Chapter 1544
No.1
"Have you ever considered starting an entertainment company?" she asked Julian.
Julian was momentarily speechless. Most agents would jump at such an offer, but not him.
"Look, Isabella. I have no desire to engage in a prolonged battle with you over this. Managing one artist—you—is already more than enough trouble. Let's just drop it, alright?"
'How could Julian refuse Isabella? He's being completely unreasonable!' Maxwell and Harrison exchanged exasperated looks.
"Come on, Julian. I already have a name picked out. GoldenPhoenix Entertainment!" she insisted.
A phoenix soaring above the silver peak. It symbolized their dominance over SilverPeak. The perfect name.
It felt like agreeing was their only option. Resisting her would be risking their careers.
"Hello, you mentioned wanting to start an entertainment company before, correct? I'm in," Isabella said with determination over the phone.
"Seriously?" The man on the other end was shocked. "Finally found someone who appreciates real talent in this industry, huh?"
No.2
"This is no joke. I'm sending you the details shortly. Get it done as soon as you receive them."
Isabella sent the email immediately after hanging up. She included every objective, target, investment detail, and specification she could conceive. She added a final, crucial note at the end—to poach all the uniquely talented artists from SilverPeak Entertainment!
Julian studied her, his expression deeply concerned. "Are you absolutely certain about handing this to Adrian to manage?"
Adrian was Eleanor's nephew. Also Isabella's cousin, known for his lack of ambition and his fondness for chasing women. The family considered him a disgrace.
But Isabella remembered when she was at her lowest. Adrian was the only one who stood by her. He never believed she would cheat. That unwavering faith was why he was the only family member she maintained contact with over those five years.
Though Adrian could be infuriatingly foolish, his loyalty was absolute. He would never betray Isabella's trust. Moreover, he was bold. With proper guidance, he could actually become capable.
Isabella was a strategist. She immediately began planning the business with Adrian after Maxwell and Harrison left.
"If the company operates at a loss, you'll never see me again. But if it turns a profit, you keep ninety percent of the earnings!"
Adrian was stunned by the incredibly lucrative offer. It was a no-brainer. He was electrified, ready to launch this venture onto the world stage!
No.3
Just as Julian was preparing to leave after finalizing Isabella's schedule, a news alert made him freeze.
"Isabella! We have a major problem! The Guci photoshoot has been canceled!"
"What?!" Her face went completely blank with shock.
Exhaustion weighed heavy on Isabella's limbs after the grueling day. She craved nothing more than the oblivion of sleep. But the news Julian presented shattered any hope of rest.
He remained silent, his expression grim. He simply extended his phone toward her.
It was Victoria’s Twitter feed. A new photoshoot dominated the screen. Victoria, clad in striking crimson, mimicked Isabella’s signature poses with eerie precision.
She had even replicated the iconic cover shot from Isabella’s portfolio.
In the image, Victoria glanced over her shoulder, her gaze deliberately aloof. She sat with feigned confidence, one hand rotated forward, a shoulder dipped slightly, her head tilted. The provocative contour between her torso and arm was prominently displayed. The red dress seemed to erase any trace of her usual false modesty, presenting a calculated, dangerous image.
[Stunning!] [This red is everything!] [Victoria, you own this look!]
No.4
Comments flooded the post instantly. Media outlets and brand sponsors were already swarming.
“She’s attempting to create a sensation by copying my aesthetic.” Annoyance flickered in Isabella’s eyes.
She knew the impact of her upcoming Guci editorial would be diminished. Accusations of plagiarism would inevitably surface. A direct confrontation with Victoria now could empower Victoria’s fans to orchestrate her exile from the industry.
Julian’s worry was palpable. “This is a disaster. The Guci campaign is your second major project since your return. Its success was meant to solidify your position. The Glamorous Night Annual Dinner is next month. A triumphant Guci release could have secured you ‘The Best Artiste’. Victoria has effectively thrown a wrench into everything.”
“Relax. She won’t succeed.” A determined glint shone in Isabella’s eyes, her red lips curling into a sardonic smile.
“Where are you going at this hour?” Julian frowned as she slipped on her heels.
“This isn’t about Victoria. Don’t worry. Let’s go!” She left him standing there, consumed by suspense.
A luxury car idled in the underground parking lot. Nathaniel Blackwood sat in the passenger seat, a single earring resting in his palm. It was undoubtedly the one Isabella had lost in his car earlier. After putting Oliver to bed, he had immediately ordered Sebastian to drive him here.
Ding. “Nathaniel, look!” Sebastian exclaimed.
No.5
Isabella and Julian emerged from the elevator side by side.
Julian courteously opened the passenger door for her.
A sharp pang of something unpleasant twisted in Nathaniel’s chest. Isabella showed no reluctance around Julian. Yet, she consistently turned away from him when in his passenger seat.
“Who is he?” Nathaniel’s voice was low, his eyes glinting coldly.
“My investigations have yielded little. What I confirm is he returned from Africa with Isabella and currently manages all her professional affairs.”
Sebastian offered feeble consolation. “However, I can confirm they are not romantically involved.”
“Ah. But that describes the present, not the future, correct?”
A corrosive wave of envy washed over him, witnessing her easy, comfortable dynamic with another man.
Nathaniel would need to work much harder.
No.6
Meanwhile, Julian drove his sleek sports car toward Moon Studio.
Moon Studio was the most exclusive photography destination in Westchester, reserved for A-list celebrities and major international productions.
They were greeted immediately by Cassandra, the studio's formidable manager.
“Julian! So good to see you,” Cassandra beamed, her eyes already assessing Isabella.
“We need to use your space for a quick shoot. Hope it's not an inconvenience,” Julian said smoothly.
“None at all. Everything is at your disposal.” Cassandra’s gaze swept over Isabella with professional curiosity.
Julian led Isabella to the extensive wardrobe department.
She selected a simple avocado green dress and pulled her hair into a severe ponytail.
“I’m ready,” Isabella stated.
No.7
“No makeup? No stylist?” Julian asked, perplexed.
“No. Make me look completely average,” she instructed firmly, moving toward the plain white backdrop.
The backdrop was intentionally bland, almost clinical.
Julian couldn't comprehend her strategy. Most clients demanded glamour and perfection.
Victoria’s photos were always stunningly polished. Wasn't Isabella trying to compete?
“Is this some kind of reverse psychology move?”
“Do I look like I’m playing games?” Isabella retorted with a sharp glance.
“Just shoot it. Post them with minimal editing. You’ll understand in three days,” she added cryptically.
He knew better than to press her further. Isabella always had her reasons.