Chapter 337
An hour later, Briony and James stepped out of the tea house and climbed into their car. The white Range Rover pulled away from the curb, blending into the soft hum of the city.
Meanwhile, on the second floor of the tea house, behind the closed doors of a tastefully modern private room, an elderly gentleman entered. Dressed in a dark suit, the man everyone had called “Mr. Seven” rose to his feet and bowed respectfully.
“Father Hoffman, the contract’s been signed. As you instructed, Ms. Kensington has the largest share.”
Father Hoffman took the contract, scanning it briefly. “Did Ms. Kensington make any specific requests?”
“She didn’t ask for much–just that her identity as a shareholder remain confidential. Oh, and she wants to bring on a female celebrity.”
“Who?”
“Rosita.”
Father Hoffman pulled out his phone and dialed. As soon as the call connected, he relayed Briony’s conditions to the person on the other end.
A deep male voice replied, “Whatever she wants, give it to her.”
“Understood.”
When the call ended, Father Hoffman slipped his phone away and looked at Mr. Seven. “From now on, Ms. Kensington calls the shots at this company. Whatever she asks, you make it happen.”
Mr. Seven nodded, “Yes, sir. I understand.”
A week later, Rosita terminated her contract with her former agency and signed on with a new entertainment company–one of the oldest and most respected firms in Northborough.
Not only did the new company cover her penalty fees, but they also promised her the best opportunities. Rosita had once been the top star at her old firm, but after a four–year hiatus, all the prime roles had gone to newcomers. Faced with a better offer from the new agency, she didn’t hesitate for a second.
The company assigned her a new agent–Bill, a seasoned manager with a reputation for turning careers around. Within days, Bill had secured several commercial endorsements for her, plus a spot on one of the hottest reality shows of the season.
In just a week, Rosita felt the thrill of being back at the top.
Her spirits high, she wired two million dollars to Lauren.
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Chapter 337
Lauren was overjoyed to receive the money. She paid her medical bills, started her treatment, and soon found the pain easing.
Rosita called her when she found a free moment. She asked how Lauren’s recovery was going; Lauren sounded much brighter, almost back to her gentle, old self.
But Rosita only scoffed inwardly. Out loud, her tone was weary. “Mom, focus on getting better at the hospital. If you hear any rumors these days, don’t overthink them. Your health comes first, okay?”
Lauren immediately sensed something was off. “Rosita, are you hiding something from me?”
“No, Mom, don’t worry about it.”
But Rosita’s voice betrayed her uncertainty.
Lauren pressed, “Does this have anything to do with Gavin?”
Rosita fell silent.
“I knew it!” Lauren snapped. “Rosita, tell me the truth. I want to hear everything!”
Rosita sighed. “Alright, I’ll be honest. Gavin is in the middle of a divorce with Mrs. Prescott.”
“What?” Lauren was stunned. “Why would he divorce her? Isn’t he worried about the Prescott family?”
“Mrs. Prescott found out Gavin was cheating. She’s furious and now she, her three sons, and the whole Prescott family are putting pressure on him.”
Lauren’s anxiety spiked. “They know Gavin had an affair, but do they know with whom?”
“Don’t worry, Mom,” Rosita replied. “They have no idea about you and Gavin. What happened was, Gavin had an affair with his secretary. She got pregnant and brought the ultrasound results straight to Mrs. Prescott. That’s what set all this in motion.”
Gavin and his secretary? Lauren could hardly believe it.
“Mom, Gavin isn’t worth your concern. Chances are, he was involved with that secretary the whole time he was seeing you. Now, with the divorce, he’s desperate to keep his position–he forced the woman to end the pregnancy. I even heard he dropped to his knees and begged Mrs. Prescott to forgive him, right in front of everyone…”
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