Chapter 679:
Her face went stiff, stunned by the insult, and then rage tore through her. Her voice shot up, shrill and furious.
“I’m trying to save you, you ungrateful fool! Do you really still think you’re some A-list star? If I hadn’t lowered myself to shoot this magazine spread with you just to keep your name alive, who would even remember Vincent anymore?!”
Zander didn’t retreat an inch.
“Sorry, but I never wanted to shoot with you in the first place. The best thing you could do for me is stay far away.”
Ainsley’s patience shattered. She swung her fury toward Rylie, who had stayed quiet until now.
“And you! Rylie! Don’t think you can act however you please just because Deandre stands behind you. Do you think Felix will let his younger brother run wild forever? Kendrick despises dirty scandals like yours!
“Once every rotten thing you’ve done comes to light, the Owen family will come crashing down on you. Deandre won’t bother protecting a burden like you then! Know your place and leave here!”
Beal, standing nearby, slipped in with a voice that sounded gentle but carried poison.
“Rylie, take my advice. Public opinion isn’t leaning your way. If you confess now, there might still be room for mercy. But if you wait until Deandre grows tired of you and refuses to help, the punishment you face will only get worse.”
Rylie, who had held her silence until now, finally raised her head. Her eyes cut sharply toward Beal, and a thin, cold smile curved her lips.
“I’ll return those same words to you. When the time comes, I hope you’ll still have that same ‘kindness’ to give advice.”
Beal’s brow tightened, unease flickering across his face.
The elevator chimed, breaking the thick tension.
Lᴀtｅst chᴀptєrs in g𝑎lnovels.𝒸ο𝑚
Ainsley threw Rylie one last vicious glare before storming off, her heels striking the floor in rapid, angry beats as she made for Felice’s office. Rylie, Zander, and Beal continued toward the recording studio.
Without a knock, Ainsley shoved open Felice’s office door. She was ready to unload her complaint when she froze — Felice was already in a video call. The words from the man on the screen landed like a hammer.
Felice’s tone was heavy. “Yes, I understand. The posters for the Nexus Future campaign are already out. It will take time to recall them. As for the penalty for breach of contract…”
On the screen, the Owen Group business head spoke with clipped authority. “Owen Group will cover the penalties. But the decision to replace the spokesperson is final. She must face consequences for stirring and steering negative opinion online. Unless Evergreen Media Works intends to pick a fight with Owen Group.”
Felice drew in a breath. “What I meant is, the responsibility lies with us. We failed to manage our entertainer’s behavior. You won’t need to pay a single cent. We’ll take it all, and I’ll assist in securing a new spokesperson right away.”
The video feed cut, though the call itself remained connected.
Ainsley stood frozen at the doorway, lightning striking through her. Blood pounded in her head. Her endorsement… The A-list chance she had clawed her way up to seize. Gone — all because of Rylie.
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