Chapter 46
No.1
“Boss, when are you returning? I genuinely can’t manage the Diamond Company alone.”
“Your management team keeps calling me,” added Maxwell, the man with silver-bleached hair.
“They insist I watch over you while our debut is still on hold.
Do you have any idea how terrified I was hearing about the Ferris wheel incident today? It nearly stopped my heart.”
Harrison shot him an annoyed glare.
“Even if the boss decides to return, she should come with me first.
I’m the one who helped clean up her scandal. Wait your turn!”
“Oh, please. Know your role. That scandal began because of you. You’ve hardly made up for it!” Maxwell retorted.
Just as tensions were about to boil over, Anthony’s voice cut through.
“She’s staying here for at least three months. You both might as well accept it.”
Three months.
Harrison threw his hands up in frustration.
No.2
Handling Isabella’s past affairs while keeping up with company targets was draining.
Maxwell was equally pained.
Three months of undercover bodyguard duty—watching from the shadows, unable to openly defend her if danger struck.
He’d rather face a fight head-on if given the chance.
“Boss Montgomery, if you just want Victoria dealt with, say the word.
I’ll handle it clean. No traces left behind.”
“It’s not that simple,” Isabella said, her eyes slowly opening.
“Stay out of it. Focus on your own tasks.”
Theodore and the others still held affection for Victoria, despite her recent scandal.
Facts could be fixed, but people’s perceptions were harder to change.
Suddenly, Isabella’s phone rang.
Maxwell and Harrison exchanged curious glances.
No.3
Very few people had this number. Who could it be?
“Isabella, this is Genevieve Beaumont, PR General Manager at SilverPeak Entertainment.
I see great potential in you.
Come to my office sometime—let’s discuss signing you with us,” came the proud, commanding voice over the line.
Everyone knew Genevieve Beaumont.
Aspiring stars dreamed of her attention.
She had never personally signed a celebrity before. This was an exception, and she expected gratitude.
“SilverPeak Entertainment? Genevieve Beaumont? Who?” Isabella squinted, trying to place the name.
She glanced at the others in the room.
Each word stung. Genevieve’s face flushed with suppressed fury.
How could she not know SilverPeak or my name?
“We’re the top entertainment firm. Most A-list celebrities are with us.
No.4
Ninety percent of Best Actress awards go to our artists,” Genevieve explained, chin held high.
“You’re lucky I noticed you. I can turn you into a star.”
“Then I suppose I’ll be the ten percent,” Isabella replied flatly.
Genevieve’s irritation flared. “Isabella, don’t overestimate yourself! Money isn’t everything.
This industry isn’t easy to navigate. You need a professional team to reach the top.”
"...Look at Sophia. She had nothing when she started and was always so awkward at first. I was the one who turned her into a star..."
"Ah. So you're the one behind Sophia. Sorry to say, but I don't associate with hypocrites." Isabella ended the call.
She was well aware of how easily audiences were manipulated in this industry. Yet she constantly found herself clashing with people like Genevieve.
A respectable agency should champion genuine talent and integrity. Not fabricate personas for incompetent celebrities through lies and manipulation to deceive the public.
A new message flashed from Genevieve.
[Isabella, you should really reconsider. I can show you the true benefits and satisfaction of being with SilverPeak Entertainment!]
Isabella deleted the message without a second thought.
No.5
"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?"
"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?"
No.6
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!
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.
No.7
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!]
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.