Ji-Hoon entered Sophia's office, his heart racing. Eric stood guard, his expression unreadable.
"Sophia, what's this meeting about?" Ji-Hoon asked.
Sophia smiled, her eyes glinting. "Ji-Hoon, you're at a crossroads. Your talent deserves recognition, but your attitude needs adjustment."
Ji-Hoon bristled. "What do you mean?"
Sophia leaned forward. "Sign with my talent agency, and I'll ensure your success. Refuse, and... well, let's just say your career will stall."
Ji-Hoon's eyes narrowed. "You're blackmailing me?"
Sophia shrugged. "Call it an incentive. You have 24 hours to decide."
As Ji-Hoon left, he bumped into a striking young woman.
"Oh, sorry!" she said, smiling.
"I'm Ji-Hoon," he replied, still reeling from Sophia's ultimatum.
"I'm Ha-Young, the new publicist," she said.
Ha-Young's gaze sparkled. "I've heard great things about you, Ji-Hoon. I'd love to work with you."
Ji-Hoon's instincts stirred. Could Ha-Young be an ally?
Meanwhile, Jae-Hyun and Yoon-Ah discussed Sophia's true intentions.
"We need to expose Sophia's scheme," Jae-Hyun said.
Yoon-Ah nodded. "But how?"
Just then, Min-Ji approached. "Guys, I found something. Sophia's talent agency is linked to a major scandal."
Jae-Hyun's eyes widened. "That's our leverage."
Here's the continuation of Chapter 11:
Ji-Hoon's eyes locked onto Ha-Young. "We need to move fast. Can you arrange a press conference?"
Ha-Young nodded. "I'll make it happen."
Min-Ji handed Ji-Hoon a folder. "Evidence of Sophia's agency spreading rumors."
Jae-Hyun's expression turned grim. "We'll take this to social media too."
Yoon-Ah's voice trembled. "What if it backfires?"
Ji-Hoon's reassuring smile calmed her fears. "We're in this together."
Within hours, the group stood before a packed press conference.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Ji-Hoon began, "we're here to expose Sophia's agency's ruthless tactics."
Sophia's smile faltered as she watched the live broadcast.
Eric's voice growled in her ear. "Damage control, now."
Sophia's eyes narrowed. "Crush them."