Chapter 76 See You at the Usual Place at 10 PM

Chapter 76 See You at the Usual Place at 10 PM

"Best Actress is really something else. She's the center of attention wherever she goes."

Daphne's eyes sparkled with admiration as she watched Gia, daydreaming about the possibility of grooming a star like her someday.

Ronnie furrowed his brow and mumbled under his breath, "Is she looking at us? Why do I feel like she's coming our way?"

Daphne noticed the shift, too, after Ronnie mentioned it. 

"We haven't done anything to provoke her, right? Why is she heading this way?"

Ronnie was sweating bullets, his heart pounding. He was on the rise, and getting involved with Gia could lead to unpredictable outcomes. He knew everything had its pros and cons. Knowing Gia could be beneficial, but it could also backfire.

As Gia's figure approached, their hearts sank. They braced themselves to greet her. Before they could say anything, Gia spoke first.

"You, what are you doing here?"

Ronnie and Daphne were stunned, their eyes darting to Sophia, who seemed equally surprised that Gia was addressing her.

Sophia pointed to the ornate box in Ronnie's arms and smiled lightly. "I'm here to provide jade accessories for the red carpet. I didn't expect to see you here."

Gia's eyes lingered on the box. "So, tonight's best accessory is from Jade Haven? I'm impressed." She paused, glancing around before turning back with a parting look. "Sophia, I have high hopes for you. Don't let me down."

With that, Gia walked away, leaving everyone puzzled. Most onlookers assumed Gia was simply mingling with the new generation of actors, but Daphne and Ronnie knew she wasn't there for them.

As the crowd thinned, they quickly approached Sophia.

"You know Gia?"

"How do you know her? She rarely attends events, and Jade Haven was only recently established. How did you make such a big name so quickly?"

"Something's fishy! Spill it!"

Their eyes were wide with curiosity, pressing Sophia for answers.

"Connections, just like how we met. I met her the same way."

Sophia's vague response seemed to satisfy them. Daphne patted her shoulder, grinning. "I knew it! Ms. Kingsley must have introduced you at a party. Jade Haven's quality speaks for itself. I was worried for nothing, thinking you might be relatives or something."

"Ms. Morgan, if Ms. Brown were related to the Mitchell family, she wouldn't be running a small brand. She'd be leveraging their investment by now!"

Sophia shook her head, unwilling to continue the conversation. She waved as she walked away. "Come visit Jade Haven sometime. I have to go now."

Sophia hurried off with Isla, leaving Daphne and Ronnie behind. By the time they considered following, Sophia had already blended into the crowd.

"Forget it, Ms. Morgan. Why are you so anxious? Do you really want to pull her into the entertainment industry?" Ronnie asked, trying to calm Daphne down.

Once in the car, Daphne reclined, her voice calm. "The entertainment industry is constantly evolving, with new talent emerging all the time. She has a face that could become globally famous. With her skills, it wouldn't be hard for her to make it big."

Ronnie nodded in agreement, munching on a snack. "But I don't think she's interested in becoming a star."

Daphne chuckled, adjusting her position. "Maybe not now, but that doesn't mean she won't be in the future. Once you've tasted certain things, it's hard to let them go. I have a feeling she'll come to me again."

Meanwhile, Sophia lay in the car, staring ahead. Isla turned from the passenger seat, worry in her voice. "Ms. Brown, you've been out of it since the awards. Are you feeling unwell? Should we see a doctor? We could have one come to us if you're not up for going out."

Sophia's thoughts snapped back, her vacant eyes regaining focus. She smiled and gently tapped Isla's nose. "I was just thinking. It's the age of influencers. Capital can control popularity, but some people are hard to manage."

Maybe she should give it a try.

"Ms. Brown, don't tell me you want to become an actress?" Isla asked, half-joking.

Sophia shook her head. "No, my belly's getting bigger every day. I couldn't be an actress even if I wanted to. It would be too obvious soon."

Isla nodded, her head resting on the seat. "So, what do you want to do? Whatever it is, I'll support you."

Sophia was taken aback by Isla's words, her gaze softening. "You're such a silly girl. Why do you follow me in everything? Sometimes, what I say isn't right."

Isla, usually so stoic, smiled warmly, though it was still a bit unsettling. "Isla, you need to change your style. Smile normally. Your smile is scarier than your frown."

Isla rolled her eyes. "Ms. Brown, do you hear yourself? Anyway, we've dealt with a big issue."

She knew they were being watched, not just by one group, but by several: Philip's people, Xander's people, Thea.

"It's a good thing. Have Mia cook your favorite tonight."

Just then, Sophia's phone buzzed with a message.

[10 PM, usual place] -- Philip.

Sophia chuckled at the message. "The usual place, huh? Isla, head home first. I have something to do and will be back late."

"Do you need me to go with you?" Isla offered.

"No, just wait at home. I won't be long." Sophia reassured her.