Chapter 20: Let's Have a Meal Together
Lynn's fingers tapped arrogantly on the contract.
She dealt with a constant flow of artists, many of whom had risen to the top. She had a keen eye for talent and success, always aiming to strike decisively. She had reviewed Sophia's work and saw immense potential in her future.
She planned to tailor a promotional campaign for Sophia.
"Miss Welsh, if you have any concerns, feel free to voice them."
Sophia's gentle demeanor was underscored by a pair of resolute eyes. "I stand by my decision."
"If you refuse our company's collaboration, you won't find a better option."
Lynn leaned forward, speaking slowly, "Mr. Walker has already spread the word about you. Your reputation isn't in the best shape right now, Miss Welsh."
Sophia smiled softly. "I don't care about that. I only care if my work can remain unchanged."
Her dedication to the integrity of her work was unyielding.
Lynn packed up the contract and stood up. "Then, Miss Welsh, we'll find another opportunity to work together."
Lynn stared at Sophia, who remained unfazed and composed.
Sophia stood up politely to see Lynn off. "Thank you for your time. Goodbye."
Lynn turned and walked towards the door. Sophia decided to stay in the coffee shop for a bit longer.
Less than a minute later, Lynn returned, slapping the contract on the table. She leaned on it with both hands.
"I accept your terms. I won't interfere excessively in your promotional activities."
Sophia's eyes lit up with surprise and delight. "Will you sign?"
"Yes."
Lynn couldn't help but smile. In Sophia's eyes, she saw a hint of prominent artist.
They shared a similar character. Sophia's eyes sparkled with a pure, almost otherworldly quality.
Lynn had a gut feeling that Sophia was a rising star.
Lynn, holding the signed contract, called an old friend as she got into her car.
"Don't worry, it's all arranged. But can I ask about your relationship with this friend of yours?"
Lynn opened her car door, curious about the person who had prompted Preston to personally make a call.
"She's my wife."
Lynn froze. "What the hell? When did you get married?"
"Recently."
"Oh my god! Does Oliver and Will know?"
Hearing no response, Lynn understood everything.
Lynn nearly gritted her teeth. "So, I'm not considered your close friend? Only when you need something?"
"There was no suitable opportunity."
The calmer Preston's tone, the more irritated Lynn became.
He always had a knack for defusing others' anger. "Don't tell her yet. She doesn't know my identity."
"Good grief! What kind of game are you playing, Preston?"
"Love game."
Click!
Lynn hung up, exasperated by the words from the usually cold Preston.
Sophia had just returned to the office when she saw Lynn promoting her new artist on her personal social media account. Lynn was paving the way for Sophia.
Everything was under her control.
Isabella saw the news and rushed to find Sophia.
"Wow, you managed to sign with Lynn after ditching Mr. Walker."
"None of her artists have failed to become stars, though her reputation isn't that great."
Sophia yawned. "She agreed not to excessively or falsely promote my work."
Isabella hesitated. It was hard to believe that someone like Lynn would keep her word.
She was known as the most unreliable person in the industry.
The reality was, even if Lynn wanted to interfere with Sophia's work, she wouldn't dare.
Sophia was the first woman Preston had openly acknowledged in their circle of close friends since that other woman.
And they were already married. Sophia was Preston's wife.
Lynn absolutely wouldn't dare to mess around.
With everything settled, Sophia organized her remaining work and prepared to deliver it to Lynn.
Suddenly, Isabella came running back. "Sophia, is that your mom?"
A short video was going viral in the company group chat. Sophia recognized the familiar figure on the screen, her face turning pale.
In the video, Fiona was being accosted by a woman clinging to her leg. A crowd gathered, the woman accusing Fiona of taking her husband and child. People looked at Fiona with disdain, calling her names and accusing her of being a homewrecker.
Fiona looked around helplessly, trying to explain she wasn't a homewrecker.
The other woman was loud and aggressive, Fiona completely outmatched.
"Is this at the mall next to our company?"
Sophia quickly put on her jacket and grabbed her phone.
"Isabella, keep an eye on things for me."
"Be careful."
The mall security was trying to intervene, but the woman refused to let go.
"You drove me out of my home, you homewrecker, determined to ruin me!"
"You... You're lying!"
Fiona's face went pale, sweat beading on her forehead.
The woman's heart was full of malice, hoping Fiona would fall and miscarry.
"I'm not lying. Everyone here can see the truth!"
"Indeed, everyone can see the truth."
Sophia strode in, high heels clicking. She supported Fiona's arm, looking down at the woman.
"Whoever is clinging on and distorting the truth is clear to everyone."
"She's the homewrecker!"
The woman glared.
"Baseless accusations are a first for me. Would you dare to show everyone your divorce papers and marriage certificate?"
"Lady, slander and defamation carry legal consequences!"
"You!"
With Sophia's arrival, the crowd began to understand the situation, criticizing the woman on the ground for her excessive behavior.
Some said she shouldn't go back to an ex, others said her harassment of the current wife was disgraceful.
The woman got up suddenly. "You bastard child, spouting nonsense!"
"Homewrecker! Bah! A family of homewreckers!"
Sophia stood tall, squeezing Fiona's hand for support, raising her chin slightly.
"Lady, my mother was lawfully married to Mr. Larry. If you're trying to rekindle old flames and won't let go, you're the homewrecker!"
"You little bitch!"
Hilda Mercer, Gordan's ex-wife, was a ferocious woman. Her insults knew no bounds. The harsher her words, the better it was for Sophia.
Hilda's face was red with anger. She pointed at Sophia. "Just wait and see who gets kicked out of the Larry family in the end!"
She thought Fiona could defeat her? What a joke!
Hilda stared daggers at Fiona. Fiona only had her pregnancy as leverage. Hilda's eyes turned red with rage.
She knew Gordan always wanted a son. Unfortunately, after giving birth to Susan, she couldn't have more children.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have divorced Gordan.
Hilda's gaze was terrifying. The memories came flooding back—Gordan's past affection for her would now be directed at this woman!
If Fiona really gave birth to a son, Hilda's dream of returning to the Larry family would be shattered!
This child couldn't be born!