Jasper had barely made it to the doorway when Stirling's sudden outburst nearly sent him stumbling.
"Whoa, you A-listers really have no shame, huh? Crashing my dinner party now?"
Stirling grabbed his jacket that was casually thrown over a chair. "Cut the crap, I'm paying. Are you in or out?"
Jasper, trying to hide his amusement, said, "Sure, I've reserved a spot at The Frost Bistro, $4,800 a seat. Lucky for you, you've been randomly selected as our honored guest!"
"Ah, to think an award-winning actor is stooping to snatching opportunities from others, tsk tsk."
The more he talked, the more Stirling felt his pride being pricked! Better to clear this up face to face later!
...
In the restaurant's private dining room. The room was elegantly decorated, with a small stream flowing outside the window, and a professional guitarist strumming tunes on the restaurant's bridge.
Yasbel took off her sunglasses and immediately spotted Stirling sitting next to Jasper upon entering the room. She rolled her eyes and found a seat.
Stirling, feeling a bit awkward, decided to clear the air about the whole mix-up. Yasbel casually said, "For my bro's sake, I'll let it slide this time."
She knew what Stirling was like and understood his character. She was just a bit peeved, that's all!
"As for the Azure endorsement... if you're really up for the competition, it's probably going to be yours. After all, Master Azure really admires you."
After all, that was her bro's business. If Stirling wasn't chosen for the endorsement, her bro might just slice him up for a barbecue!
Stirling was puzzled. "I haven't even met Master Azure. Heard he was at a fashion show recently, shame I missed him."
How could a designer he's never met choose him as the face of the brand?
Yasbel's smile was full of intrigue. "How about we make a bet? If you really get picked, you owe me one! Consider it interest for this time!"
Getting Azure's endorsement would be a win-win for Stirling. It wasn't just because of Master Azure's fashion influence. Stirling's agent wouldn't be so eager otherwise!
"Fine, I agree. Whether or not I get Master Azure's endorsement, as long as it's within my power and doesn't involve meeting Jasper, I'm in."
The implication was clear: as long as it wasn't illegal, Stirling would agree to anything.
Yasbel's smile brightened. Jasper shuddered, feeling a weird vibe in the air...
"Yasbel, not going for the Azure endorsement yourself?"
Every actress in the industry must be dying for it, right?
Yasbel stated proudly, "Not me. If I did it, I wouldn't earn a dime. No way."
She wouldn't let her family's company squeeze the last drop of value out of her!
Jasper was amazed. "It's the first time I've seen someone not interested in an Azure endorsement. Yasbel, you're something else!"
Yasbel just shrugged. Why would she, a major shareholder, use her own money to endorse herself? Only a fool would do that!
...
At the Rising Glory Group, in the downstairs café. Darcy sat in the café, sipping glass after glass of ice water. The ice cubes chilled her down, helping to calm her restless heart.
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