Chapter 196
Chapter 196
"I'm worried about him not eating or drinking," Hatty frowned deeply. "He'll ruin his health. I thought he might have changed after his success, but he's still the same."
Hatty had told Bella about Simon's habits. Whenever he couldn't compose the music he wanted, he would lock himself away for days without food or drink.
"Why is this happening?" Bella asked, looking away.
After a moment of silence and Bella's persistent gaze, Hatty finally sighed. "Remember when I mentioned Simon's former agency refusing to release him? Now that they know we're going independent, they're sabotaging us, making sure we fail. I hadn't planned to involve you in this."
Bella frowned. She understood Hatty's concern, but as teammates, she couldn't just stand by and watch.
"Hatty, could you arrange a meeting with someone from that company?" Bella suggested, with Simon still refusing to emerge.
"I could, but what are you planning?" Hatty nodded hesitantly.
Bella didn't explain further. The most important issue was that the company hadn't initially refused, which meant they'd changed their minds later. There was still hope.
After Hatty contacted the music company, she approached Bella. "It's arranged—tomorrow at three in the afternoon at their office. Are you sure you want to go? I could go instead."
"I will convince them," Bella replied, her voice resolute despite her calm expression.
---
The next day, Bella met with an irritable executive in his thirties at the music company. He started a timer on his phone as he sat down. "You have fifteen minutes."
"I don't recall any time limit being set for this meeting," Bella frowned, disliking his dismissive tone.
The man let out a cold laugh. "Remember, you're just a small personal studio with little experience and barely any reputation. My agreeing to meet you is already a courtesy. Say what you need to say or leave."
Though his words held some truth, they were unpleasant to hear.
Bella took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Fine. I understand you refused to help with distribution because you felt the song had no standout qualities."
"That's correct..." the man's face showed slight discomfort.
"Then I think you should listen carefully," Bella interrupted, playing a recording from her phone.
At first, the man's expression was contemptuous—he didn't need to hear some amateur's work to know how bad it would be. But as the song progressed, he became increasingly captivated. By the time it reached its climax, he felt a rush of adrenaline.
"Who wrote this?" he asked when the song ended, completely forgetting he was speaking with someone from a singer's studio.
"Simon wrote it. I recorded this during a studio session," Bella replied, overlooking his unprofessionalism.
The man was stunned. He clearly hadn't expected Simon, whom he had dismissed, to create such an impressive song.
Seeing his conflicted expression, Bella rose unhurriedly. "Perhaps your company has seen too many good songs to appreciate Simon's work. If that's the case, we won't insist..."
"Wait! I need to consult with others!" he called out before she could leave.
Bella turned back, displaying perfectly calibrated surprise.
"This is all a misunderstanding," the man hastily explained, weighing the situation. "I was misled by others. Please convey my apologies to Mr. Jackson. I'll get approval right away—just wait here."
Bella kindly stepped aside, and he nodded gratefully before rushing out.
His reaction was exactly what she had anticipated. Simon was genuinely talented—he had been constrained before, but since coming to Oceancrest City, his condition had improved dramatically, and his composition flowed naturally.
Shortly after, the man returned, breathless. "I apologize for the wait. We will help distribute this song. We hope you'll consider us for future projects as well."
Bella shook his hand and left, exhaling with relief once outside. Despite her confidence in Simon's talent, she had still been nervous. Fortunately, everything had gone smoothly.
---
Bella hailed a taxi at the corner. Just as she was getting in, Edward emerged from the company elevator.
He walked at the front, his silver wristwatch glinting with each step, his buttoned-to-the-top shirt giving him an austere air. A crowd followed behind him like planets orbiting a sun.
"Mr. Mellon, if you're not satisfied with that singer, we can find another," the music company's CEO said, sweating profusely. "Your company's celebration is the priority."
"Not necessary. And don't bother seeing me out," Edward responded coldly.
The CEO silently cursed the difficult singer for wasting such a golden opportunity.
Suddenly, Edward stopped in his tracks.
"Mr. Mellon, have you changed your mind..." the CEO brightened, quickly catching up.
Edward pushed him aside roughly. "Get out of my way if you value your life."
Shocked, the CEO moved aside as Edward rushed forward. Everyone watched in astonishment as the typically aloof Edward moved like a man who had found a long-lost treasure.
The urgency was evident in his footsteps alone, but they couldn't see who had caused such a reaction—that person had already entered a taxi.
Edward's assistant knew exactly what was happening. Hiding his surprise at seeing Bella, he followed Edward. "Mr. Mellon, you might have been mistaken. Ms. Obelon wouldn't be in Oceancrest City, and even if she were, what are the chances she'd be here?"
But it was indeed that coincidental.
Completely unaware of the commotion outside, Bella focused on returning with the good news. "Driver, let's go. Please take me to Laurel Street."