The editor stared at the message, a wave of confusion washing over him.
Editor: J, didn’t we already lock in the partner for the comic? Plus, the signing ceremony’s set for seven tonight...
This comic was blowing up. To build hype, Sabina’s team had organized a live event, and basically every reporter in the entertainment scene was planning to show up.
J: When I sold you the rights, I had one rule. The lead had to have some integrity. Who exactly did you find?
The editor felt sweat bead on his forehead. Sabina did have a reputation—a mile-long list of scandals—but her name alone had everyone talking. She was the hot pick, no question. He’d actually wanted Emily... but the company shot that down, saying she was too mysterious, too hard to manage. And honestly, Emily had never so much as brushed up against a rumor in all her years around. If they handed the rights to her and she refused to play along with the media game, the whole thing would just fizzle.
After weighing all that, the company went with Sabina.
Editor: J, please, try not to be upset. The letter of intent’s already signed. If we back out now, we’ll be stuck paying a huge penalty.
A penalty?
Charlotte’s eyes grew cold. She was used to making money off others, not the other way around. No one had ever taken a cent from her.
J: The signing goes ahead at seven tonight.
The editor didn’t dare say more.
Understood.
Was J really planning to show up in person? If she wasn’t signing with Sabina, maybe she had someone else in mind?
Charlotte closed the chat and checked the time. Almost five. Less than two hours until the ceremony.
“Helen, get dinner ready.”
Kenneth’s mind was spinning. J was actually coming? She was really going to talk to him face-to-face? No wonder she was known as the top hacker. It wasn’t just about finding people—she actually brought them right to your door...
That million dollars suddenly felt worth every penny.
***
The signing event was set for the biggest studio at Cabinda TV. Less than thirty minutes to go and the crew was running in circles.
Emily finished her shoot and headed back to the dressing room, grabbing her milk tea as she walked in.
“Wait, J’s coming to the signing?” Emily nearly choked when she heard Kenneth say it.
“Yep.” Kenneth lounged on the sofa, raising an eyebrow with a smug grin. “Not bad, right? Pretty impressive, huh?”

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns