Finally, some quiet. Kira Walton sat across from James Zimmers with a cup of coffee, reining in her temper. "What the hell is going on? Wasn't Issac Sutton always so easy to manage before?!"
"Easy to manage? Haven't you heard that even a cornered rabbit will bite?" James Zimmers was furious too. 'Kira Walton is an agent with a whole stable of artists. She can afford to lose me. But if I really go down this time, a comeback will be next to impossible.'
Kira Walton, however, remained level-headed. 'I can't just let someone I worked so hard to make famous go to waste.' Besides, she knew from experience that in times like these, even the most strong-willed artist could be easily manipulated. For the money's sake, Kira Walton patiently patted James Zimmers's shoulder and coaxed him gently, "There, there. We can still turn this around. Don't worry, I'll figure something out."
"I don't want to sing anymore. I want to act—I was an acting major, so why am I stuck singing and dancing?" James Zimmers grew agitated again at the thought, completely forgetting that he was the one who had been desperate for a shortcut to fame, choosing the path of a pop idol to capitalize on his good looks.
"Of course you can act. Just keep Ms. Quinn happy, and you'll have your pick of the best projects, won't you?" Kira Walton patiently placated him.
The thought of that fat old woman made James Zimmers's stomach clench. "Ms. Quinn again! Can't anything ever go right for once?"
"Ms. Quinn is investing in a huge epic fantasy series this time. The budget is about this much." Kira Walton held up her fingers to indicate a number. "You make her happy, and you can have any role you want, right?"
"..." James Zimmers was tempted once again—his dream was to win Best Actor!
Seeing that James Zimmers had calmed down, Kira Walton patted his shoulder again. "Alright, now go take a shower and clean yourself up. You'd better be on your best behavior at dinner with Ms. Quinn later."
"What about the Issac Sutton situation?"
"Leave it to me. I'll handle it. All you need to do is keep Ms. Quinn happy."
*
With her Bluetooth earpiece in and an open call with Ivy Holden, June Grant sat down across from Ezekiel Aldrin. "Hello, are you Mr. Aldrin?"
"Ah, hello!" The man shot to his feet, enthusiastically extending a hand. "I am. You must be Miss Grant, right?"
June Grant's eyes landed on the man's watch. She gave him a sweet smile and said, "That's me. Mr. Aldrin, right? I'm sorry I'm late. The traffic was a bit heavy."
"Not at all. A lady has the right to be late. And..." Ezekiel Aldrin's smile widened. "Besides, Miss Grant, you're not late at all. I just made a point to get here a little early."
June Grant played along. "Is that Cartier the latest model for this year? It's very fashionable."
A flicker of pride showed in Ezekiel Aldrin's eyes, but he didn't take the bait. Instead, he affected a casual air and asked, "Miss Grant, what can I get you? Coffee or fruit tea?"
"The coffee here is quite good. I'll have a Blue Mountain," June Grant said, still smiling elegantly.
"Blue Mountain?" Ezekiel Aldrin glanced at the price on the menu, his brow furrowing slightly. He then put on a thoughtful smile. "Coffee isn't very good for a girl's skin. How about we get a pot of fruit tea instead?"
"...Alright, then." June Grant smiled shyly. As she raised a hand to fix her hair, she discreetly tapped the Bluetooth earpiece in her ear.
Ivy Holden had been listening to their conversation loud and clear. When she got the signal for help, she scoffed. 'He's wearing the latest Cartier, so I bet his clothes aren't cheap, are they?'
June Grant immediately smiled and asked Ezekiel Aldrin, "Mr. Aldrin, is that jacket from Gucci's fall collection last year? My best friend's boyfriend has the exact same one."
Ezekiel Aldrin glanced down at his jacket and chuckled. "Oh? What a coincidence."
"Yes, it really is," June Grant said with a noncommittal smile.
'Ivy knew Ezekiel Aldrin was a wolf in sheep's clothing, a scammer who used his luxury getup to prey on young women. But she couldn't say that outright; naive June would never believe her.' All she could do was drop a hint. 'A Gucci blazer from last year's fall collection paired with the newest Cartier watch? You sure this Mr. Aldrin isn't just a preening peacock?'
"Ahem..." June Grant gave a small, covering cough. She glanced sideways, sizing Ezekiel Aldrin up again, half-believing and half-doubting what Ivy had said.
Sitting in a taxi, Ivy Holden watched the scenery blur past her window. She remembered her past life, the image of June Grant struggling to raise a child alone in a cramped, gloomy apartment. A fresh wave of anger surged in her chest. She spoke through clenched teeth, 'I'm almost there. Just keep him talking, make small talk, but don't promise him anything and don't leave early. Wait for me!'
'Why does she sound so intense?' June wondered, but she didn't let it show. She cleared her throat, adjusted her tone, and asked softly, "Mr. Aldrin, I'm curious. Why do you like fruit tea? Don't most men prefer black coffee?"
"Ah, I do like black coffee, but my older sister is a fan of fruit tea. She's always going on about its benefits, so I just assumed all you ladies would like it too..." As he spoke, Ezekiel Aldrin picked up the teapot and poured June Grant half a cup.
Ivy Holden froze. 'A sister? I don't remember him having a sister. Ten to one, this "sister" is his sugar mama.' She quickly told June, 'Ask him what his sister does for a living.'
"You have an older sister? Not many people our age have siblings," June Grant said, taking a sip of her tea.
"Yeah, I was an unplanned birth. Heh..." Ezekiel Aldrin seemed reluctant to elaborate. He refilled June Grant's cup. "Do you have any siblings, Miss Grant?"
June Grant shook her head. "My parents divorced when I was young, and my mother raised me on her own, so I'm an only child. I've always been envious of people with siblings. By the way, your sister... what does she do?"
"She's... an agent at an entertainment company," Ezekiel Aldrin said with a guarded smile.
"Wow! An agent! Does that mean she's around celebrities all day?" June Grant's eyes lit up with excitement.
'Ivy knew Ezekiel Aldrin got away with everything because of Kira Walton. Kira Walton wasn't his sister at all; she was his sugar mama. Ezekiel was the one who handled most of her dirty work. One was ruthless, the other was a greedy lecher—they were a match made in hell.'