21. Undermine me and tarnish my reputation
The awaited moment had finally arrived as Janice Ortega, owner of the renowned Sun Glow Fashion, graced their presence.
'I'm sorry to keep you waiting," she warmly addressed them.
At first glance, she could sense the young lady's genuine spirit. Her smooth countenance lacked excessive makeup, exuding natural beauty. Her azure eyes hinted at a British heritage.
'No worries, Miss Ortega. We've just arrived ourselves," the young woman replied formally.
'Oh, thank goodness. I was afraid you had been waiting for me for quite some time," Janice smiled as she sat before them. 'So, would you like us to engage in discussion first, or shall we dine before delving into business?"
'Opting for the former would not be impolite; thus, I choose that we engage in conversation initially. After all, that is the purpose of our meeting here. I also wish to address a certain matter before we commence," the young woman responded.
'Certainly, there's no issue with that. Meanwhile, I'll have drinks ordered for us," Janice mentioned.
She nodded, allowing Janice to place their drink orders. Gazing at Chelsey, who was quietly attentive to their conversation, she inquired, 'Are you okay?"
Chelsey nodded, offering a smile. 'Isn't this somewhat awkward? Shouldn't I be the one conversing with her, considering I'm your manager?"
She shook her head. 'It's alright. I'll lead our conversation while you gather the necessary information. I'm well aware of your proficiency in gathering information. Additionally, I'd appreciate it if you could focus on obtaining more details about Matilda."
Chelsey's expression soured momentarily at the mention of Matilda's name, but she quickly composed herself upon seeing Janice approach.
'What's the matter? Did I keep you waiting too much?" Janice inquired with concern.
'No, Ma'am. I was recalling the Korean drama I watched," Chelsey answered, suppressing a chuckle.
'KDrama? Ah, so you're a fan too, I see." Janice playfully remarked, accompanied by a slight tilt of the head.
Chelsey's eyes widened, and she wanted to blink in astonishment at Janice's enthusiasm, but she restrained herself, offering the woman a smile instead.
'Let's return to discussing our contract, Miss Bri—"
'What contract?" she feigned puzzlement. 'Xander informed me that you're interested in having Matilda take on the job, not me. I'm here to clarify matters and speak with you in person."
'What?" She secretly grinned as she noticed Janice's countenance darken. Only one explanation for this reaction: her suspicion that Matilda was trying to pull a contract switch had been correct. 'Is that what they told you?"
She formally nodded despite her awareness that she was being lied to shamelessly. While it had been proven that she was indeed the one Janice intended to offer the project to, this didn't mean she could rest easy. Numerous possibilities loomed, especially considering her status as an emerging talent that external forces could hinder.
'Allow me to show you the formal letter I sent to your agency," Janice Ortega offered, opening her laptop and revealing the document. The formal letter was accompanied by the proposal she had sent. 'You see? Your name is clearly stated here. It's perplexing that they told you otherwise. And just so you know, I've never wanted Matilda Jimenez, not since the start of her modeling career."
'May I inquire why?" Chelsey interjected, unable to restrain herself from joining the conversation.
Janice shrugged. 'I can't say for sure; perhaps it's instinctual. You sense certain things when you meet someone for the first time. If you feel uncomfortable around them or lack interest, that's the key."
A knock on the door interrupted their discussion as a waiter entered, pushing a food cart. They paused briefly to allow the waiter to serve them before resuming their dialogue.
'If you wouldn't mind, could you shed light on the relationship between you and your agency?" Janice inquired.
'Let's just say that Matilda wanted to undermine me and tarnish my reputation," she responded.
Janice nodded and took a sip of her juice. 'Do you know how I can secure your presence for my company? I genuinely wish to collaborate with you, Briella."
She gazed steadily at Janice, deciphering the twinkle in her eyes and the genuine expression on her radiant face. She recalled Braun's words from the previous night and the reviews he had given on Janice's proposal. While she hadn't read the entire contract, she trusted her husband's judgment and believed in his assessment.
'Fortunately, the terms of my contract with the agency provide me the liberty to choose whom I work with," she stated.
The light in Janice's face brightened, and her eyes sparkled. 'Well, can you sign the contract now?" Janice's excitement was palpable. 'I'll have my secretary prepare everything—"
'Yes, but I'd prefer to keep this private. I have a request for you, Miss Ortega," she interjected.
'Please, call me Janice," she responded with a smile. 'Go ahead, as long as it's within my means."
She nodded. 'I'd like to keep everything under wraps for now, including our upcoming project. I'm not ready to become the talk of the town just yet."
'Fantastic! I love surprises! We'll shock everyone when the magazine is released!" Janice exclaimed with a grin. 'And what about your agency? What if they find out you're taking independent action without informing them?"
For the first time, a smile formed on her lips. 'Leave that to me."
Janice smiled back, appearing genuinely pleased. 'Wow. You look stunning when you smile. I'm truly excited to collaborate with you."
She offered a restrained smile and nodded.
As they continued their conversation, the minutes stretched, establishing a camaraderie between Chelsey and Janice due to their shared interest in watching KDramas. While waiting for the contract to be brought forth, Janice ordered their meals. She received a message from Braun instructing her to head upstairs once the meeting concluded. He had arranged a dinner for them, igniting her excitement and making her wish she could hasten the passage of time.
