A personal manager, this was Emma’s wish and goal. Looking at Eric’s tired expression, she gently massaged his shoulders as she felt his tense muscles. Her heart ached. She recalled that she would be flying out to France in a couple of days. She immediately reminded Eric, “In two days, I need to do a location shoot abroad. Would you like to come with me?”
“Where is it?” Eric asked.
“France. You’ve been so busy with work. I don’t want you to be tired,” Emma replied. “Let’s make a pact. Whenever I need to go to another country, you’ll come with me. Anywhere we go, we’ll be there together.”
Eric was silent for a moment. He had flown all over the world, but it had always been for work. Not once did he ever think about slowing down and resting. Accompanying Emma abroad meant that he would be able to relax and take a break. More importantly, Emma was better to look at than the most beautiful scenery. Just the thought of being able to stay by her side and take care of her was a wonderful thing. So he nodded in agreement. “Sounds good. I’ll get Luke to make arrangements.”
Emma was delighted as she turned her attention back to H World Entertainment’s profile. Whether for Eric or herself, she was going to use every ounce of strength she had to fight for this opportunity.
A few days after the incident with Mia, a huge scandal was released online about a young actor who’d been caught taking drugs. It quickly became the most talked-about online topic. As the annual award ceremonies were approaching, it was normal for celebrities to leak information about their competitors to the media. The annual model awards were just around the corner. As one of the guest award presenters, Emma didn’t need to be wary of people scheming against her. However, with Amber’s arrogant and overbearing attitude, it was certain she would make a move after knowing she’d receive an award.
“Emma, do you remember what day it is today?” Lisa asked on the way to TTQ’s headquarters.
Emma flipped through the magazine in her hands and responded without lifting her head. “Nathan’s birthday.”
“Do you want to do anything?” Lisa asked.
“I’d rather donate money to charity,” Emma replied calmly. She had said some harsh words to Nathan the day before. He probably thought it was a joke, but he had no idea that the award ceremony would be the end of Amber’s career.
“You’re right. Let’s forget about it this year,” Lisa said and laughed, thinking about how Emma had worked her fingers to the bone to celebrate Nathan’s birthday in previous years, only to be betrayed by him. It broke Lisa’s heart. Luckily, Emma had learned the truth and seen the light.
“Another thing to consider,” Lisa began. “Global Pictures definitely won’t survive, so your contract will soon be canceled. What do you plan on doing? I heard the newcomer that Nathan hired has stabbed you in the back and stolen your contract at Star Age. Emma, what are you and Eric planning to do? Are you gonna sign with Star Age or Creative Century?”
“Neither,” Emma replied calmly. “Eric wants me to go to H World.”
Lisa was stunned for a moment before smiling. “If he has faith in you, then so do I. Speaking of companies that Ariel and Amber have their eyes on, Eric has already dismissed them. They can have them if they want. It’s no loss to me.”
Emma continued to flip through the magazine. Lisa caught a glimpse of hardness in her eyes. These two women seemed very pleased with themselves, thinking they were so capable of stealing something from Emma. However, the truth was that what they’d stolen held no value to her. H World Entertainment was where Emma wanted to go. She was a superstar to begin with, and it was only natural to set her sights on something even bigger.
TTQ’s magazine photo shoot was scheduled to happen in two days, but CEO George Benedict had asked Emma to drop by the headquarters. Emma had a feeling she knew why he called her.
However, when George actually announced to her that she’d been invited to attend a fashion show in France and walk down the runway during the opening of Luxury’s collection, she was so surprised she froze in place.
“Emma, for the October front cover, I’m planning to take a photo of one of your poses from the show,” he told her. “This is a huge opportunity for you. It will really help you with your return to the international stage. That low-profile manager of yours is the one who suggested it. I believe he’s right. You do indeed have the ability, so I decided to recommend you. We could treat this as a way for me to fulfill the promise I made to the media at the Bright Night Gala.”
Emma stared at George, she was speechless. She knew the photoshoot would be the major turning point in her career’s comeback, and it was all because of Eric. “There is no need to get emotional,” said George. “If you want to thank me, then show me how professional you can be. Only the best models are worthy of the best resources.”
Emma held back her tears as she gave him a hug and nodded. “I definitely won’t disappoint you.”
“Your current agency is a mess, so I decided to keep this news under wraps for now,” he said.
“Thank you, sir,” Emma replied. “The phrase ‘hard work pays off’ suits you well,” he added. She smiled in response, feeling extremely grateful toward him. She’d always been the type to seek revenge when it was needed but also to show gratitude where required. Returning to the international stage was something Emma didn’t dare to dream about, but now the opportunity had arisen.
While Amber was wasting her time seducing the judge and Ariel was thinking of ways to entice the CEO of Star Age, Emma had secured a critical chess piece in the game. Of course, this was all because of Eric, who loved her and spoiled her. She was hardworking, but she was also lucky because she had married the best husband in the world.
Nathan had no idea Emma would once again rise to the top in the Global Pictures office. He was watching the video of Ariel’s runway walk that she’d filmed for her interview. The job had originally been intended for Emma, but the client didn’t seem upset. From the looks of it, they were quite satisfied with Ariel.
Amber sat beside him and scoffed. “Ariel’s a nobody,” she thought. “How can she possibly take Emma’s job and get everyone’s attention in Global Pictures?”
Nathan turned to the woman beside him and asked, “Amber, do you know what day it is tomorrow?” She thought carefully and began to get anxious. She had an arrangement the next day to secretly meet the judge, Mark Whittaker. Why is Nathan asking this? she wondered. Does he know? No, that can’t be possible. If he knew, he wouldn’t be asking me in this tone of voice.
“Nathan, you should be aware that my pregnancy has been affecting me really badly lately,” Amber reported, using their child as a shield. “I’ve been having the worst memory loss. Why don’t you just tell me tomorrow night? I reserved a room for us at the Champagne Hotel,” he said. “We can celebrate there.”
The Champagne Hotel… Amber was suddenly nervous. That was the place where she’d previously had an affair with Mr. Whitaker, and they also had a room reserved there the next day. She was so worried about being discovered that she’d completely forgotten about Nathan’s birthday.