Chapter 63
Ethan's expression instantly darkened. He looked at Victoria. "What did you just say?"
Victoria sighed, "Oh dear... Are you getting on in years? Even your hearing seems to be failing you."
Ethan's face turned grim as he glared daggers at Victoria.
Emily snapped, "Vika, what's with your attitude? Don't take out your frustration about failing the interview on others. It makes you look childish. I advise you to go back to being Mrs. Harrison. This industry isn't for you."
Victoria narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze darting back and forth between Emily and Ethan.
Victoria sneered, "You know I'm Mrs. Harrison, yet you still dare to talk to me like that? Aren't you afraid I'll go straight to my husband and have him make sure this magazine doesn't see the light of day tomorrow?"
Victoria thought, "Since they love calling me Mrs. Harrison, I will use this tittle to deal with anything. Now I get why people drunk on power act so arrogant. Because right now, I'm feeling it. Completely and shamelessly arrogant!"
"You..." Emily's face turned pale. She had never expected such a retort and suddenly found herself at a loss for words, unwilling to escalate further.
Brittany quickly interjected, "Vika, this was her fault. I'll deduct her salary as punishment. I truly admire your work, unfortunately..."
"It's not unfortunate at all." Charlotte pulled out her phone. "You see, I have this little habit. I always like to keep a backup. The same goes for my photos. I've saved them in two places."
Victoria smiled, her delicate features glowing with confidence. "Ms. Morgan, how about taking a look at my photos before deciding who should be the photographer for the next issue?"
Brittany's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? That's fantastic! Let me see them right away!"
Emily and Ethan exchanged glances, their shock and despair mirrored in each other's eyes. They had thought the victory was in the bag, but Victoria had outsmarted them.
Victoria sent the photos to the screen, and awe lit up their faces as the crowd gathered to take a look.
The image showed a gray wolf emerging from the underbrush, its sharp eyes locked on the camera. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting fragmented light and shadow across the scene.
The wolf's gaze was alert and ferocious, its body low and tense, as if it were ready to leap and strike at any moment. The setting, the composition, and the proximity were incredible.
Brittany gasped in amazement. "Vika, how on earth did you take this? Did you shove the camera right in the wolf's face?"
Victoria smiled, "No. The staff wouldn't even let me get close. But that's beside the point. What do you think of the photo, Ms. Morgan?"
Brittany thought, "What do I think? It's incredible! Incredible is an understatement. This is just wildlife photography. If human subjects are added, it will be extraordinary. Vika is still Vika. Even after a five–year hiatus, her talent is as brilliant as ever."
Brittany didn't hesitate. "Let's sign the contract!"
The deal was sealed on the spot, with the shoot schedule finalized immediately.
Meanwhile, Emily and Ethan were preparing to slink away.
"Hold on." Victoria stopped them in their tracks. "My work's settled, but we still need to talk about my camera getting waterlogged. Should I call the police, or would you like to confess first?"