Chapter 165

Genevieve Beaumont watched Isabella Montgomery carefully, believing she had finally swayed her. She leaned in closer, her voice dripping with false sincerity. “You might have immense wealth, Isabella, but this industry runs on connections and resources. It’s not just about having money.”

She ticked off points on her manicured fingers. “A top-tier career requires a full team. Resource coordination, fan engagement, strategic marketing, image retouching, intellectual property management… the list is endless.”

“A leading supermodel needs a support staff of at least twenty people. Handling it alone would be exhausting. Sign with SilverPeak Entertainment, and we handle everything for you.”

Isabella was well aware of these requirements. Her real question was about Seraphina Delacroix’s motive. She remembered clearly; Seraphina wanted to sign her to suppress her rising fame. Why would a woman known for her bitterness suddenly offer kindness?

“My apologies,” Isabella stated flatly, her expression unreadable. “But my team is already handling those matters.” She turned and walked toward the VIP exit.

Genevieve moved to follow, but the roped-off VIP aisle stopped her. Only those with exclusive access could proceed. Frustration boiled over. “Isabella Montgomery! A smart person recognizes a good opportunity! I’ve pursued you because I see your value! Don’t throw it away out of pride!”

Isabella didn’t bother to look back. She had no interest in a delusional woman’s rant. As she neared her table, a portly man stepped into her path.

His eyes lit up with recognition. “Isabella Montgomery! What a fortunate encounter! I’ve been trying to get in touch.” He eagerly extended a business card. “A pleasure to meet you.”

Isabella’s gaze dropped to the card without taking it. The embossed text read: Reginald Worthington, Chief Executive Officer, Golden Phoenix Entertainment.

Another entertainment executive.

She raised a cool eyebrow. “What is this about?”

“It’s simple,” he beamed, undeterred by her lack of enthusiasm. “You’ve recently entered the industry. We want to sign you. This meeting feels like fate! You’re a diamond magnate, correct? I made my initial fortune in mining, too. Coal, in my case.”

He puffed out his chest with pride. “My current net worth sits around fifty billion. I founded Golden Phoenix Entertainment. We’re a major player here. Recognise Xander… what’s-his-name? Or Nevil, the chart-topping singer? They’re both with us!”

The company name sounded familiar. Julian Hawthorne had mentioned them. SilverPeak was number one, Golden Phoenix was a close second. SilverPeak excelled at crafting celebrity images. Golden Phoenix was known for buying fame through massive financial investment. Naturally, they expected a high return. They were notorious for arranging private engagements for their stars. Whispers suggested some actresses earned eight figures in a single night. The darkest rumor was that Reginald started the company primarily to meet women…

Reginald mistook her silence for interest. He smiled, placing a familiar hand on her shoulder. “Isabella, sign with us. You’ll get our absolute best resources. First pick of anything you want. We can negotiate the profit split. Just name your terms!”

Isabella’s eyes flicked coldly to the hand on her shoulder. Her voice remained calm and detached. “Your offer is… persuasive, Mr. Worthington. But I have a dilemma. I just encountered Genevieve Beaumont, SilverPeak’s PR director. She made a very similar proposal. It puts me in a difficult position.”

“What? Genevieve is here? Where?” Reginald’s face darkened instantly. Golden Phoenix and SilverPeak were bitter rivals, constantly fighting over talent and awards. SilverPeak had snatched desired artists from him before. Was Isabella next?

Isabella gestured casually toward the restroom area. “Over there. She was quite vocal. Claimed her company was the industry’s undisputed best. Said Golden Phoenix wasn’t even in the same league. Those were her words.”

“The audacity! Wait right here. I need to have a word with her.” Reginald stormed off in the direction she indicated.

Genevieve was still by the restrooms, typing a furious message to Seraphina Delacroix. A booming voice interrupted her. “Genevieve Beaumont! What is your problem?!”