John detected a shift in Phoebe’s demeanor and inquired with a note of worry, “Ms. Ziegler, is everything alright? You seem rather pale.”

With a dismissive shake of her head, Phoebe responded, “John, there’s no need for your cousin to continue his investigation.”

“Do you mean regarding the man Ms. Fitzroy is residing with?” John questioned with a hint of hesitation.

“Exactly. Let’s focus on preparing for the morning meeting,” she directed, as she pursed her lips tightly.

Despite his lingering concern for her, John understood his boundaries and refrained from probing further. He set the documents aside and exited the office.

As he left, Phoebe leaned back in her chair, a throbbing headache pulsating in her temples.

Over the past two and a half years, she had discovered layover tickets to Poland in Theodore’s pocket on multiple occasions. At the time, she had dismissed them without much thought. However, reflecting back on those tickets now caused her heart to ache deeply.

The reality was that Theodore and Vanessa had always been intertwined. The entertainment company, QUEEN, was a testament to Theodore’s dedication, built in anticipation of Vanessa’s return to the States.

A wave of ghostly pallor washed over Phoebe. She had intended to dig up dirt on Vanessa but had instead inflicted a deep wound on herself.

The shrill ring of her desk phone jolted her back to the present.

“Hello, this is Phoebe,” she answered, regaining her composure after a brief pause.

“Theodore’s office. Come up immediately,” the man on the other end instructed authoritatively before abruptly hanging up.

With a tight press of her lips, Phoebe wondered what Theodore was planning. She rose from her chair and made her way to the elevator, heading to the executive floor. She knocked on the door of the spacious office. Inside, she recognized the punk-styled middle-aged man with Theodore and Vanessa. It was a familiar face.

“Mr. Black, it’s a pleasure to see you. I’m Phoebe Ziegler, the director at QUEEN Entertainment,” Phoebe introduced herself with grace.

Mr. Black rose to his feet, his firm handshake a friendly formality. His laughter was hearty and welcoming. “Ms. Ziegler, what a vibrant young lady! I’ve heard that, despite QUEEN Entertainment being around for only a few months, you’ve already launched two major talents. Quite impressive,

if I you ask me.”

Phoebe couldn’t help but blush at the compliment, “Ah, Mr. Black, you’re too kind. My achievements are nothing compared to yours.”

Mr. Black was professionally known as Hank Black, a prominent figure in the domestic film industry. His films, particularly his action movies, were global sensations, praised for both their quality and their box office success. “Behind every rising star is a brilliant manager. There’s no need for to be modest, Ms. Ziegler. You’re young and you have a bright and limitless future waiting for you,” Hank encouraged her.

Phoebe found that Hank, in person, was a far cry from his rugged on-screen persona. Beneath the tough exterior was a tender heart, and his words resonated deeply with her. He truly carried the presence of a distinguished director.

Hank was in the midst of planning an epic period action film, projected to cost half a billion dollars. Despite his reputation and credentials, his usual financial investors were embroiled in a scandal, leaving him in a bind. That’s when the Reynolds Group offered him a generous financial opportunity, leading to his attendance today to discuss their investment in his film.

However, Theodore had one condition: Vanessa, as part of this agreement, would join the cast as the second female lead-a heroic figure admired for her bravery and righteousness. Her character would meet a tragic end, dying alone in a noble attempt to prevent a massacre an act of self-sacrifice that would immortalize her character.

If Vanessa delivered a stellar performance, this role could catapult her to stardom in the entertainment industry.

Although Hank had another actress in mind for the part, Theodore’s staggering half-billion-dollar contribution was impossible to ignore, forcing him to reluctantly agree to cast Vanessa.

Phoebe observed the entire negotiation, silently acknowledging that Theodore was willing to go to great lengths for Vanessa, seemingly unafraid of the potential financial repercussions.

After bidding Hank farewell, Vanessa turned and threw her arms around Theodore in a burst of elation, “Theodore, I love you so much! Half a billion dollars, and you’re not afraid of losing it all because of me!”

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