Chapter 452

The renowned violin prodigy Lucas Laurent had connections that spanned continents. Not only was he a virtuoso performer, but he'd graduated top of his class from the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Gregory Fannon's eyebrows shot up. He'd expected Evelyn to approach Adrian Boucher, not Lucas.

While having Lucas as Soul Jewelry's spokesperson would be a coup - Gregory had no doubt the musician would excel - there was one problem. Lucas had never endorsed any commercial brand in his entire career.

Evelyn stepped aside to make her call. Gregory couldn't hear the conversation, but moments later she turned and flashed him a triumphant thumbs-up.

"Start the preparations immediately!" Gregory barked to his team.

Exactly ten minutes later, Lucas strode into Soul Jewelry's headquarters. Gasps rippled through the staff - most were seeing the musical genius in person for the first time.

At 6'3" with legs that seemed to go on forever, Lucas cut an imposing figure. His sharp aristocratic features held an aloofness that only enhanced his prince-like aura. That single monolid eye made him appear both untouchable and mesmerizing. Once people looked at him, they found it impossible to look away.

Evelyn checked her watch and smiled. "Perfect timing."

"What's so urgent?" Lucas's deep voice held genuine curiosity. Evelyn never reached out without reason.

"I need a favor."

"Which is?"

Her smile turned impish. "Saving my company's launch."

With Adrian's fees being astronomical, Lucas had become her plan B.

Understanding dawned on Lucas's face. "You want me to be Soul Jewelry's face?" His brow furrowed. "I don't do endorsements."

"There's a first time for everything." Evelyn's grin widened. "I'll pay market rate. And family doesn't let family drown, right?"

Without waiting for his answer, Evelyn spun towards her team. "Prep Mr. Laurent for wardrobe and makeup. We shoot in twenty."

The decision had been made for him.

The entire advertising concept changed. After consulting her creative team, Evelyn personally designed Lucas's styling.

Meanwhile, across town, Iris Linwood emerged from a pool in a scandalous bikini. Her innocent face contrasted sharply with her voluptuous curves.

She embodied the current beauty standard - porcelain skin, slender frame, youthful appearance. That juxtaposition of purity and sensuality had made her famous.

An assistant draped a towel over Iris's shoulders as she lounged on a deck chair. Sipping juice, she asked lazily, "Has Soul called yet?"

The assistant checked her phone. "Not yet. Probably too embarrassed to keep begging."

"Rude of them to rush me in the first place." Iris waved a manicured hand. "Tell them I'll grace them with my presence this afternoon."

After all, they'd forgive anything. Her uncle's influence as a top director ensured that.

When the assistant made the call, her expression darkened. "You're replacing us?!"

Iris nearly choked on her drink.

"Do you know who you're dealing with?" the assistant shrieked. "We have a signed contract!"

Gregory kept his voice measured. "Ms. Linwood failed to meet contractual obligations. Given her... busy schedule, we've chosen not to inconvenience her further with our small project. Surely there's no issue with that?"