Chapter 141

Sophia Laurent's features were undeniably exquisite. Yet every time Scarlett Ashcroft saw her, she was clad in a sharply tailored black suit, her hair pulled back in a severe bun, her expression as stern as a judge.

Scarlett tried to picture Sophia in an evening gown and gave a slight nod of approval.

"Ms. Laurent's bone structure is flawless."

The moment the words left her lips, Scarlett chuckled at herself. "Wait—we're supposed to be discussing what our new employer can offer us, not judging a beauty pageant."

Melanie Vance stifled a laugh, her fingers flying across her phone screen.

"The Pearl Group just entered the entertainment industry. Pearl Entertainment was established less than six months ago with fewer than five signed artists..."

As she read the freshly gathered data, her frown deepened.

"Compared to an industry giant like Lowell Entertainment, Pearl is practically a seedling pushing through the soil..."

"So what?"

Sophia's clear, piercing eyes flashed in Scarlett's mind, hardening her voice.

"Lowell may be vast, but it has room for Tiffany Merouin—not for us."

"They milked you dry and buried my talent."

"Staying with Lowell would only bleed us dry."

Ever since Tiffany climbed into bed with a Lowell executive, they'd been cast into the shadows.

"But Pearl is different. They're offering triple the salary, covering our breach fees, and most importantly—"

Scarlett's eyes burned with conviction. "They're giving us dignity."

Melanie stared at her glowing expression, feeling a spark ignite in her own ashen heart.

Lowell had long discarded them like pawns.

Sophia had thrown them a lifeline.

Melanie swallowed hard. "The breach fee..."

"Right here." Scarlett waved a bank card. "Ms. Laurent advanced us twenty million."

She lowered her voice. "Melanie, your mother's transplant is covered."

Melanie's pupils contracted.

All these years of swallowing her pride had been for her bedridden mother awaiting a kidney.

"How much?"

"Twenty million. Every cent."

Melanie clapped a hand over her mouth, her shoulders shaking violently.

When she looked up again, the timidity in her eyes had vanished.

"Let's go." She snatched up her coat. "We're terminating the contract now."

The decisive, elite agent had returned.

Scarlett watched Melanie's straightened back and hurried after her with a smile.

The sharp click of high heels echoed across the marble floor.