Chapter 84 He Didn't Think Elizabeth Could Resist Such Temptation.
Elizabeth opened the message and took a look.
Raymond: [Elizabeth, got a minute to chat?]
Elizabeth: [Sure, what's up?]
Raymond: [I heard the Clark brothers are blocking you from the entertainment industry and telling others not to sign you.]
Raymond: [But they can't control everyone.]
Raymond: [I talked to our company president today. He's a childhood friend of my brother.]
Raymond: [He thinks highly of you and wants to sign you. The contract's pretty good. I'll send it over, take a look.]
He sent a document.
Elizabeth felt touched, not expecting Raymond to go to his boss for her.
Elizabeth: [Thanks, but I'm not planning to sign with another company. I've started my own studio.]
Raymond: [Really? That's awesome!]
Raymond: [With your talent, you'll do great.]
Raymond: [How about I join your studio and work with you?]
Raymond was in Rex Ingram's office, the president of Starlight Entertainment Group. He showed Rex the chat on purpose.
Rex glanced at Raymond's phone and widened his eyes.
"You're one of our main stars, and you want to leave for Elizabeth?"
He rolled his eyes. "Your company has plenty of stars; you don't need me."
Starlight Entertainment Group was a top company, rivaling Clark Entertainment.
Rex paused. "You like her that much?"
Raymond had the largest fan base in the company. Losing him would hurt.
Raymond laughed. "Absolutely. I have many good buddies, but only one girl who moves my heart. Let alone you're only my brother's friend."
"Get out of here!"
Rex found Raymond really annoying; no wonder Kevin and Eugene always wanted to beat him up.
Elizabeth's reply came in.
Elizabeth: [If you leave, Mr. Ingram might come after me.]
Elizabeth: [Thanks for the offer. We'll have plenty of chances to work together.]
Elizabeth: [I'll count on you to protect me.]
Elizabeth hadn't expected Raymond to be so loyal to her.
But she couldn't accept such a big favor.
Raymond's career was on the rise, and Starlight had big plans for him.
Her studio, though promising, couldn't match Starlight's resources.
Without enough exposure, even his starlight could fade away.
If he joined her studio, it would hinder his growth.
It would also mean using his popularity and connections.
She saw Raymond as a friend and didn't want to hold him back.
Wayne once told her that people should be sincere, not prioritize interests, and she agreed.
Giving doesn't always bring returns, but not giving definitely doesn't, and the same goes for relationships.
If sincerity meets hypocrisy, let it go, like with the Clark family.
Seeing Elizabeth's reply, Raymond wasn't too surprised. He felt a mix of disappointment and happiness—disappointed she didn't want him, but happy she cared about him.
He looked at Rex and sighed, "Looks like I can't leave."
Rex was surprised. "She actually declined. I'm starting to think more highly of her."
Elizabeth had recently made a strong comeback online, and he knew she wasn't simple. Seeing her stand up to the Clark brothers and start her own studio, he admired her. But refusing Raymond's offer was unexpected.
Raymond could be a pillar for any company or studio. He came from a top-tier family, had his own capital, and made many connections in the industry. If he joined Elizabeth's studio, she'd gain a hit celebrity and his resources. Yet, she had refused, knowing it would affect his future. This impressed Rex.
Raymond, feeling proud, said, "She has great character. You'll have plenty of chances to think highly of her."
Rex thought, 'She's not even your girlfriend, why are you so proud? Does Elizabeth know?'
He teased, "Some men are really pitiful, not wanted even when they offer themselves."
Raymond rolled his eyes. "That's because Elizabeth cares about me. You don't understand."
He really wanted to join her studio, working together every day. Just thinking about it made him happy. What a pity!
He replied: [Don't worry. Wherever I am, I'll protect you.]
Raymond: [You said it yourself: We'll have many opportunities to work together in the future. Don't go back on your word.]
Elizabeth saw the message and smiled.
Elizabeth: [Have you ever seen me go back on my word?]
Raymond: [That's true, Elizabeth is the most trustworthy.]
Raymond: [Deal.]
Elizabeth replied with an emoji: [Deal.]
Raymond's smug demeanor had never grated on Rex more than in that moment; the insufferable smirk etched on his face turned Rex's stomach.
"Why not offer to lend a hand at her studio? You know, do some poaching?" Rex teased, his mischief palpable. "Just steer clear of our crew, but feel free to swipe from Clark Entertainment."
The rivalry between Rex and Loren had endured through the years.
Raymond, momentarily stunned by Rex's audacity, eventually found his voice. "You're a piece of work," he countered, a flicker of admiration tinting his words. "But hey, maybe Elizabeth will dig it."
Without skipping a beat, he swiftly fired off a message to Elizabeth, testing the waters with an offer of assistance and a sly suggestion to poach talent from their competitor.
As Raymond busied himself with the exchange, Rex stewed silently. Who was Raymond to call him out for being naughty, only to pivot and appeal to Elizabeth?
Raymond's limit was getting lower and lower.
Rex asked, "See? Now you are sending her texts. You were just being mean to me. Can we still get along?"
Raymond, sending the message without looking up, said, "Who wants to get along with you? I'm not interested in old men like you."
He happily added, "I only like Elizabeth."
"Get out of here."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
