Chapter 238
Sophie’s POV
“Are you sure he’ll come this way?” Maya checked her watch nervously.
“Positive,” I assured her, adjusting my blazer.
Right on cue, the elevator doors opened, and he emerged–Brandon Stark’s right–hand man. Nothing particularly imposing about his appearance, but those eyes… sharp, assessing, missing absolutely nothing.
“What exactly are you two doing by my vehicle?” he asked, more curious than annoyed.
“Mr. Wilson!” we both straightened.
“Is there something I can help you with?” James twirled his key fob between his fingers.
Maya glanced around before stepping forward. “Mr. Wilson, could we speak privately? It’s about the Stark Group annual party.”
Amusement flickered across James’s face. “The Stark Group annual party? Well, Ms. Coleman, aren’t you well–informed.” He pressed his key fob. “How did you come by this information?”
“I have my sources,” Maya replied confidently. “I was wondering if the performance lineup has been finalized yet?”
Maya reached into her bag, pulling out an envelope full of money. James eyed it but didn’t take it.
His attention shifted to me. “And you’re… the one who’s always with Victoria Taylor, correct?”
“Sophie, sir. I’m Victoria’s assistant now.”
“Assistant?” James arched an eyebrow. “Seems like a waste of your talents.”
“You’re too kind, Mr. Wilson,” I replied. “About the Stark Group annual party-*
“Tell you what,” James checked his watch. “This parking garage isn’t ideal for conversation. I have about two hours free at lunch. Why don’t you tell me then what you’re offering?”
He dangled his car keys. “Would you ladies like to ride with me?”
“That won’t be necessary,” I gestured toward the black SUV nearby. We drove.
James’s eyes narrowed. “Ms. Taylor is here as well?”
“Yes, Mr. Wilson.”
“Perfect. There’s a decent restaurant nearby. If we’re discussing business, we might as well do it properly.”
Inside Victoria’s SUV he lounged in the back seat, oversized sunglasses hiding half her face.
“What did James say?” she demanded the moment we entered.
“He’s agreed to talk,” I explained. “But he wants to meet for lunch. Will you join us?”
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Victoria frowned. “Have lunch with him? Seriously?”
“Sophie and I can go first,” Maya suggested. “See what he’s after. If he agrees, great. If not, we’ll figure out another approach.”
“Maya’s right,” I added. “We need this meeting. If you have other commitments, we can handle it.”
Victoria removed her sunglasses. “You really do get me. I actually need to check in with Alexander. Just drop me at the next corner.
After Victoria exited, the atmosphere inside shifted immediately. My artificial smile slid away.
Maya eyed me suspiciously. “I thought you and Victoria wete such great friends?”
“Oh, absolutely,” I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasmi. “Best friends forever. You of all people should know.”
“I couldn’t care less about whatever’s going on between you two,” Maya crossed her legs. “Just don’t mess with my career or
commission.”
“Don’t worry,” I assured her, my voice soft but intent. “Victoria and I won’t have any conflicts. After all, I’m her dearest friend. Everything I do is for Victoria’s benefit.”
Maya gave me a calculating look before shaking her head. We followed James’s Mercedes in silence.
James waited for us outside an unmarked, exclusive restaurant, noting Victoria’s absence without comment.
“Shall we?” he gestured toward the entrance.
The manager materialized immediately. “Mr. Wilson! What an honor! he exclaimed, recognizing Brandon Stark’s right–hand man. “Your usual table is ready.”
In our private dining room, James tapped the table after we ordered.
“I had already made my decision before you approached me,” he announced.
Maya and I exchanged glances.
“Victoria has excellent qualifications and a strong image,” James continued. “She’s one of Stark Entertainment’s priority talents. Including her in the annual party would be… appropriate.”
Maya’s shoulders sagged with relief. “You have excellent taste, Mr. Wilson.
“Do I?” His tone was unreadable.
“So Victoria wasn’t already on the list?” Maya asked anxiously.
James leaned back. “That’s not what I said. But while I can recommend names, the final decision lies with Mr. Stark himself.”
“But hasn’t Brandon delegated Stark Entertainment’s decisions to you? Maya pressed.
Something flickered across James’s face. “You seem remarkably well–informed about our management structure.”
Maya backpedaled. I didn’t mean anything by it. Victoria is my client, and I want the best for her.”
“Just wait for good news, Ms. Coleman,” James said simply.
“Thank you, Mr. Wilson.”
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“No need to thank me.”
After Maya left for an urgent call, I remained, watching James dab his mouth.
“Something on your mind?” he asked, catching my hesitation.
“Why are you giving Victoria this opportunity?” I blurted out. “This will only make her career take off. She-”
“Isn’t that a good thing?” James interrupted. “You’re her best friend, aren’t you? Shouldn’t you be happy about her success?”
Happy about her success? My inner thoughts raged. How could I possibly want Victoria to succeed? I’d rather see her fall into oblivion. Why else would I abandon my career to become her assistant? I’m here to watch her downfall. Why should Victoria rise while Anna and I were merely stepping stones?
To my horror, tears welled in my eyes. James wordlessly handed me a napkin.
“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, mortified. “Making a complete fool of myself
“You should look forward,” James said quietly. “What goes around, comes around.”
“I can’t wait that long,” I admitted.
“Which would hurt Victoria more: watching her career end before it begins, or seeing her reach the absolute pinnacle before crashing spectacularly back to earth? Which would be more… satisfying?”
I stared at him suspiciously. “Do you have some grudge against Victoria?”
Instead of answering, he adjusted his cuffs. “I’ll be in touch. Keep me informed of developments. This arrangement is entirely
voluntary.”
“I understand,” I assured him, regaining composure. “I’ll report everything about Victoria. But don’t forget what you promised me.”
“When I give my word, I keep it,” James replied smoothly. “Just be patient.”
He rose to leave, then paused. “One more thing–you have impressive qualities. Have you ever considered trying out for Stark Entertainment yourself?”
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