Chapter 297 Happy Cooperation
Eileen looked up and met Pearl's eyes. "Can you?"
She'd been in the entertainment industry for years, seen all kinds of people, and rarely trusted anyone. But Pearl was different. She could tell Pearl was genuinely kind.
Thanks to Pearl, her short videos had gone viral, but that wasn't enough in this business.
"Pearl, it's not that I don't trust you, but I know how this industry works," Eileen hesitated. "I know your relationship with Mr. Brown is complicated. People suspect you're his mysterious wife."
Pearl didn't deny it. "I am."
Eileen laughed. "Who would've thought Mr. Brown's secretary is actually his wife? You've kept it well-hidden."
"But you know Haley and Isabella are from Mr. Brown's company. Helping me means going against him," Eileen pointed out. "We can't fight them, and it could affect your relationship."
Oscar had never publicly acknowledged their relationship, which made Eileen doubt Pearl's standing with him. Even if things had changed, she wasn't sure how Oscar would act when it came to business or if Pearl was really sincere about it.
Pearl was determined this time. She didn't want to let Haley think she was easy to push around.
"How do you know if you don't try?" Pearl's eyes were firm. "You don't seem like someone who gives up easily. Are you willing to be a stepping stone? That's not the Eileen I know. If I stand with you, despite Oscar, I'll support you no matter what. This is an opportunity. If I were you, I wouldn't settle!"
Eileen wasn't content either. She'd been popular once and now felt like a failure. In this industry, fame is fleeting. If you slack off, you're forgotten.
She'd been at the top and hit rock bottom. Now she was at a low point. A short video alone wouldn't make her popular again. She needed more support.
Eileen thought long and hard, considering Pearl's sincerity and the opportunity she offered.
"I can give you time to think," Pearl said, sipping her coffee. "Do you want to stay in obscurity, or do you want to be famous again? I'm with you all the way!"
Eileen asked, "Why are you helping me?"
"I believe in you, and I don't want anyone to bully me either," Pearl replied.
Eileen knew there was no such thing as a free lunch. Maybe they had a common enemy—Haley. Even an ordinary person would want to swat a persistent fly. And Haley was too arrogant.
"Alright, I agree. Like you said, while I'm still young, I want to be famous again," Eileen said, convinced by Pearl. Her ambition couldn't stop here; she wanted a comeback.
Eileen extended her hand to Pearl. "Let's work well together."
Pearl shook her hand, their eyes locked with determination.
After parting with Eileen, Pearl got to work. She called Emma.
"Write an article saying Eileen lost her role because the lead actress brought in funding. Capital is controlling things behind the scenes," Pearl instructed.
Emma hesitated. "Are you sure? Isabella is from Mr. Brown's company."
She worried it might affect Oscar, and they couldn't afford to offend someone like him.
Pearl was past caring, business was all about competition, even if they were a married couple. "Just do it. I'll handle any fallout."
Emma sighed. "Alright, but if Mr. Brown asks, don't blame me."
"I won't. This is fair competition."
Emma was still puzzled. "Are you and Eileen on the same page now?"
"Yes."
They were already collaborating. Eileen's success was now tied to Pearl's efforts.
Pearl returned to the hospital. Oscar's expression was stern. "Did you go see Eileen?"
Pearl glanced at Elijah, who quickly looked away, knowing he had to report her movements.
"Yes," Pearl said. "We talked."
Oscar sensed there was more to it. "Are you interested in the entertainment industry now?"
Pearl replied, "Not really. It's work-related."
Oscar had heard about it. "You don't need to get involved in other people's affairs."
Pearl wasn't sure if he was protecting Haley or his company. "Isabella taking her role is a big blow."
Oscar remained calm, sorting through reports. "Every industry has its tough breaks, especially showbiz. Actors can be replaced until filming starts."
Pearl realized he knew about Isabella taking Eileen's role and had approved it.
"Eileen is talented and low-profile. Is this fair?" Pearl's voice rose.
Oscar looked at her, understanding she was defending Eileen. "What is fairness? Life isn't fair. Some people work hard all their lives and stay ordinary. If fairness ruled, there wouldn't be so many poor people."
"I say Eileen being replaced is unfair," Pearl insisted. "I know Isabella is from your company, and you want me to stay out of it. In the end, you're biased towards her!"
"Who am I biased towards?" Oscar asked.
Pearl turned away. "You know exactly what I mean!"
Oscar didn't want to argue. "Don't overthink it. Just stay out of Eileen's matters."
"What if I say no?" Pearl challenged.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
