Chapter 59 Eyes Like Midnight
The black sedan moved through the streets of Silverlight City, stopping and starting in the heavy rush-hour traffic.
Armando scrolled through a few emails, his mind replaying the image of Elizabeth leaning in to loosen Yosef's tie. His jaw tightened, a faint shadow of irritation crossing his face.
The phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and answered.
"Armando, I'll be in Harmony City for the next couple of days promoting my album. I won't be in Silverlight City, so make sure you check in on Sloane," Sherry's voice was smooth, almost warm.
He knew she was still upset—angry that he had once thought the worst of her.
"Alright."
Sherry ended the call first.
Della noticed her mood. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Sherry replied.
Just then, a staff member walked in carrying a bouquet of roses. "Ms. Scott, these are from Mr. Johnson."
Sherry's face lit up instantly. Whatever irritation lingered melted away as she took the flowers.
"Thank you," she said to the staffer.
Della chuckled. "Mr. Johnson knows how to keep a woman smiling."
Armando, after arranging for Tom to send Sherry the roses, leaned back in his seat, his eyes darkening. "Have someone follow Elizabeth."
Tom hesitated. "Yes, but she's got bodyguards. It might be obvious."
"Do it."
The car fell silent again.
Across the city, Daisy Lynn was fuming. "She's just spent a few years overseas. Her singing isn't even better than yours, but the company is throwing all its resources at her because she's got a man backing her. The songs you worked so hard to get… all handed to Sherry's team. It's disgusting."
Jessa Greer sat on the sofa, scrolling through news on her tablet. Footage from Sherry's Harmony City event filled the screen, and a trace of disappointment crossed her face.
Talent alone wasn't enough. Connections mattered.
Daisy glanced at the tablet. "It's fine. We'll keep looking for good songs and buy the rights."
Jessa gave a weary smile. "Don't try to comfort me. If I stay at the Starlight Group, I might never get the chance. I'm holding you back."
Before Sherry arrived at the Starlight Group, Jessa had been their priority. But after Sherry came, her resources dwindled. This month's album release had been pushed aside—Sherry had taken every promising track.
Daisy noticed the wry smile on Jessa's face and felt a stab of sympathy. She knew the Starlight Group had no plans to support her.
Daisy's expression hardened. "Our contract has six years left. If we can pay the penalty, we can walk away."
"Even if I sold everything I have, I couldn't afford it," Jessa said bitterly. "Look at this."
She turned the tablet toward Daisy. The latest entertainment headline showed Sherry holding a bouquet of roses, her expression radiant under the cameras.
The article hinted at an impending engagement between Sherry and Armando of the Johnson Group—the Starlight Group's largest shareholder.
Daisy's jaw tightened. That would make things even harder for Jessa.
Harmony City.
Sherry's album event was in full swing, the crowd buzzing with energy. Fans waved signs from the floor below.
Elizabeth was among them, sunglasses hiding her eyes, her outfit bold and tailored. She smiled toward the stage.
Sherry, mid-interaction with fans, caught sight of her. Her expression faltered for a split second. If not for the cameras, she would have scowled outright.
What was Elizabeth doing here?
When the applause came, Elizabeth clapped along, then stood and walked out, tossing her fan sign into a trash bin.
The weather was good. She narrowed her eyes against the sunlight, pulled out her phone, and dialed.
"Ms. Greer, this is Yvonne," Elizabeth said as she strolled down the street. "I have a few new songs. Interested in buying the rights? Exclusively yours."
Jessa, still worrying about her future, blinked at the unknown number. But as the offer sank in, her face lit up. "Yes. I'd love to."
Elizabeth's lips curved. "Should I buy a ring to seal the deal?"
Jessa flushed. Elizabeth's laugh carried through the line, low and teasing.
"I'll send you an address. Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow," Jessa agreed.
When the call ended, she turned to Daisy. "Pinch me."
Daisy pinched her cheek without hesitation. "What happened?"
"Yvonne—you know her—she's selling me her new songs. Only me." Jessa's grin widened. "I guess this is what a turnaround looks like."
Sherry wouldn't be able to touch those songs.
Later, Sherry climbed into her car after the event, her brow furrowed.
Della joined her, congratulating her on the success. "Why the look?"
"I saw Elizabeth. She was in the audience."
"What?" Della frowned. "Why?"
"No idea."
"Don't stress. She's just trying to rattle you. That's all she's got," Della said lightly. "She's not even close to you."
Sherry thought about it and smirked. Elizabeth had already lost.
By the time Elizabeth returned to Silverlight City from Harmony City, it was around seven in the evening.
Before she could drive back to Faith Residence, Yosef called, giving her an address. "Get here now, or you're fired tomorrow."
Elizabeth hung up, unimpressed.
She checked her mirrors, turned the wheel, and took another route.
At 7:30 p.m., a row of expensive cars lined up outside Carlton Hotel. Elizabeth's modest sedan parked behind them—an odd contrast.
She stepped out, her vibrant outfit catching the light, and walked into the hotel. After giving the room number to a server, she was led to the third floor.
The private suites here came with entertainment setups.
Inside, only Yosef and Matthew were seated.
"Sit here. We're one short," Yosef said.
He'd called her here to complete a poker game.
Elizabeth pulled out a chair and sat, nodding at Matthew. "Who's the fourth?"
"Wait," Yosef muttered, clearly impatient.
She poured water for Yosef and Matthew before pouring her own. She'd rushed over and was thirsty.
The door opened.
Timothy stepped inside.
Elizabeth set down her cup.
Yosef rose. "Mr. Robinson."
"Sorry I'm late," Timothy's voice was deep.
"Elizabeth just arrived," Yosef said with a smile.
Following Yosef's lead, Elizabeth stood and pulled out a chair for Timothy.
His gaze caught hers, dark and unreadable. He sat down and murmured, "Thanks."