Chapter 144
Victoria eagerly opened her email and was met with a high–resolution photo. It showed a young woman in a janitor's uniform leaning over a cup and slipping something inside.
The surveillance angle was clever; it only captured her, leaving everyone else out of frame. Below the photo was the information Diana had uncovered.
Joanna Meyers, female, 25 years old, had moved abroad three years ago. Her work history was unstable. She had done various jobs, the most recent being a food delivery driver.
Victoria memorized the woman's face.
"Diana, thank you," she said, relief washing over her.
Diana's tone was cool and pragmatic. "It was a simple task. Now that you have evidence, what's your plan regarding the trending topics?"
Victoria scoffed, a smirk creeping onto her face. "If she wants me to apologize, I'll make sure she apologizes to me first."
Diana replied, her tone softening slightly, "Sounds like you have a strategy. If you run into any trouble, just let me know."
"Absolutely. Once this is all sorted, I'll take you out for dinner," Victoria said before hanging up.
As she scanned the rest of the email, cold determination appeared in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Henry sat in his car, the dim light casting shadows across his face.
Grace's voice broke through the silence.
"Mr. Harrison, I've figured out what happened.
It all started when Sophia's assistant posted a photo on Twitter, accusing Mrs. Harrison of intentional harm.
With Mrs. Harrison's own photos circulating, the backlash was intense.
Sophia's extreme fans are now rallying against her.
The assistant reached out to some of Sophia's more fervent followers, promising them exclusive photos if they took action against Mrs. Harrison. "
Henry clenched his cigarette between his fingers, his expression unreadable.
"Make sure they pay for this."
"Understood," Grace replied, taking note of his tone.
Henry took a drag from the cigarette and asked, "Has Sophia been involved in this?"
"I haven't been able to confirm that," Grace said.
She mused, "The information I have is only what's online. What if Sophia discussed this directly with her assistant, or the assistant acted on her own? It's hard to say without evidence."
Henry's voice turned icy. "Tell Director Parkey to find a new lead actress for the film."
Sophia had just signed a contract to star in Cordell Parkey's new movie.
Grace's eyes widened slightly at the implication.
She realized this was Henry's way of punishing Sophia.
Whether she was involved or not, he held her accountable. It was clear he cared deeply for Victoria, but their relationship was so complicated.
Still, Grace reminded herself, "I'm just an assistant; this isn't my business."
The next day, Victoria marched into Sophia's studio and approached the receptionist. "Tell Sophia I want to see her within the hour, or I won't be so polite."
The receptionist blinked, then snorted in disbelief. "Are you out of your mind? Do you know who Sophia is? You think you can just waltz in here and threaten her?"
Victoria's smile was icy. "Just let her know that if she doesn't show up, I can easily strip her of her title as queen of the screen."
Setting aside her identity as Henry's wife, the Hardwick family had its own influence in the entertainment industry. If she decided to take action, Sophia would be left in ruins.
The receptionist, initially poised to fire off another retort, found herself at a loss for words under Victoria's fierce gaze.
Without waiting for a response, Victoria headed straight to the waiting room.
The receptionist reluctantly dialed Sophia's manager, relaying Victoria's ultimatum.
In Sophia's home, her agent, Marie Wilcox, had the phone on speaker as they listened to the receptionist's report.
Sophia scoffed. "Who does she think she is? Talk about delusions of grandeur!"
Marie, however, was serious. "She's Mrs. Harrison. We can't afford to mess with her."
Sophia rolled her eyes. "Henry doesn't even like her. She schemed her way into that Mrs. Harrison title. Sooner or later, she'll be kicked out of the Harrison family."
Marie leaned in, her tone earnest. "That may be true, but right now, she is Mrs. Harrison. Plus, she has the backing of the Hardwick Group. We don't want to tangle with that kind of power. You should reconsider."
Sophia huffed, clearly annoyed, but Marie made a valid point. Work couldn't be put on hold because of personal grudges. After a moment of contemplation, she reluctantly nodded.
"Fine. I'll see what she wants. But I'm curious to see what kind of game she's playing. Acting all high and mighty just because of her title–what a joke!"
With that, Sophia gathered her things and headed out.
Just as she stepped out the door, Marie received a call from Cordell's assistant, who delivered the shocking news that the lead role had been reassigned.
"What? How is that possible? Can I speak with Director Parkey? He was so keen on Sophia!" Marie exclaimed, rising to her feet in disbelief.
She never expected that a signed contract could be so easily revoked.
Sophia had been on a roll lately, with her performances and box office appeal soaring. It made no sense for Cordell to let her go.
The assistant said quietly, "Marie, let me give you the inside scoop.
Is it possible Sophia has crossed someone?
Director Parkey was on her side, but someone pressured him to make a change.
He fought hard to keep her, but they were adamant -if he didn't switch leads, they'd pull their funding.
Just a heads–up, don't provoke anyone you shouldn't. "
After she hung up the phone, Marie's expression darkened. Piecing together the assistant's words and the recent events, she thought, "Could Victoria have whispered in Henry's ear?"
She quickly dialed Sophia, relaying the news.
Sophia's fury erupted. "That little witch! What does she know besides how to seduce men? Using such low–down tactics against me? I can't stand her!"
Marie urged, trying to soothe her, "Calm down. You know she can make you lose a role you worked hard for. If you push her too far, she might just convince Henry to put you on ice. For now, let's keep things civil, okay?"
Fuming, Sophia swept everything off her desk in a fit of rage, her face twisted with frustration.
As her car pulled up to the studio, she stormed out, completely ignoring Marie's advice.
She burst into the meeting room, her hand raised, ready to strike Victoria.
The noise was impossible to miss. Victoria sidestepped just in time, grabbing Sophia's wrist with a cold glare. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"You're the one who's behind this, aren't you?" Sophia shot back, her eyes blazing. "I earned that lead role in Director Parkey's new movie. Who do you think you are to say it gets switched out? You're nothing!"
Victoria was taken aback, confusion washing over her. "What are you rambling about?"
"Don't play dumb!" Sophia's anger escalated. "If you hadn't gone whining to Henry, he wouldn't have pressured Director Parkey to swap leads. You're pathetic! Five years ago, you used your dirty tricks to climb to the top, and here you are, still playing the same game!"