The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 280
Victoria’s POV
“For God’s sake, Maya, do you have any idea what time it is?” I growled into my phone, not bothering to hide the irritation in my voice. The digital clock on my nightstand glared 11:47 PM–practically midnight. “Unless someone’s dying, this had better be important.”
“It is,” Maya assured me, her voice uncharacteristically excited. “Victoria, I’ve got news. Big news.”
I sat up in bed, suddenly alert. “What kind of news?”
“Two pieces, actually. First, the Diana spokesperson contract is still yours. Second–and this is huge–you’ve been cast as the supporting actress in ‘Midnight Echo‘!”
My heart stopped. “What? Are you serious?”
“Dead serious. James Wilson himself called me not thirty minutes ago. The Diana photoshoot starts the day after tomorrow, and film prep begins next week.”
I couldn’t process what I was hearing. For two weeks I’d been practically a recluse, hiding in my parents‘ house while my reputation was dragged through the mud. Alexander hadn’t returned a single one of my calls. My career had seemed all but over.
And now… this?
“That’s… that’s incredible,” I managed, my voice barely above a whisper. “But how? Why now?”
“I have no idea,” Maya admitted. “All I know is that James called personally to confirm both opportunities, and he wants me to send a car to pick you up tomorrow morning.”
“Wait–tomorrow? What’s happening tomorrow?”
“Contract signing, preliminary fittings, the works. Victoria, this is it your comeback. They’re treating you like royalty!”
After hanging up, I was too wired to sleep. I paced my bedroom, mind racing with possibilities.
Two weeks ago, I’d been branded a homewrecker, my relationship with Alexander on the rocks, my career in tatters. And now, overnight, everything was turning around.
Was this Brandon’s doing? Had to be. No one else had that kind of power. But why would he help me after that tabloid disaster?
It was nearly 3 AM before I finally collapsed into bed, exhaustion overtaking excitement.
The streets of Manhattan blurred past my window as we drove toward Stark Entertainment headquarters. Maya had arranged an elaborate decoy to throw off any paparazzi–another car had picked up a woman of similar build at my parents‘ house, leading photographers on a wild goose chase across the city while I was safely escorted through a private entrance.
“Ingenious plan,” I complimented Maya as we walked through the building’s pristine lobby.
“Just doing my job,” she replied with a satisfied smirk. “Now focus. James Wilson is waiting for us upstairs, and you know how he hates to be kept waiting.”
James was already seated in the conference room when we arrived, looking exactly as I remembered him–impeccably dressed,
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expression neutral, posture perfect. He nodded at our entrance, gesturing to the seats across from him.
‘Ms. Taylor, he greeted me formally. “It’s good to see you looking well.”
“Thank you for arranging this meeting,” I replied, matching his professional tone. “I understand I have some contracts to sign?”
James slid a folder across the table. “The Diana spokesperson contract. Brandon had this prepared immediately after the annual. party, but given the… unfortunate events that followed, he decided to hold off temporarily.”
I flushed with embarrassment. “Mr. Wilson, I want you to know I had absolutely nothing to do with those stories. I would never do something like that–I’m married, for God’s sake! It wouldn’t benefit me at all!”
“Naturally, James replied smoothly. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be sitting here with you today.”
とい
I carefully reviewed the contract–the terms were even better than anticipated. Not only would I be the face of Diana throughout North America, but the contract included bonuses for international exposure.
“This looks excellent,” I said, signing with a flourish. “Please convey my thanks to Brandon… I mean, Mr. Stark
“I will, James assured me. “Now, about the film role. Quinn Hall and Thomas White should be joining us shortly to discuss details.”
Right on cue, the conference room door opened, admitting Quinn and Thomas. Quinn looked surprised to see me, while Thomas’s expression remained impassive.
“Quinn, Thomas!” I greeted them warmly. “It’s wonderful to see you both.”
Quinn returned my greeting with professional courtesy, though I could tell she was thrown by my presence. Thomas merely nodded.
“As you know,” James began, addressing the room at large, “Ms. Taylor has been selected for the supporting role in ‘Midnight Echo.” Brandon believes her talents are perfectly suited for the character.”
I straightened in my chair, pride washing over me. Brandon himself had chosen me for this role!
James continued, “Quinn, Thomas, I’ll leave the creative specifics to you. The contract details are already settled.”
The meeting concluded efficiently, with Thomas outlining my character and the shooting schedule. As Maya and I left the conference room, I could hardly contain my excitement.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” I whispered, once we were alone in the elevator. “Two weeks ago, I thought my career was over.”
Maya grinned. “Victoria, this isn’t just damage control–this is a promotion. You’re not just surviving this scandal; you’re going to come out of it more famous than ever.“.
I considered this, a slow smile spreading across my face. “You’re right I need to use this moment. The Diana photoshoot will be all over the media.”
“Exactly,” Maya nodded. “But first, let’s get you home. You need to rest and prepare–we have a nutrition consultation this afternoon, and your skin needs serious attention after being cooped up for two weeks.”
Two days later, I arrived at the Diana photoshoot location to find a crowd of reporters and fans gathered outside. Somehow, news of my photoshoot had aked, drawing attention from every major entertainment outlet in the city.
“Ms. Taylor! Victoria! Over here!” They called as I stepped out of the car, cameras flashing like strobe lights. “Can you comment on your relationship with Brandon Stark?”
“How did you secure the Diana contract during your scandal?”
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I smiled enigmatically but didn’t answer, letting the security team golde me through the throng and into the building. Once inside, I took a deep breath, collecting myself.
If the rumors about Brandon art me were helping my career rather han hurting it, maybe I should just embrace them? After all, Brandon himself didn’t seem bothered by the gossip anymore.
The photoshoot set was breathtaking–a minimalist white space transformed into an ethereal dreamscape. The French photographer, world–renowned for his work with luxury brands, was adjusting equipment when I emerged from makeup.
“Ah, Ms. Taylor,” he greeted me with a slight accent. “You look perfect. Shall we begin?”
I stepped in front of the camera, feeling a surge of confidence. Whatever force had tried to destroy me had failed spectacularly. Instead of fading into obscurity, I was about to become more famous than ever.
As the camera began clicking, I gave the lens my most dazzling smile This wasn’t just a comeback–it was a rebirth.
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