Chapter 11
“Not yet. It’s not disor,” Victor replied, landing his phone to her as Kleanor wasted no time pressing the call button.
“Heanor, where are you right now?“ a voire marbled from the odber end.
“Tis hiding out; F’m afraid the press will find me,” Blennor said, her voice steady.
“So, you’re unaware of the situation with Seraphina?” Percival’s voice was laced with tension.
“What’s happenedl to Seraphina? I’ve been in a secluded place, trapped in my own world,” she feigned curiosity, attempting to mask her anxiety.
“Thanks to your agent, Heavens Arts is in serious trouble, You need to return to the office immediately: I’ll set up a press conference for you. Only you can clear Heavens Arts‘ name,” Percival insisted urgently.
A press maferner? Was this another scheme to make her take the blame?
She wouldn’t be a pawn in their game.
With a sarcastile click, Eleanor hang up the phone, but before she could saver her defiance, Victor chimed in. Tve saved my number in your phone. Always keep me updated con your whereabouts, and I’ll make sure you know your options.”
“Thank you, Victor
“You called me by the wrong name…” Victor uncrossed his legs and pulled her closer, “You should be calling me something else or I won’t let you go.”
Eleanor felt her cheeks flush, but didn’t hesitate to respond hesitantly. “Husband… His rare smile made her heart flutter, the unspoken bond between them growing. “I drive you to Heavens Arts, and remember our deal no physical contact with anyone else.”
Eleanor understood what Victer meant, offering him a reassuring smile that reflected her desire for trust. It struck Victor in a way he hadn’t anticipated; they shared a understanding,
Forty minutes later, Victor dropped Eleanor near Heavens Arts Entertainment. As a titan of the industry, he was well aware of the dark underbelly of the modeling world. He remained curious about how Eleanor would turn their misfortune into an opportunity to reclaim her spot at the top.
The stakes were high; Eleanor knew all too well that this was a game where her enemies wore their masks, and she needed to play her cards right–or live the rest of her days
in defeat
Once out of Victor’s luxury car, she slipped through a secret passage into the company. As she walked past the employees, their disdainful glances and mocking whispers derper than any blade. They had already pinned the blame for Seraphina’s exposure squarely on her.
Eleanor chose in ignore them, pushing open the door to Percival’s office and peering at his towering figure from behind.
“You’re back…” Percival turned, his frustration barely contained.
“What’s going on?”
“Eleanor, do you really not know what’s happening with Seraphina?” He slammed a newspaper down in front of her, his anger boiling over. “Without your explicit permission, a mere agent like her wouldn’t dare to do this.”
“Percival, we’re about to get married; why on earth would I do something like this? This would basically push you out the door.” Eleanor’s voice wavered with hurt Then why did you wear Crown Star around your ankle at the IIP jewelry show? You of all people know that your legs are your most exposed asset…
Eleanor met Percival’s intense gaze, reminded painfully of how he had defended Celeste so many times before. Back then, she had thought he only wanted to protect his rising career, toring the line while putting up with Celeste’s whims. In retrospect now, she could see it was always Celeste he cared about.
“Toklu’t wear Crown Star on my wrist. The only option left was to wear it on my ankle. Celeste’s assistant can confirm I had no other choice.”
“I’ve already spoken to Celeste’s assistant. He said it was all your idea. Perival closed in for the final blow.
*Portival, I’m your fiancér, but you’d rather believe a complete stranger, wouldn’t you?” Eleanor forced a false sense of disappointment into her expression, keenly thening his reaction. Yesterday… we were supposed to register for our marriage.”
