<b>Chapter </b><b>135 </b>
“All the necessary evidence has been collected. As soon as the <b>PR </b><b>Department </b>issues their statement, I’ll file thewsuit against Fitch Tillman first thing <b>tomorrow </b>morning.”
The attorney handed the folder to Alessia, who skimmed through the documents before passing them along to Cole.
“Vera, put the coboration with Mika on hold. Swap out her spokesperson for an A–list ambassador.”
“Should we consider future cooperation?”
“That depends on whether Mr. Tillman values hispany more, or his son.”
“Understood.”
A&C Entertainment and Vera’s firm were closely linked–A&C Entertainment, led by Lillian, focused on management and operations, while Vera’spany handled publicity and business partnerships. Each had its own responsibilities, but in practice, they worked as one.
“Alright, that’s it for tonight. Looks like we’re pulling an all–nighter.”
“I’ll get started right away.” Vera’s face was unreadable as she spoke, and the attorney, pushing his sses up the bridge of his nose, walked out with her.
“Let’s go see if there’s anything we can help with,” someone suggested.
Larkin nodded and followed, reminding himself that a $20,000 monthly sry meant he was expected to pitch in when needed.
In moments, only Alessia and Cole remained in the conference room.
“What are you doing here?” Alessia leaned back in her chair as Cole came around behind her, expertly massaging her temples.
His touch was firm and practiced, and Alessia could feel the tension melting away.
“I saw the news trending and figured you’d be here handling it yourself.” He knew how capable Alessia was–he’d trained her himself, after all–and watching her shine always filled him with pride. Still, he didn’t want her to carry all the burdens alone.
But he understood her nature, so he never tried to stop her. Instead, he simply stepped in when needed, bncing things so Alessia could do what she did best
11:56
<b>without </b><b>burning </b><b>out</b>.
<b>Truth </b><b>be </b><b>told</b><b>, </b>Alessia felt <b>the </b>same way about him. This <bpany </b>was their joint <b>effort</b><b>, </b>their shared dream, and they’d always been on <b>the </b>same page<b>. </b>
<b>“</b><b>Go </b><b>get </b>some rest. I’ll take care of the rest.”
In the early days, Alessia practically lived at the office, so she’d set up her own space to crash when necessary. Even now, with thepany thriving and her <b>visits </b>less frequent, her office and private lounge remained, kept spotless by a dedicated cleaningdy.
Alessia opened her eyes, meeting his gaze.
“Who’s really tired here? Your dark circles are halfway down your cheeks,” she chided, her tone equal parts scolding and concern. Cole basked in the affection.
He pinched her cheek, grinning. “Yeah, I know. My good looks are suffering.”
At that, Alessia batted his hand away and sat up, pulling him by the wrist toward her office. Cole followed, grinning like a fool at the feel of her hand in his. When she let go, he found himself missing her warmth.
Oblivious, Alessia buried herself in a desk drawer, searching for something.
“Still here,” she muttered.
“What?” Cole barely got the word out before she slipped a pair of sunsses onto
his face.
“There! Your cool factor is restored!” Alessia teased, ruffling his hair. “Well, look at you–whose handsome guy are you?”
Cole fought backughter, cupping her face just as she’d done to him, his hands nearly engulfing her cheeks.
“Yours,” he said.
“Cheesy,” Alessia scoffed, but her eyes sparkled with amusement.
“Oh, I can do cheesier.” Cole slid the sunsses down his nose and winked at her.
That did it–Alessia burst outughing, turning away to hide her smile.
For a moment, they were just two young people, letting themselves be silly, letting their guard down.
“Oh, by the way, I picked out the house. I’ll text you the address. Any idea when you want to move in?”
11:56
“<b>Not </b><b>just </b><b>yet</b>.”
<b>Cole </b><b>ruffled </b>her <b>hair </b>again, his eyes soft with affection.
Meanwhile, in the studio, Tristan went live. Lillian, having double–checked
everything with the staff, took her seat just off camera, r