Chapter 174 Mastering Fate
Juliet Weaver couldn't manage a smile, even as James appeared content. The face in the mirror, the one that resembled the visage she despised, brought back memories of Luann Weaver's taunting.
"Mr. James..." Juliet tried to keep her voice steady, "I'm not too fond of this makeup look..."
All expression vanished from James's face in an instant. His eyes narrowed into a menacing glare. "You don't like it?"
"Don't you want to be famous?"
Juliet gritted her teeth, "Yes! I want fame! But I want to be known for my own merits, not because I'm masquerading as Luann Weaver!"
Becoming the very person she loathed was nothing short of humiliating.
A sardonic smile played on James's lips when he heard her words. It wasn't satisfaction or admiration, but pure irony. He grasped Juliet's chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"I've seen plenty of bold people."
"But someone as delusional and arrogant as you? Someone who doesn't know their own worth? That's a first."
His fingers tapped Juliet's cheek lightly—a crisp sound filled the air.
"Your talent?"
"What talent do you have?"
"Is it your singing, your piano playing, or maybe you're a race car driver?"
"What do you have that compares to Luann Weaver?"
"Are you even worth one of her fingers?"
Juliet's pupils dilated, her eyes filling with defiance and rage.
James enjoyed the reaction he provoked. To rile someone up, strike hard, then offer a sweet token was his forte.
Releasing his grip, James laid his hand on her shoulder and steadied her head. In the mirror, the woman's frame quivered, her eyes wide and misty. His hand gently caressed her face.
His tone shifted like a man who had been walking to the edge of a cliff, only to suddenly spot a path to salvation. Gone was any trace of his previous sharpness and bloodthirst; all that remained was a tenderness as gentle as an breeze.
"Don't lose heart," he said soothingly.
"We've still got a shot. Sure, you might lack some natural talent, but that's nothing some hard work can't make up for."
"If you want to outshine Luann Weaver, to be more popular and more formidable than she is, this is the only way to go."
"Once you've gained popularity and fans, I'll use the best resources our company has to offer to prop you up."
"Talk shows, magazine covers, brand endorsements, collaborations with top stars—I'll be there to help you with all of it."
He spun her an enticing dream with his words, weaving the very aspirations Juliet Weaver longed for.
"When the time comes, you'll be ahead of the pack, respected, feared, sought after."
"You'll be swamped with gigs and counting so much cash your hands will ache. Isn't this the life you've always dreamed of?"
James extended his hand in front of Juliet Weaver, his fingers snapping shut as if capturing all her desires.
"Fate is in our hands, Juliet, and opportunities like this come around just once."
"Juliet Weaver, so many are vying to be signed under my wing."
"You know very well how many stars I've launched over the years... You don't really think your chance is a mere coincidence, do you?"
A single tear traced down Juliet Weaver's delicate features—a vulnerability that engendered pity and struck a chord in the hearts of onlookers.
"You're...you're doing this because I resemble Luann Weaver, aren't you?" Juliet said through her pain.
James leaned in, his voice seductive and lingering.
"Yes, but doesn't it thrill you to take what could have been Luann Weaver's? And if you can't come to terms with that..."
"Then spend your life under Luann Weaver's shadow."
Conflict raged within Juliet's eyes.
Now that everything had been laid out, James pressed his advantage with full confidence.
"I haven't got all day for you to decide. You've got one minute."
"Otherwise, get out and don't waste any more of my time."
His words struck her like a final hammer blow.
With a sudden, fierce grip, Juliet seized James' wrist, her eyes wild with unleashed madness—a vengeful passion stemming from the jealousy and hatred she harbored for Luann Weaver.
"I accept!"
"Mr. James, you're right. My destiny is in my own hands, and it's up to me to seize it!"
James nodded in satisfaction, his confidence validated.
"Perfect," he said.
"I've got some things to handle now, but let's regroup this afternoon to discuss the contract, and figure out your next steps. I'll lay it all out for you."
"I'll have my assistant take you out for lunch."
Juliet Weaver nodded eagerly, her gratitude shining through. "Thank you, Mr. James."
With a mocking twist of his lips, Mr. James left.
Soon, someone was showing Juliet around the bustling office, explaining to her the bright prospects ahead.
"Miss Weaver, you are truly lucky."
"This is the first time Mr. James has signed someone like you."
"You're very fortunate," she said, the word 'lucky' echoing twice.
The woman, clad in a sleek black suit, clutching files, glanced at Juliet Weaver from the corner of her eyes. She had worked with James for years and knew his motives all too well.
Only the best thrived under James's wing—talented and capable. After all, in today's entertainment industry, you had to have some real skill to make a mark.
But this Juliet Weaver...
She clicked her tongue in disapproval.
If Juliet hadn't resembled Luann Weaver just so, would James have even given her a second glance?
"Thank you," Juliet said, acutely aware of the woman's disdain. But what could she say? Her influence was minimal, so she pretended not to notice.
"Here's the cafeteria. Just go up to the counter and order whatever you want. I've got to run, Miss Weaver. Enjoy your meal."
"Sure," Juliet replied with a hint of resignation
After having lunch with Nicholas and Jasmine, Luann Weaver was about to head to the recording studio when she got a call from the office asking her to come back to deal with an issue.
Feeling a tinge of disappointment, Jasmine said, "Let's catch up later! I'll come pick you up after work!"
Just as Luann was about to agree, she received a message from Myron Curtis.
“Grace is back. I'll pick you up tonight for dinner at the old house.”
Showing them her phone, Luann's face told a story of resignation.
Jasmine hesitated, then offered no further protest.
Nicholas gave Luann a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "Go on, we can hang out some other time."
"I'll call you when I get a chance."
With that, Luann Weaver turned and caught a ride away.
After lunch, Juliet Weaver waited in Mr. James's office.
In the meantime, she saw a number of lead actors come to seek Mr. James, all throwing puzzled glances her way, wondering if she was the newcomer he was about to sign.
Just as the office was about to close, James strolled over.
He tossed a document in front of her.
"Take a look."
