19.Their hypocrisy knew no bounds

Upon Briella's arrival at Star Agency, Chelsey promptly greeted her. 'You haven't told me your new residence yet," Chelsey inquired, her curiosity evident. Briella feigned composure and walked into the agency, attempting to appear nonchalant. 'I think it's best if I'm the only one who knows where I'm staying for now," she replied. 'I also noticed you didn't bring your car. Did you take a taxi?" Chelsey asked again. 'My car broke down, so I had to take it to the repair shop," she lied. She couldn't reveal the truth to Chelsey just yet, fearing that she might inadvertently disclose her whereabouts to Xander. Briella was certain that Chelsey would have more questions once she learned where Briella was currently residing. Chelsey seemed about to speak, but Briella cut her off. 'Have you done the task I assigned you last night?" she inquired. Chelsey nodded. 'Yep. I couldn't find anything suspicious in what she gave you. I also contacted a friend to identify the IP address, and he confirmed it was from Sun Glow Fashion." 'I'll give you the contract later so you can read it. After that, I'll provide you with Miss Ortega's number. Try calling her to schedule an appointment," she instructed. 'Are you planning to inform Xander about this?" Chelsey asked. Briella gave a bitter smile. 'I don't have to. I know he's already read Miss Ortega's proposal; if I'm not mistaken, he won't approve it. He'll probably give it to Matilda again." 'That son of a b*tch," Chelsey muttered in frustration. 'Don't mind him. We can outmaneuver him. Call Miss Ortega and tell her I'll speak with her shortly. I need to visit my ‘accomplished' fiancé," she stated. She noticed a hint of skepticism in Chelsey's expression after her statement but chose to ignore it. As she reached Xander's office door, she entered without hesitation. She raised an eyebrow upon seeing him alone inside. 'Good morning," she greeted formally. 'Good morning," he replied with a reserved greeting. 'What are you doing here?" She arched an eyebrow. 'Aren't I supposed to be here?" she questioned, approaching him. 'I still have something to do. I'll call you later, so stay in your dressing room until..." he trailed off. She waited for him to continue, but after a few seconds, he remained silent. 'Are you okay?" she inquired as she saw him break into a sweat. 'Of course, I'm fine," he replied, taking a deep breath. 'Briella, please, just leave for now. I have some tasks to finish. Later, I'll discuss your first advertisement." She couldn't discern if it was a trick of the light or if his desk moved slightly. Was there something, or rather someone, beneath that table? Her lips twitched, but she refrained from revealing her suspicions to the man. Though the air conditioning was on in his office, he was still sweating noticeably. 'Okay, call me when you're done. I'll be in the dressing room," she turned to leave, then abruptly turned back, catching a glimpse of him crouching beneath the desk. 'What are you doing? Is there some disgusting mouse under your table?" she declared loudly to ensure Matilda could hear. 'Huh? Oh, no, not at all. I just dropped my pen. That's why I bent down," he answered. She didn't need to guess whether he was telling the truth, as it was evident that he was lying. A wave of disgust washed over her. She fought the urge to slap him and reveal the unmistakable smell beneath his desk. She turned away and exited his office. She no longer cared what they were up to, and her only concern was their downfall and their humbling in her presence. Yes! They would kneel before her, defeated and unsuccessful, and she wouldn't stop until that day arrived. The day of their downfall would mark the end of their current circumstances. Upon entering her dressing room, she found Chelsey seated with a guilty expression, fidgeting with her phone. There was no need to guess what had captured Chelsey's attention, as the audio was audible. 'Have you called Miss Ortega?" she asked Chelsey, taking a seat on the nearby sofa. Chelsey put down her phone and turned to her. 'Yes, and she's waiting for your call." 'Good, let's go," Briella said, standing up again. 'Where are we heading?" Chelsey asked, puzzled. 'To a nearby restaurant. I can't make the call here; too many snakes are around," she responded, opening the door without hesitation. She nearly bumped into the man leaning against the door. 'What the hell are you doing here?!" Chelsey exclaimed at Jobert, Matilda's assistant. He crossed his arms over his chest, meeting their stares with an emotionless expression. 'Sir Xander requested your presence," he informed Briella, signaling the door to be shut. 'What the fuck..." Chelsey muttered softly at her side. She remained silent, maintaining a blank expression. This action only meant one thing; the two traitors were still together inside, despite her having been here only a few minutes ago. 'Briella," Matilda greeted her formally, her smile radiant as she sat alone on the sofa. Meanwhile, Xander pretended to be engrossed in reading at his desk. She walked to Xander's desk and sat across from him, with Chelsey standing beside her, visibly simmering with suppressed anger. 'Do you have something to say?" she asked Xander formally. 