“Fine.”
Ysabelle was cognizant of not overstepping her boundaries.
Sophie said, “Now that we have completed the application, you can go back to practice.”
Ysabelle sighed inwardly when she heard that. Just as expected, she's a real slavedriver.
“I got it, Boss. Don't worry. I'll definitely work hard in my training.”
“Ysabelle, since singing is your passion, you should go all out. By the way, one of my music directors will hand some demo tapes over to you. You should take a listen!”
Sophie had personally curated the songs that she felt were suited to Ysabelle.
“Sure!”
Although Ysabelle was well aware that she had to make preparations in her attempt to go professional, the news still filled her with excitement.
My efforts have not gone to waste, as I can finally chase my dream.
“Didn't you promise to write me a song?”
“Don't worry. I'll keep my word. It's just that I've been swamped with work recently. For your first album, the title track will definitely be written by me.”
Given how important Ysabelle's debut album was to Sophie, she endeavored to write the former a hit single.
Feeling ecstatic, Ysabelle threw her arms around Sophie.
“Sophie, I love you so much!”
“You don't have to. Both of us will never be together,” Sophie quipped.
“Haha...” Ysabelle couldn't resist bursting into hearty laughter.
It's surprising to see Sophie's humorous side.
Not long after, Ysabelle went off to see the music director.
“Ysabelle, remember to give it your best shot! Do you know who wrote the songs for you?”
“Who?” Despite mentioning the songs earlier, Sophie didn't reveal who the songwriter was.
“Why don't you see for yourself? I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised.”
After taking the document from Sophie's hands, Ysabelle was thrilled to see the name on it.
“Sophie, how did you manage to do this?” They were written by her favorite singer—the famous Richie Tannen.
She added, “You never cease to amaze me! Working for you is the most awesome thing to ever happen to me.”
Richie hadn't written a song for anyone in recent years. However, at Sophie's request, he composed a few specifically for Ysabelle.
“I'll put my best foot forward and not let anyone down,” Ysabelle declared resolutely.
Being a newcomer to the industry, she had nothing more to ask for after all the resources Sophie had provided her.
All that was needed now was her effort.
Previously, she had never thought Sophie was serious and was consequently surprised at how influential the latter was.
After all, it wasn't an easy task to get Richie to collaborate.
Later on, Mark dropped by to speak with Sophie. He had a troubled expression on his face.
Seeing that, Sophie asked, “What's wrong? Did something happen to the Emerald Gang?” Considering how long he has been away, he must have encountered many problems while taking over it.
“There's nothing to worry about. I can manage,” came Mark's reply.
Regardless of how grim the situation was, it was still his responsibility, and he didn't want her to interfere.
“Mark, there's no need for secrets between us. If you need anything, just let me know. You'll be surprised at how I can be of help.”
“Sophie, I'm well aware of how capable you are, but I hope that you don't involve yourself in the affairs of the Emerald Gang.”
Sophie had no idea how to respond to that.
In the end, she said, “I'm not as naive as you think and might really be able to provide some assistance.”
“That's enough. I just wanted to check in with you.”
Mark had no intention of seeking her help.
“You...”
Faced with his adamant refusal, Sophie didn't insist any further.
“No matter what, just remember this. We'll always be the best of friends. Whenever you're in trouble, we'll definitely lend you a helping hand,” Sophie reminded him sincerely.
“Yeah, I got it. I know everyone has my best interests at heart.”
But there are certain matters I need to resolve myself.
“Anyway, I have to go for practice now.”
With that, Mark took his leave.
Sitting alone, Sophie felt a sense of melancholy descend upon her.
He always insists on carrying the burden by himself. It's terribly exhausting to do so.
Meanwhile, Clayton arrived at TS Entertainment to see Sophie as he needed to speak to her in person.
However, the security guard stopped him by the door.
“I'm sorry, but no one other than staff is allowed to enter. You'll need an appointment if you're here to see someone.”
Having received a raise recently, the security guards were more serious about their job than before.
“Do you not know who I am? I'm Clayton Zales. I'm here to see the CEO.” Clayton announced his name proudly, but the security guards weren't impressed at all.
“I'm sorry. Regardless of who you are, you still need an appointment to see the CEO.” What's going on? Why are there so many weird people showing up lately?
“What did you say? Do you have a death wish or something?” Clayton's patience had been running thin recently due to the sheer amount of problems he was facing.
“Please do not threaten us. Otherwise, we'll be forced to call the police.” The guards had zero tolerance for threats against their safety.
“You—” Clayton grabbed one of the guards by his collar. “You really aren't afraid of death, are you?”
When Sophie was subsequently informed that someone was stirring up trouble outside, she was surprised to see Clayton upon her arrival.
“Clayton, what are you doing here?” she snapped, for she never tolerated anyone who bullied her subordinates.
At the sight of Sophie, Clayton snorted and released the guard.
“Sophie, these men don't know any better. I told them that I was here to see you, but they insisted on me having an appointment.”
“Oh, is that so?”
Sophie gave him a hostile look.
“Are you saying that all TS Entertainment's employees must grovel before you every time you visit?”
Embarrassed by her retort, Clayton scratched his nose.
“Sophie, no matter what, we're family. You're humiliating me by doing this.”
“Family? Why would anyone want a scumbag like you as family?” Since he came over shamelessly, there was no reason for Sophie to show him any respect.
“You—” Clayton had never been ridiculed so badly before, especially not in front of an army of reporters.
Whatever reputation he had left was now ruined.
“Sophie, at the end of the day, I'm still your brother-in-law. How can you do this to me?” Clayton hissed in anger.
“Brother-in-law? Since when do I have one? You had better not make baseless claims about you being my relative!”
Let's see if he can actually make it to the time of the wedding.
“Sophie, you had better not cross the line. Willow is still your sister!”
Confident that Sophie would back down on the account of the reporters present, Clayton began to blackmail her emotionally.
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