Chapter 27: Easy Money
Isabella, unemployed due to her former manager's blacklisting, found her leisurely life unexpectedly dull. After Callahan left for school, David instructed Evian to resume her duties at the company hospital. Selena and her friends enjoyed afternoon coffee, leaving Isabella friendless, jobless, and bored. She decided her exceptional appearance was wasted and resolved to return to the entertainment industry, seeking fame and fortune. This plan offered not only industry excitement and attractive colleagues, but also funds for a potential divorce from Alexander, anticipating his possible return to his first love.
She shared her plan with Alexander, who promised to help find a new agency. To her surprise, he allowed her to interview her own manager. However, no competent candidates applied, as she was a newcomer in a scandal-ridden industry where people of good character were rare. Isabella's discerning eye saw through the applicants' façades. The interviews were silent affairs. Worried about Alexander's patience, Isabella watched as no one signed on. Finally, Alexander sent her to Christopher's agency.
Isabella was astonished by the small office, where Christopher was engrossed in his phone. Upon seeing her, he acknowledged her with a surprisingly improved attitude since their previous incident. His manager sat at the conference table.
"Hello, Ms. Jeannet. I'm Hayden, Mr. Christopher's agent. Mr. Alexander sent me. I'll guide you. Here's your contract. You'll be our second artist."
Hayden Garcia, a bespectacled, cheerful middle-aged man, was known in the industry as a wolf in sheep's clothing. Isabella glanced at Hayden, then at Christopher, who seemed resentful.
"You agreed? You were against it before," Isabella said bluntly.
Christopher, gritting his teeth, replied, "The past is the past. Now that you're my sister-in-law, this will reassure Alex."
"Ah? Is that so?" Isabella thought, feeling uneasy. Christopher's strange behavior left him speechless, wondering about Alexander's motives. Hayden felt awkward; Christopher had previously rejected the idea, even threatening to quit if Isabella joined. Their past relationship had been extremely strained.
In truth, Christopher was showing gratitude for Isabella's role in his reconciliation with Luna. However, their contentious history made an immediate amicable relationship impossible. He agreed to Alexander's request because it would better protect Isabella, concealing her identity within the industry.
Isabella remained skeptical. "Even as the boss, I'll make my own decisions about work. Is that acceptable?"
Hayden smiled, "Of course. Review the contract."
The contract allowed Isabella to choose her work, take breaks, and keep all profits—a 100% share. This surprised her.
"No salary?" Isabella asked.
Hayden chuckled, "Mr. Christopher covers our salaries." This was clearly Christopher's way of caring for his sister-in-law. Isabella looked at Christopher in astonishment. He pretended to ignore her, but overheard her thoughts about his emotional pain and indifference since losing Luna.
"Are you going to sign or not?" Christopher finally asked.
Isabella quickly signed the incredibly advantageous contract. She was overjoyed, despite her silent celebration being torture to Christopher's ears.
Hayden accepted the contract. "Ms. Jeannet, what kind of work interests you? You've mainly done print advertising."
"Forget my past," Isabella replied. "I want easy money."
Hayden's smile faltered; Christopher was speechless.
"Why the faces? Isn't this every worker's dream?" Isabella asked.
Hayden was taken aback; Christopher, born wealthy, couldn't understand but didn't argue.
"Fine. Easy, well-paying work. But rule out singing," Christopher added, then left, instructing Hayden to handle the rest. Isabella had no objections.
Christopher appeared listless and preoccupied with his inability to contact Luna. He was monitoring her social media, but she wasn't expressive. He feared losing her completely, especially if she went abroad. He was determined to see her, even if it meant waiting outside her lab.
Hayden, noticing Christopher's departure, suggested Isabella attend a red wine tasting party. While offering no direct payment, it would provide industry exposure. Christopher, preoccupied with finding Luna, had already declined all engagements, including this one intended to help Bianca, a troublesome acquaintance of Hayden's.
Hayden believed Isabella's attendance would be beneficial, offering to accompany her to the out-of-town event. Christopher left the decision to Isabella, telling her to inform Alexander. Isabella agreed.
Isabella then asked Hayden about the venue: the Silvinubis Hotel. She remembered Luna mentioning an event there on Instagram. A sudden bang startled them. Christopher was halfway out the door, appearing clumsy and dazed. Isabella laughed; Hayden tried to stifle his amusement.
Christopher claimed he'd forgotten something. He kept glancing at Isabella, confused as to how she had seen Luna's Instagram post. Isabella and Luna had briefly exchanged contact information when Isabella lent her a skirt, and Luna had never blocked Isabella. The event link was casually shared and overlooked.
Hayden continued discussing hotel arrangements with Isabella, calling it a "vacation." Isabella realized this was an opportunity to help Christopher reunite with Luna. Christopher remained speechless.