'Make it quick. I have somewhere to be." She saw his eyebrow twitch, and he looked up at her without emotion. He placed a few documents on the table in front of her. 'This is your first project. I've spoken with the owner of that small company, and they've agreed to endure having you as their model," he stated. She felt Chelsey might speak up, so she beat her. 'Let me think about it." 'What?" It was a darkly questioning tone. 'Are you defying me, Briella?" 'I didn't say that. I said I'll think about it," she replied, her gaze fixed directly on his eyes. He forcefully exhaled, visibly regaining his senses. 'Briella, sign the contract with this agency, and you must follow the agency's protocol. Your melodramatics won't work here. Furthermore, you should be grateful that someone still bothered to take you in despite your disruptions during an event." 'Yeah, Briella, did you expect any major advertising company to hire a has-been and a famewhore like you?" Matilda added with an insulting tone. 'Famewhore?" Chelsey couldn't hold back her retort. 'Why not? Isn't that what you are? A has-been who's just waiting for a chance to make a scene and grab attention to get famous again?" Matilda retorted. 'I've been kind to you, Briella. I even allowed you to walk the runway and model again. But you betrayed my trust. You saw how people admired you, and it went to your head. You started boasting, thinking that you were invincible. Well, let me tell you, you can't beat me." Chelsey was about to respond, but she managed to stop her quickly. 'Don't waste your time, Chelsey. Let her think what she wants," she interjected, then turned to Xander. 'Is there anything else you want to discuss?" 'Xander, why did you call me, by the way? Do you have something to tell me?" Matilda asked Xander, her tone flirtatious. She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Matilda's words. She wanted to call out the girl's foolishness and let her know she had been with Xander all along, but she refrained. 'Oh, right. I received an email from Sun Glow Fashion. They want you to be their magazine cover," Xander replied, making it obvious he was indirectly addressing her. Matilda clapped her hands in joy upon hearing Xander's news. It took all of Briella's self-control not to reveal her amusement at their deceit and pretense. She had been right in her assumptions last night. Their hypocrisy knew no bounds. 'Congratulations to you then. I hope they want you as their model," she said, gazing at Xander. 'If you have nothing else to say, we'll leave." 'Oh, come on, Briella. Your bitterness is showing. Accept that you'll never surpass me," Matilda arrogantly remarked. 'I could never match you, Matilda. I am not like you," she countered meaningfully. Matilda grinned at her statement, only boosting her ego further. It was clear that Matilda misunderstood her meaning and believed something entirely different. 'Where are you going?" Xander inquired. 'Chelsey and I are going out to eat," she replied. 'Why do you ask?" 'Mr. Cruz will be here to sign the contract with you in a minute. You can't leave," he informed her. She bit her lip forcefully. 'As I've said, I will think about it first." 'Briella, stop your melodramatics and follow me! I've had enough of you!" Xander said sternly. She shrugged her shoulders. 'I'm not being melodramatic, Xander," she said seriously. 'Perhaps you've forgotten that I can reject offers from companies I don't like. It was included in the contract." 'But, if you want me to stay here, I can do that but on one condition. You'll stay with me all day, and I'll come with you to your house and stay there overnight," she stated. She saw Matilda's shock and Xander's pale face. She secretly relished their reactions. 'No?" she questioned after a moment of silence, during which Xander remained with his mouth agape. 'I guess not. Let's go, Chelsey." They left Xander's office together, paying no heed to Matilda and Xander. They walked out without a second glance. In silence, they exited the building and went to Chelsey's car. Once inside, Chelsey turned to her with a concerned expression. 'Do you think, Miss Ortega—" 'No," she quickly cut Chelsey off. 'It was them trying to sabotage me." She took a deep breath, calming herself. Her heart pounded fiercely, not from nervousness but from her intense anger. She picked up her phone and dialed Janice Ortega's number. 'Hello, Miss Ortega?" she greeted. 'Hi, Miss Briella. How are you today?" 'I'm fine, thank you. If you have some time, can you meet me now? I'll provide the location. Or if you have a place in mind, I'd appreciate it if we could talk privately." 'I have something on my mind. How about my favorite restaurant? They serve delicious food, and I'll call them now to reserve a VIP room for us," Janice responded. 'Thank you. I'll see you there," she said. 'It would be my honor to have you, Miss Briella. See you later." After hanging up her phone, Chelsey quickly asked her a question. 'So, how was it? Is what that jerk Xander said true?" 'I don't know. Let's find out together," she replied, informing Chelsey of their destination. 'What will you do if you find out Xander was lying to you?" Chelsey inquired. 'It wouldn't be surprising. He's been making a fool of me for a long time," she replied, focusing her gaze on the road. They won't be able to blindfold me anymore. My eyes are wide open to their foolishness!