Chapter 61
Victoria maintained two phones. One was dedicated to her "Ms. Aroma" clientele and the other was for personal use.
"Hey, Diana, what's up?" Victoria asked, stretching.
Diana said sweetly, "I've connected with an editor from a second–tier magazine back home and recommended you for their next issue. Get ready. It's showtime."
Victoria was stunned. "That was quick!"
"Are you ready to get back to renowned, enigmatic photographer 'Vika'?
You photographed Sophia and catapulted her to fame, skyrocketing her popularity and landing her roles with international directors, eventually earning her the Best Actress title.
Since then, many have sought your talent, but you got married. "
Victoria felt a pang of embarrassment. Photography had always been just a hobby. Once, while visiting a film set with Diana, the scheduled photographer fell ill, and Victoria stepped in. She never anticipated the sensation her work would create.
Using the pseudonym 'Vika', her true identity remained at mystery to all but the crew and Sophia.
Five years later, the name Vika resurfacing was bound to cause quite a stir. Had she not faced that incident back then, who knows in which field she might have made her mark by now?
Diana said, "I'll send you the address. Just head over directly."
"Alright," Victoria replied, a determined glint flashing in her eyes. It had been five years since she last picked up a camera. She wondered if she could still find her groove.
Victoria retrieved her treasured camera, carefully wiped it clean, then changed into a fresh outfit and headed out.
Diana was already waiting at the entrance when Victoria arrived at the magazine company. Seeing Victoria, Diana got straight to the point. "It's not just you competing this time. There's another photographer. Think you've got this?"
"Okay," Victoria replied.
"Then just give it a shot," Diana said. "We'll worry about the rest later."
They entered the meeting room together.
The chief editor, Brittany Morgan, sat at the head of the table, with the deputy editor, Emily Carter, beside her. As the door opened, all eyes turned toward the entrance.
When they caught sight of the woman behind Diana, Brittany was surprised.
The fashion world catered to the elite, and Brittany had seen Victoria at galas before, always by Henry's side. Back then, Victoria radiated elegance in refined gowns, perfectly embodying a graceful socialite.
But Victoria standing before Brittany was completely transformed. Her long, wavy hair framed a flawlessly made–up face. Confidence shone in her striking features and bright, assured smile. She wore a crisp white blouse with a dramatic bow at the collar, paired with a sleek black pencil skirt.
She looked polished, professional, and commanding. "Good afternoon, Ms. Morgan. I'm Vika," she introduced herself with poise.
"You're really Vika? Aren't you Mrs. Harrison?" Emily blurted out, her gaze filled with skepticism.
Another person chimed in, "How can you prove that you're Vika?"
After all, no one had ever seen Vika in person, and they weren't about to take Victoria's word for it.
Victoria arched an eyebrow slightly, then pulled out her phone. She opened the folder containing the original negatives from her shoot with Sophia and tilted the screen toward them. "Does this settle it?"
The room fell into a stunned silence. People exchanged glances, trying to process the revelation. No one could have imagined that the elusive photographer, Vika, was Mrs. Harrison from one of Lanceser's wealthiest families.
Brittany cleared her throat awkwardly. "Mrs. Harrison, please have a seat."
"Just call me Vika," Victoria replied coolly. She despised relying on the title of Henry's wife when trying to prove her skills. It felt stifling.
Victoria pulled out a chair and sat down, meeting the probing gazes with a calm, confident smile.
Across from Victoria sat a scruffy man with a small ponytail. She immediately recognize that he was her competition.
Emily didn't mince words. "Vika, you've been out of the game for five years. It's doubtful that you're still in tune with current trends. Frankly, I'm not convinced you can still deliver the breathtaking work you once did."
Brittany was uneasy as well. At first, hearing the name Vika had stirred excitement, but practical concerns quickly took over. Did Vika still have her old magic? Could she produce photos that would captivate audiences? These were significant uncer.
After deliberation, Brittany said, "This theme is nature.
We've invited top–tier supermodels alongside some second–and third–tier celebrities.
Sales for this issue are crucial. Vika, I'm not sure about your current skills.
How about if you both shoot a sample set?
We'll decide based on the results. Does it sound fair? "
If this had been the past, Brittany would have decided firmly. But now, facing Victoria, also known as Mrs. Harrison, she dared not offend her outright.
"No problem," Victoria replied with a nod.
The man across from Victoria snorted, picking up his camera and standing up. "I'm curious to see just how good Vika really is," he said, his gaze dripping with disdain.
Victoria raised an eyebrow but didn't take offense.
The theme was nature, so it only made sense to shoot in natural surroundings. Without hesitation, Victoria left the magazine.
Meanwhile, Grace knocked and entered Harrison Group's CEO's office.
"Mr. Harrison, I've contacted Ms. Miller and signed her on as the spokesperson for the group's fashion line.
The contract is complete, and now we just need to arrange for the shooting of the promotional video and posters.
I've heard that Vika, the photographer who shot for Sophia, is back. Should we invite her on board?"
Grace added, "Vika's style is unique. It's full of life and depth, with real soul. Her photos made Sophia famous. If we hire Vika, Ms. Miller's popularity will soar, and our brand will get the recognition it needs."
While boosting the brand's popularity was important, the main goal was to elevate Sarah. This was Henry's directive. After Sarah's leg healed, she'd be starting her domestic tour, and building her fame now was all part of the plan.
Henry kept his eyes on the documents, his expression as cold as ever. "Make the arrangements."
"Understood, Mr. Harrison," Grace replied.