Chapter <b>40 </b>
“Mr. Hollis, as soon as the lead actress finishes this scene, you’re up next.”
“Alright, thanks.” Tristan nced at the young assistant, a charming smile tugging at his lips. There was a softness in his eyes, the kind that could easily sweep you off your feet if you weren’t careful.
“N–no problem.” The assistant blushed, the backlighting hiding her expression. She didn’t linger, rushing off after giving her message, tugging her lunch buddy along as the two whispered excitedly, barely containing themselves.
Tristan caught their gaze and looked over. Immediately, both women pretended to be busy with something else. He didn’t call them out–just waved in their direction and then turned his attention back to his phone.
“I heard thepany signed some rich kid as a new artist and specifically wants you to write his songs?”
“Sounds like he’s loaded. Maybe I should consider it,” came the teasing reply through his headphones.
Tristan’s grin widened. “Come on, Alessia, we’ve been partners for years. You wouldn’t just toss me aside, would you?”
“In this world, nothing’s more important than making money. I have to train a recement for you, just in case your career goes up in mes.”
Heughed. “You’re investing in blue–chip stocks here, ma’am. I only go up, never
down.”
On the other end, Alessia scoffed.
“I’m bringing a rookie along on Saturday. As for the trust–fund kid, let’s put him on hold. Lillian can handle it.”
“I’m wrapping up filming this Friday, <i>so </i>I’ll be back in the studio Saturday. See you then, boss.”
After sending the message, Tristan handed his phone to his manager and began getting into character for the next scene. Alessia replied with a half–hearted “OK,” then switched screens to open a document–the preliminary contract with the Summers family.
She skimmed it, then opened a separate pricing sheet. After a moment, she clicked
into another chat window.
??
15:41
“We’re ending our coboration with the Summers family.”
“Understood,” came the quick, curt reply.
“Vera, I’m not some heartless boss. It’s half past midnight. I don’t expect you to be on call 24/7–we’re a legitimatepany, not a sweatshop.”
“Don’t worry, I just happened to get up for a ss of water. Besides, with a $20,000–a–month sry, replying to your messages is part of the job.” Vera followed up with a deadpan meme: “Sleep? I’ll rest when I’m dead.”
Alessia rubbed her temples. Sometimes she wondered how she ended up surrounded by such oddballs.
In her cramped apartment, Vera had already opened herptop, the screen casting a pale green glow across her face. She pushed up her sses, her gaze sharp and alert–no trace of someone who’d just been dragged from sleep.
“Since you’re online, let’s review some work,” Vera said, her tone as prim as ever. “You’ve missed quite a bit during the month you’ve ignored my calls and messages.”
Alessia sighed. She’d heard of bosses overworking employees, but never the other way around. Still, sheposed herself quickly.
Vera was methodical and thorough, sorting important matters and documents needing signatures into clear folders, even gging the items that would require Alessia’s in–person attention at the office. In less than ny minutes, they had cleared the backlog.
“As for the Summers family, their offer isn’t as good as the otherpany’s, but it’s cheaper. I was going to discuss it with you tomorrow.”
“Don’t ruin our reputation for a bargain, especially after today’s unpleasantness. I think it’s time to teach them a little lesson.”
Three hundred grand, gone without a second thought. For Alessia, it really was just a “little lesson.” Butpared to what the other side stood to lose in the long run, walking away from the Summers family was the smarter move.
Even after three years working together, Vera still found herself surprised by Alessia. Angel or devil–her choices could go either way. She was not someone you wanted to make an enemy of.
15:41