Chapter 184 A Woman who Doesn't Know What's Good for Her
"Miss Watson, Mr. Windsor, please take a seat. Let’s discuss the details." Emily Reed, the woman with short hair, extended a welcoming hand.
A year ago, Emily Reed was a prominent agent in the fashion industry. She represented many wealthy second-generation stars who wanted to enter the entertainment industry.
The mention of a year ago was significant because Emily mysteriously left the industry and vanished over the past year. Rumors circulated that she had offended someone powerful, while others speculated she had married into a wealthy family. All in all, there was no shortage of speculation.
Natalie thanked Emily and took a seat on the sofa.
Oliver quickly surveyed the room as he crossed his legs and seated himself next to Natalie. His hands were clasped casually in front of him. His posture and gaze exuded a sense of relaxation and nobility, akin to the boss inspecting his own company.
The trio from HHY found themselves looking at Oliver furtively.
Natalie discreetly tugged at Oliver's sleeve, her eyes signaling for him to tone it down.
Oliver looked at her expressionlessly.
‘Isn’t this toned down? Is it not enough?’
Natalie sighed, giving up on changing Oliver.
"Miss Watson, I’m genuinely impressed by your personal style, and your talent has caught the attention of our company's executives. However, I have several questions that require your honesty," Emily stated. Her demeanor was a blend of politeness and detachment that made her seem unapproachable but beyond reproach.
The other two men, one being the head of the model department and the other being the legal representative, let Emily take the lead.
Natalie nodded in agreement, "Please go ahead."
"Miss Watson, you abruptly withdrew from the finale of Top Avenue. What prompted this decision?"
"I had to leave because my younger brother, who’s ill, suddenly left the hospital without any notice. I was worried about him, so I left to search for him,” Natalie explained.
"Do you believe that your actions, which some people considered irresponsible and also resulted in affecting such a long-prepared competition, are justified?” Emily asked.
Emily felt a piercing gaze on her as soon as she finished speaking.
Oliver’s eyes were slightly narrowed, and the corners of his lips were curled into a mocking sneer as he looked at Emily. It was as though Emily had done something unforgivable.
Despite Oliver’s dangerous gaze, Emily remained unflustered and fearless. She asked, “Mr. Windsor, do you have anything to say about this?”
“I…”
Before Oliver could articulate his thoughts, Natalie held his arm and interjected, "Miss Reed, he has nothing to say."
Oliver glanced at the hand on his arm and then at Natalie, his expression darkening. He wanted to defend her, but she seemed ungrateful. He thought that she really did not know what was good for her.
Natalie, worried that Oliver would ruin the situation with his words, hurriedly said, “Miss Reed, I have already issued an apology, acknowledging my mistake. However, if I had to do it all over again, I’d still do the same thing.”
"Oh?"
Emily found Natalie's stance intriguing, and for a moment, the cold, piercing gazes of Oliver and Emily clashed.
"Although my actions might seem unprofessional to you, I must stay true to myself and fulfill my responsibilities toward my family. My career is secondary to the safety and well-being of my loved ones," Natalie declared.
Emily simply laughed in response, offering no further comment. Instead, she said, "My second question concerns your relationship with Hailey and her family."
Oliver narrowed his eyes.
‘The audacity of this woman to ask such a question…’
Despite her evident business acumen, Oliver found her interrogation of Natalie intolerable, wishing he could dismiss her then and there.
Natalie bit her lip, hesitating to respond.
"Miss Watson, please be assured, our company is committed to protecting personal privacy as mandated by law," Emily reassured her.
After a moment of contemplation, Natalie finally disclosed, "Hailey is my half-sister. Robert Watson is my father, and Mrs. Watson is my stepmother. I also have a brother, whose identity I prefer to keep confidential."
"Interesting," Emily acknowledged with a nod, transitioning smoothly to her next inquiry. "Now, for the third question. How many people do you have supporting you?"
Oliver stood up abruptly and grabbed Natalie’s hand, preparing to leave.
"What are you doing?" Natalie exclaimed in surprise.
In Oliver’s opinion, why must they stay here and be treated poorly?
Oliver could tell that Emily was a formidable opponent as soon as he laid eyes on her. Unwilling to let Natalie suffer, he would prefer her to work with someone less intelligent. After all, such a person was easier to control.
As Oliver led Natalie away, she looked back at the trio from HHY. The expressions of astonishment on the faces of the two men contrasted sharply with Emily's unchanged and distant smile, which she had maintained since their arrival. She was clearly unaffected by the unfolding events.
"Mr. Windsor!"
Emily's call halted their departure momentarily.
"As a lawyer, don't you think you're being somewhat overbearing? Miss Watson hasn’t voiced any objections at all. Moreover, it is within the rights of our company to inquire about an artist's background. Do you disagree?"
Oliver, however, paid her no heed; in his eyes, she was of little significance.
"Oliver!" Natalie called out.
Oliver turned and saw the irritation on Natalie’s face. She did not seem irritated when she was conversing with Emily, but she was clearly irritated with him now. After a brief pause, he released her hand, allowing her the choice to return.
"Miss Reed, I apologize," Natalie said, bowing slightly. Then, she addressed Emily's earlier question, saying, “I don’t have any backers, but I am married.”
As she spoke, Natalie showed her wedding ring. She made no plea for forgiveness or an opportunity to collaborate, understanding that her relationship with Oliver meant she could not avoid contact with him. Apologizing once or twice could be useful, but excessive apologies might prove counterproductive. Addressing the issue directly seemed the most prudent approach.
Emily's gaze shifted back to Oliver, whose presence had grown even more commanding following the brief confrontation. Positioned behind Natalie, he looked like a king with his domineering aura. After a moment, she said, "Natalie, if you’re open to it, I’d be delighted to represent you."
Natalie was visibly surprised that Emily was not put off by Oliver’s attitude. After all, Emily Reed was a highly prominent figure in the fashion industry. She had helped a male model become internationally famous. It was only natural that she was surprised that someone like Emily wanted to represent her.
Initially, Natalie had assumed Emily's role today was merely evaluative and that she would be assigned an ordinary agent.
Emily could clearly read Natalie’s thoughts from Natalie’s face. She explained, "Miss Watson, I only align myself with individuals who possess not just exceptional talent and potential, but also a strong character. To me, talent without integrity is insufficient. It's the combination of skill, hard work, and character that I value most."
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