Chapter 237
Sophie’s POV
The Stark Entertainment conference room buzzed with hushed conversations as Quinn Hall, the lead producer, drummed her manicured nails against the polished table. I stood quietly in the corner, doing my best impression of wallpaper while keeping my
ears open.
“So we’re settled on Bianca and Cleo for the Stark Group annual party performances,” Quinn announced. “Bianca’s our headliner, naturally, and Cleo’s new single drops that week.”
The executives nodded, scribbling notes on tablets. These meetings were their battlefield–careers made or broken with a single
decision.
“What about additional performers?” someone asked.
Quinn pursed her lips. “We’re still finalizing the list. James Wilson from Stark Group is reviewing our recommendations.”
The mention of James Wilson sent a ripple of tension through the room. Everyone knew he was Brandon Stark’s right–hand man— his presence meant decisions were being made at the highest level.
“When does the final list need to be submitted?” a marketing exec asked.
By the end of this week,” Quinn replied. “And this isn’t just about performances—it’s about representation. Anyone who appears bas Brandon Stark’s stamp of approval.”
I quickly texted Maya: Meeting almost done. They’ve only confirmed Bianca and Cleo so far. Final list due end of week. James Wilson is
here.
My phone buzzed with Maya’s immediate response: Keep listening. On our way with Victoria.
As people started filtering out, I edged toward the door, prepared to make my escape. I was almost in the clear when Quinn’s voice stopped me.
“Sophie, right? Victoria’s assistant?”
I turned, heart skipping. “Yes, Ms. Hall?”
Quinn’s eyes narrowed. “What were you doing in this meeting?”
“I was asked to pick up materials for Maya Coleman,” I lied smoothly. “About Victoria’s series premiere schedule?*
Quinn seemed unconvinced but ultimately uninterested. “Fine. Just don’t make a habit of sitting in on closed–door sessions.”
Victoria paced her dressing room like a caged panther, her Louboutins clicking against the floor tiles. Dark circles lurked beneath her eyes–remnants of her recent shooting schedule.
“This better be fucking important,” Victoria snapped. “I just got back from Long Island. I’m exhausted, and Alexander’s being impossible.”
Maya shot me a warning glance before stepping in. “It’s absolutely worth your time. You wouldn’t want to miss this opportunity.”
Victoria sank onto her custom leather sofa with a dramatic sigh. “What opportunity?”
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“James Wilson is in the building,” Maya said meaningfully. “Brandon Stark’s right–hand man.“.
Victoria’s eyebrow arched slightly. “So? Stark Group execs come here all the time.”
“But this time, it’s about the annual Stark Group party,” Maya pressed. “They’re finalizing the performance list–and you should be
on it.”
That caught Victoria’s attention. She sat up straighter, fatigue replaced by interest. “The Stark Group annual party? What does that have to do with Stark Entertainment?”
Maya looked at me, signaling it was safe to join.
“Every year, Stark Entertainment provides performers for the party,” explained after closing the door. “It’s a huge deal. Anyone selected is considered top–tier talent.”
Maya nodded. “It’s not just a performance opportunity, Victoria. It’s a status symbol.”
Victoria’s eyes narrowed. “Who else is on the list?
“Bianca and Cleo,” I replied. “They’re the only ones confirmed so far.
Victoria’s face darkened. “Bianca? That talentless hack gets to perform, and I’m not even considered?”
Maya seized on her indignation. “Exactly! That’s why we needed you here. The list isn’t, finalized, which means there’s still a
chance.”
“And how exactly are we supposed to make that happen?” Victoria demanded, though I could tell she was already invested.
“Look,” Maya said, lowering her voice, “this isn’t just about a performance slot. The party is attended by every major player in New York business. All the executives, their families, important clients.”
Victoria’s eyes glittered. “Media coverage?”
“Extensive,” Maya confirmed. “And it’s not just about exposure. If you perform, you’ll have direct access to Brandon Stark himself.”
“Brandon?” Victoria repeated, her interest piqued.
“One conversation with him could change everything,” Maya continued. “He controls Stark Entertainment’s direction.”
I watched Victoria calculate the potential benefits–shrewd, strategic always looking for the angle to advance her position.
“If your series premiere coincides with the annual party,” I added, “it would be the perfect promotional opportunity.”
Victoria’s eyes lit up. “You’re right. This is exactly what I need.” She turned to Maya. “So what do we do? Talk to Quinn? She hates
me.”
“No,” Maya shook her head. “Quinn’s just middle management, We need to go straight to the source.”
“James Wilson,” I said.
Victoria nodded slowly “He’s here today, deciding who performs.” She stood up, suddenly energized. “Then what are we waiting for?”
“I don’t think barging into his meeting is the best approach,” Maya cautioned. “We need to be strategic.”
“And I don’t have much experience dealing with James,” Victoria admitted. “I’ve only seen him from a distance.”
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“Do either of you know what Ife likes?” I asked. “Any preferences we could leverage?”
Maya shook her head. “He’s notoriously private. The only person who really knows him is Brandon Stark.”
Victoria paced again. “Then what’s our play here? I need to be on that list, Maya.” Her voice took on a rare note of vulnerability. “I’ve been stuck filming this stupid TV series for months while my career stagnates. Horizon was ready to offer me a lead film role before I signed here.”
“It’ll happen,” Maya assured her. “We just need the right approach.”
I cleared my throat. “What if we wait for him in the parking garage? Catch him on his way out, when he’s not surrounded by executives?”
Victoria and Maya both turned to look at me with surprise.
“That’s… actually not a bad idea,” Maya said slowly.
“If we approach him one–on–one, it feels less like an ambush,” I continued. “Conversations that happen by chance‘ often feel more genuine.”
Victoria’s eyes narrowed as she studied me. “Well, look at you, finally earning your paycheck.”
“James Wilson has Brandon’s ear,” I emphasized. “One word from him carries more weight than all of Stark Entertainment’s executives combined.”
Maya nodded approvingly. “Sophie’s right. This is our best shot.”
“Fine,” Victoria agreed. “We’ll try it your way. But what do I say once we’re there? What if he doesn’t agree?”
A flash of anxiety crossed her face–a rare crack in her confident facade.
“Don’t worry,” Maya soothed. “We’ll figure something out. You’re Victoria Taylor–you’ve got this.”
As Victoria gathered her things, I caught Maya’s approving nod. The dynamic between us had shifted in recent months. I’d gone from being “the girl who got drugged at Victoria’s party” to becoming an actual asset to her team. My ultimate goal remained the same–revenge for what Victoria had done to me–but the path was proving more complex than I’d anticipated.
“Let’s go,” Victoria said, her determination evident. “I’m not missing this opportunity.”
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