Chapter 138
The Lowell Group headquarters towered in the city's busiest commercial district, its glass facade glittering under the sunlight.
Scarlett Ashcroft walked into Lowell Entertainment's lobby just as a commotion erupted.
"Melanie, if you can't even secure a simple endorsement, what use are you to this company?"
The shrill voice echoed across the marble floors.
Melanie Vance stood at the center of the crowd, her face drained of color.
"Mr. Langley, the deal was practically finalized, but—"
Her gaze flickered toward Tiffany Merouin, who stood opposite her in a crisp white pantsuit, lips painted crimson.
"Someone deliberately sabotaged it, letting Starlight Media swoop in."
Tiffany smirked and tilted her chin up.
"If you're incompetent, don't blame others. Look inward for once."
She tossed a stack of documents from her briefcase.
"I've already reclaimed the endorsement. The contract's signed."
Derek Langley flipped through the pages, his expression softening.
"Three months' salary deduction. One more screwup and you're out."
Melanie clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms.
This endorsement had taken her three grueling months to negotiate—only for Tiffany to steal it with a single phone call.
But what could she say?
Tiffany managed Julian Lombardi, the reigning Best Actor, and Vanessa Kalmien, the pop diva. Not to mention Emily Lowell, the Lowell heiress.
And her own roster?
A handful of obscure talents no one remembered.
The muffled snickers from colleagues cut deeper than knives.
She recalled when she first joined—the entire agency had only her as a manager.
Julian and Vanessa? Both her discoveries.
Those years she'd spent hustling for gigs, pulling all-nighters for opportunities.
Who remembered now?
Scarlett watched Melanie's hunched shoulders, a dull ache spreading through her chest.
She strode forward.
"No need for salary deductions. Melanie and I are leaving today."
The lobby fell silent.
Veteran employees exchanged uneasy glances.
Everyone knew this was Tiffany systematically crushing Melanie.
But no one dared speak up.
Tiffany currently held sway—even executives tread carefully around her.
Yet if Melanie actually left...
The company would lose at least thirty percent of its resources.
Derek's face darkened.
"Scarlett, know your place!"
He turned to Melanie.
"Control your people."