"Please, don't do this. If you go through with it, our company will go completely bankrupt," pleaded a man standing in the shadows, his voice filled with desperation.
"We can't. We have to protect our own business interests. We can't help you without considering ourselves first," another man responded firmly, turning to leave.
"Please, don't do this..." the first man called out, chasing after him. Suddenly, he cried out and clutched his chest in pain.
Sophie jolted awake, her heart racing and breath unsteady. She sat up in bed, trying to shake off the unsettling dream. The room was dark and quiet, but the vivid images lingered in her mind, leaving her feeling uneasy
'I can't forget , I know what I have to do' She thought, as she looked at the bed , it was Empty, that means Noah had already woke up. She shook the thought away, and stepped off her bed as she walked out of the room to find Noah.
Earlier that Morning, Because Kathy was to takeover Sophie, her Ashley and Nathan were in the meeting room discussing the upcoming plans that they had.
Sophie was not invited to the meeting. The excuse was that was only a pitch. However, Ashley was clear about Kathy's true intentions. Kathy was treating Sophie merely as a chess piece.
No matter how high Sophie's status was , she was still going to maintain her power to control her artist. Ashley projected Sophie's job offers onto the projector screen, there were 23 of them. Seeing this Nathan was shocked.
Amongst the offers, there was no look of second tier magazines. He was astonished that pubic had such high degree of acknowledgement for Sophie.
Of course, Ashley didn't reveal the offers that Sophie was currently considering. This included the offers from Creative Day and Morning Sun. 2 big superstar factories, who had thrown her an expensive offer. With Sophie's modeling status, a small studio like Global pictures could no longer be of any much help to her. Plus , the contract that hung to Kathy's lips could no longer bind Sophie.
It seemed Kathy had already forgotten the battle with Mystic and still believed Sophie's success was due to luck.
"At present, because of the oriental trend, Sophie is extremely popular. She has gained quite a bit of fame in the European and American markets. As long as we take advantage of the current situation, with my contacts, we can speedily get her on to multiple stages. However, she needs to be obedient towards me, otherwise, I can also destroy her" Said Kathy.
It seemed like the celebration dinner that was planned for tonight for Sophie was more like a announcement of Kathy taking on her new role. A manager that has been blacklisted by the Mexicans , with blink of an eye returned to New York, critical.
"Sophie, what do you plan to do now !? Kathy is not going to give up on you" Ashley was worried.
Sophie, who was still thinking about the dream of morning, came to sense , as she replied, "I have my ...plans, Ashley. Thank you" Sophie thanked her sincerely.
"Sophie, this is actually a good opportunity for me to leave you. I know your manager will only get better and better. I am not good enough to stay by your side. You have taught me so much and made me understand a lot of things. Don't worry , we have a confidentiality agreement between us, I will not reveal your business to others. I just hope in the end, Global Pictures can let me go" Ashley was determined. If she continued to work for Sophie , she would only continue to be led by her and not have the opportunity to show her managerial skills. She was impressed by Sophie , but she also had her own goals.
"As You wish" Sophie nodded.
"Are we still friends !?" Ashley asked.
"Of course" Sophie replied calmly.
"My photos I will leave them with you. It can serve as a warning for me. Sophie, I will keep an eye on you. I will watch as you leap on to the international stage"
"Ashley, I also wish all the best for you"
Ashley understood that she already completed her mission, and it was time for her to retreat. According to Sophie's personality, she never held back on her enemies, at the same time, she never made things difficult for her allies. So of course, she preferred to be a friend.
Not long after, New York's night sky was densely dotted with stars, at the same time, Sophie was well prepared for a battle with Kathy.
At the time she was at her wardrobe, she suddenly received a phone call from an unknown number. But, at the same time she heard Noah coming in, so she rejected the call and made a quick text message....
"Not the right time"
After sometimes, on their way to the hotel, Noah held onto Sophie's hand, giving her strength.
Sophie looked at Noah and smiled, "No need to worry about me. I am already used to it. I am well prepared for a big battle, even if Kathy is a tough enemy"
"I just care about you " He said.
"Hubby, there is no need to wait for me tonight, be a good boy and go back home to sleep. You work so hard everyday, don't tire yourself out because of me" Sophie gripped onto Noah's hand, "I promise, I won't allow myself to suffer any loss"
"You said it, If Kathy makes you suffer at all, I will get Collider Scope to step in" Noah embraced Sophie and gently pressed a kiss on her forehead. The longer they were a couple , the more he grew to understand her. And the more his heart ached for her.
Sophie lifted her head and looked at the mole at Noah's ear , that was his mark, one that completely charmed and her and made her feel lightheaded.
"I will not give you the chance to step in, I have already prepared a present for Kathy. How dare she dream of becoming my manager. I am going make her have the guts to think it , but no chance to say it"
After all she was well experienced at tearing apart her enemies, no matter how big or influential they were.
Noah looked gently at Sophie, at her confident eyes. It seemed really he wouldn't get the chance to step in.