Just as the food was served, Janice's secretary arrived, carrying the contract awaiting her signature.
'I'm considering a shoot at the Banaue Rice Terraces; it's already summer, and I've conceived a theme that I believe will suit you," Janice remarked with a smile as they indulged in their meal.
'I can't wait to witness Briella in action again," Chelsey enthusiastically added. 'She took a hiatus from modeling for a few years, and I'm grateful to see her smiling in front of the camera again!"
'If it's not too much to ask, is the rumor true about you and Xander Madrigal?" Janice inquired.
'Yeah, he's Briella's fiancé," Chelsey replied.
'Chelsey..." she reprimanded gently. She didn't want to discuss that matter, especially since it wasn't true.
'What? Her fiancé? But why does he want a different model instead of Briella?" Janice's question reflected her confusion and furrowed brows.
'That's a bit personal. Please refrain from asking further, Janice. I'll tell you everything one day, but for now, I'd appreciate it if this stays between us," she requested, glancingly at Janice's secretary.
She needed to ensure that this issue didn't reach anyone's ears. Otherwise, her plans could be jeopardized.
'Don't worry, Briella. Lia's my trusted secretary," Janice assured, reassuringly touching her shoulder.
'I'll pretend I didn't hear anything, Miss Briella," Lia chimed in, locking eyes with her.
With a nod and a modest smile, she expressed her gratitude. 'Thank you."
After their meal, she proceeded to sign the contract. The only witnesses were Chelsey and Lia, but their presence was inconsequential. What truly mattered was that she had secured a project, a stepping stone to make her name known and rise further in the industry.
They remained there for a few more hours, discussing their plans. Almost everything was ready; she was the missing piece. On Saturday, they would depart. Depending on her performance, she would be gone for a week or more. Even the ordinary inn where they would stay was prepared. Janice only needed to notify the owner to ensure no one would find out.
After their discussion concluded at five in the afternoon, she asked Janice if she could leave first, with Chelsey following later. This would prevent any unwanted attention from bystanders.
'Congrats, Briella! You've closed the deal!" Chelsey exclaimed with a smile as they remained alone. 'Honestly, I was worried that Xander and the others might be telling the truth and that they handed the contract to that... woman."
She didn't flinch, but a triumphant smile curved her lips. She slowly avenged the two people who betrayed and humiliated her. In her mind, she could already see the shock and disbelief on their faces when they realized she had secured the contract Matilda had so shamelessly attempted to snatch away.
'Chelsey, I want you to return to the hospital Matilda mentioned. Please find out the truth about why they were there. I have a feeling they're hiding something from me, and I can use that to bring them down," she instructed.
'And what do you plan to do?" Chelsey asked.
A sly smile played on her lips. 'You'll see."
***
'What?" Xander rose from his seat upon hearing the words from his conversation on the other end of the line. 'No, I told you Matilda was way too good than Briella."
His eyebrows furrowed as he absorbed his conversation partner's statement.
'You can't just back out like that! I want to talk to Miss Ortega. Connect my line to her," he demanded, shooting her an irritated glance.
With an exasperated sigh, she looked down and avoided his gaze. If Sun Glow Fashion was pulling out because they didn't like her, who cared? She didn't want to work for them either.
'You can't just ignore me. I want to—damn!" he cursed, slamming his phone on his desk. 'Bad news, they won't continue the contract for you."
She let out a soft laugh. 'Why? Am I too flashy for them? Can't they afford the Talent Fee I demanded?" she retorted.
He averted his gaze. 'You're not the type they're looking for."
The smile faded from her lips as she raised an eyebrow, her expression growing more serious.
'Who the f*ck said that?" she asked Xander with a sharp, questioning glare.
He remained silent momentarily before he resumed his seat, his face reflecting his regret for the lost client.
'You better fix your image. If they can't recognize talent like yours, they're worthless and cheap! They have no idea what they've turned down. Besides, I'm not interested in being their model anyway. I just asked you to get me the contract because of Briella. That bitch doesn't deserve that project!"
'If you say so. But did you know Sun Glow Fashion is one of the most popular fashion brands here and abroad? Their magazines are always sold out, and Janice Ortega's clothing designs are exceptional. I'm just frustrated that we lost the opportunity to work with them. If we had secured that deal, we could have used it to increase your rates and potentially land you among the Nominated Top Models in the Asian Runway Awards."
Her eyes widened, and she couldn't help but curse at Xander.
'Damn you! Why did you let that opportunity slip away?! Arghh!" she exclaimed in frustration.
'You told me it was okay!" he retorted.
'You're such an idiot, Xander. If you had informed me about all this from the beginning, I could have taken care of it and closed the deal myself!" she snapped at him. 'Hurry and call them. Tell them I want to speak with them, and I'm ready to cooperate immediately! I won't waste the chance to get into the Asian Runway Awards! This is my time to become more popular and famous!" she ordered him, a cunning grin creeping onto her face.
If I have to fabricate a story to avoid rejection by Sun Glow Fashion, I will!
She retrieved her phone, opened her social media accounts, and posted an update that she was sure would stir up a frenzy and be the talk of the town.