Twisted Ties of Love novel Chapter 418

Brad couldn't believe his eyes as he slowly reached out and took the hand extended by Izabella.

"Hold on, you're saying you're the current executive director of the Maple Group?" Brad exclaimed in shock. A thought crossed his mind: if this were true, could it shake up the entire entertainment industry?

"Do you think I'm joshing around, Mr. York?" Izabella asked bluntly.

"No, it doesn't seem like you're pulling my leg," Brad said seriously, letting go of her hand. What surprised him the most was that Izabella, who was so powerful, had been playing coy with everyone.

She had been constantly criticized online, ignored by X Entertainment, and ridiculed by her haters. She came from a humble background, hailing from the countryside. Just a few months ago, she was mocked online for her garish makeup.

She got the role of Megan in "Blood Ties" purely because of her acting skills and Brad's staunch support. Since her debut, she had been pretty much a non-entity in the industry. The best two opportunities she had gotten were this TV show and the variety show "Here Comes the Superstars," in which she participated last time.

Both of these gigs received ruthless criticism online. The variety show almost didn't make it on air, and "Blood Ties" almost didn't get the green light for production.

Brad wondered if she was a jinx or something, always landing in hot water. It was rare for him to be this supportive of an artist, and it was the first time he felt this sympathetic towards someone.

But it seemed that the one who deserved sympathy was not Izabella, but himself.

He had been the one who was bamboozled.

The Maple Group had effortlessly acquired X Entertainment, with a market valuation of at least $30 million.

Moreover, the group had only been established for two months. The quick success had left many guessing about the mastermind behind it.

No one would have guessed it was Izabella, who was incessantly criticized online.

Brad came back to his senses. Looking at Izabella, he said, "You're quite the enigma; you've kept your cards pretty close to your chest."

"I didn't really have a choice," Izabella said.

Brad didn't press Izabella for more details. He gathered the contract documents, put them in a folder, and said, "All that's left is for me to sign. I'll sort it out with the producers later. Can't wait to see the looks on their faces."

Izabella picked up the water glass on the table and said, "I'll head to the set, then."

"No rush; tell the production team to take a half-day off. We'll start shooting in the afternoon."

Izabella agreed and was about to leave when Brad stopped her and said, "Hang on. There's something I'm curious about. What's your relationship with Casey?"

Without hesitation, Izabella replied, "Friends."

"Nothing more than that?"

"What are you getting at, Mr. York?" Izabella asked, knitting her brows.

"Nothing, really. I just suddenly realized how good young people have it. Izabella, you're not getting any younger. Have you ever thought about dating or even tying the knot? Other artists avoid relationships because they're worried about how it might affect their careers and fans. But you're different; you're the boss. You can even afford to keep a few young hunks if you want to."

Izabella was a bit perplexed, not really understanding what Brad was trying to say. He had brought up Casey and marriage, and now he was talking about keeping young hunks.

"You're overthinking things, Mr. York. I'm not ready to settle down yet."

"And what about you and Casey?" Brad asked, looking at Izabella's confused face. "You don't know, do you?"

"Know what?"

She really didn't know. Izabella wasn't aware that Casey had confessed his feelings for her online.

If Izabella had feelings for him, she would have given him some signs instead of just saying, "We’re just friends."

"Never mind," Brad said, giving an awkward laugh. Since Casey hadn't said anything, it wasn't his place to say anything either. Maybe being just friends was the most comfortable relationship for both of them.

Besides, Izabella was still young. Her career was her top priority, and love could wait.

Chasing after Izabella wouldn't be a walk in the park for Casey. Despite Izabella's stellar performances in love scenes on screen, she was inexperienced when it came to real-life relationships. Unless Casey made his feelings clear, she might never get it and continue to see him as just a friend.

If Izabella's high-ranking position in the Maple Group became public knowledge, the list of Casey's romantic rivals might grow a lot longer.

Izabella found Brad's behavior rather peculiar. He had said some strange things, then suddenly stopped and made weird faces.