The light turned green. Cole eased off the brake, and the car rolled forward.


    “Ms. Morton, thetest quarterly report’s in your inbox.”


    “I saw it.”


    “There’s something else you should know. We need to watch out for The Thorne Group. They’re making moves into both entertainment and fashion. I looked into it-they’ve bought shares in ourpetitors. Lillian also heard they’ve been privately courting artists at A&C Entertainment whose contracts are about to expire. On top of that, some of our vendors at A&P said The Thorne Group is offering better prices with fewer demands. It’s pretty obvious they’reing for us.”


    Vera’s voice was cool and even, almost robotic in its precision. You could picture her smart suit, dark-rimmed sses, the perfect image of a corporate professional.


    “Make a list of which artists are thinking about leaving,” Alessia replied. “Have Lillian sort them into groups and handle each case ordingly. If someone wants out, just let them go-we’re not forcing anyone to stay.” With Tristan and Liam, the two biggest stars right now, A&C Entertainment could easily hold up a third of the industry on its own.


    There were also veteran actors at A&C-talented, reliable, and never making a fuss. They probably wouldn’t leave either. The only ones up in the air were the newly popr young idols. Whether they stayed or went wouldn’t make much difference to thepany as a whole.


    “Keep a close eye on A&P’s vendors. If anyone refuses to work with us, reach out to other contacts. A&P’s brand is all about quality-we can’t afford topromise.”


    “Understood. I’ve already contacted a few backup vendors. Their details, including price lists and pros and cons, are in your inbox.” Vera always seemed to anticipate Alessia’s next move and had things ready in


    12:21


    advance-her efficiency was unmatched.


    Alessia acknowledged her with a quiet “Got it.”


    She never had to worry about Vera. No matter how big or small the task, Vera handled everything perfectly. Alessia had trained her from the ground up-she knew exactly where Vera’s strengths and limitsy.


    Still, even as their call ended, Vera hadn’t mentioned going out for dinner


    with Fortune.


    “How did it go?” Alessia asked suddenly, her question seemingly out of


    nowhere.


    “Lessie, your instincts are never wrong.” As Cole spoke, he brought the car to a smooth stop beside the school gates.


    Alessia unfastened her seatbelt and reached for the door, but Cole caught


    her wrist. He blinked at her, his big eyes pleading like a puppy’s.


    She understood at once, and with a smile, cupped his face in her hands and nted a kiss on his lips. Cole wasn’t satisfied, though; he pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.


    It was a long moment before they finally separated, reluctant but smiling.


    “Good night,” Cole whispered, his eyes a little pink at the corners as he gently kissed her soft, swollen lips.


    Alessia’s nose was flushed, and she nodded, finally opening the door to get out. Her legs felt shaky, as if she were floating on air.


    Across town, Vera rubbed her eyes and closed herptop after ending the


    call.


    “Work’s done?” A slender woman leaned against the bed, with a wheelchair and a pair of crutches by her side.


    “The food’s gone cold again. Can’t it wait until after dinner? You always do this-work first, everything else second. You never take care of yourself, Ca Leigh scolded gently, concern in her voice.


    “I’m paid well, and thepany treats me right. If I don’t do my job properly, I’d be ungrateful, wouldn’t I? Isn’t that what you always tell me-not to bite the hand that feeds me?”


    Vera unpacked the takeout, her ent softer now, almost yful-a far cry from her usual crisp, businesslike tone.