Chapter 169
Isabella recalled promising Nathaniel everything was handled. Yet he’d been so concerned about her he couldn’t sleep!
She quickly broke eye contact, shifting the topic. “Everyone’s watching these two entertainment giants because they’re using their top stars as bargaining chips,” she explained. “What if we recruit their artists instead? Strip them of their leverage.”
“Recruit them?” Nathaniel’s brow arched.
“Yes. I know GoldenPhoenix is new, but we’re not short on funds. Any problem solvable with money isn’t a real problem.”
She finally met his gaze again. “Guess how many would flock to us if I announced a hundred percent endorsement fee for anyone who signs with us.”
“A full hundred?” His hand gently touched her forehead. “Isabella, you’d make nothing.”
“I’ve earned enough these past five years. Now I just want to have fun,” she stated plainly, without a hint of boastfulness.
After a thoughtful pause, Nathaniel finally yielded. “Fine,” he murmured. “If you lose everything, I’ll support you.”
His words sent a flush to her cheeks, her heart hammering against her ribs. She silently cursed her reaction. “Ah, Oliver’s done. Let’s head home. We can discuss the rest later.”
“Okay!” Oliver washed his hands before grabbing Isabella’s.
Outside the restaurant, Oliver looked up at her. “Will you come home with us, Mommy?” he pleaded. “I want to sleep with you.”
Isabella meant to refuse, to say she needed to return to her own place. But Nathaniel interjected, “His condition can relapse within ten days after an episode.”
Keeping Oliver happy was crucial to prevent his health from deteriorating.
Isabella had no choice but to agree. “Alright, Mommy will sleep with you.”
She knew her career would soon leave little time for him. Besides, staying at the Blackwood estate and sharing his bed each night seemed manageable. Nothing else would happen, right?
She mentally braced herself for an extended stay.
Seraphina Delacroix sat calmly in the chairman’s office of SilverPeak Entertainment.
Thrilled that Isabella was effectively blacklisted online, a smug smile touched her lips. She glanced at Genevieve. “Keep a tight watch on Isabella. Ensure she has no opportunities. Let her languish in obscurity for a while before we extend another offer.”
“What? Sign her? Miss Delacroix, she went too far. I refuse to represent her!” Genevieve protested.
Seraphina smirked. “Who said anything about getting her jobs or making her famous? We sign her to bury her. I guarantee she’ll be forgotten in under six months.”
Seraphina had a point. Why hadn’t she thought of that? ‘Hmph! Isabella will pay for stealing Nathaniel and my best artists!’ Genevieve straightened up, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Isabella would be begging them for a contract by then.
Desperate and contract-bound, Isabella’s hands would be tied.
Even with vast wealth, she’d never see the spotlight again without resources or opportunities.
Just as they basked in their scheme, an assistant burst into the office, frantic. “Miss Delacroix, terrible news! Most of our artists are coming to terminate their contracts!”
“What? Why?!” Seraphina’s blood ran cold.