something, she'd do so eventually. For now, Ashley figured the best thing she could do was to earn Sophie's trust. That was the key to strengthening their friendship.
With a laugh, Ashley remarked, "Amber's really trying to compete with you, huh? You should totally make her your background scenery," she teased, poking fun at Amber.
Naturally, there was no use in getting ahead of themselves. Right now, the photoshoot for Mystic was the biggest deal, and all the fans were eager to watch and see who would come out on top.
When they got back to the manor, Noah still wasn't home yet.
So, the three women relaxed on the living room rug, sipping some red wine and chatting casually.
"Sophie, can you whip up something for us? I'm so tired of eating Mexican fast food," Lisa asked hopefully.
"But I really don't feel like doing anything," Sophie said, lounging against the sofa lazily.
"Oh no, does that mean we're stuck with nachos, burritos, and tacos again?" Lisa grumbled.
"Why don't you ask my husband to cook? Though, I doubt he'll make enough for you," Sophie replied with a playful smile.
"Wait, are you telling me the big boss can cook?" Lisa exclaimed, as if she'd just stumbled upon some big secret, grabbing Sophie's arm in excitement.
"Yep, and he's not too shabby at it," Sophie teased with a grin.
"Sophie, please, let us have the honor of tasting his cooking," Lisa pleaded sincerely, clasping her hands together. "Just a tiny bite, that's all I ask!"
"That's easy enough to arrange," Noah's voice chimed in from beside them.
Sophie turned to look at Noah, and under the sunlight, his handsome face was simply irresistible.
"To celebrate Sophie getting back what's rightfully hers, I'll do the cooking. But just a heads up, if anyone tries to drag Sophie into the kitchen again, I won't be so nice," he said with a teasing yet protective tone.