Even though Zoey already had a top star like Natalie, more high-profile talent would always be welcome.
So, Zoey tried hard to talk with Sophia, but she failed.
How had Bianca managed to connect with Sophia so easily?
It made Zoey more afraid of Bianca.
Zoey narrowed her eyes, a hint of cunning in them. She smiled, her lips turning up as she looked at Bianca. “That’s great news. But signing someone as big as Sophia needs more than just my say-so. I have to tell Mr. Harvey. Why don’t you give me Sophia’s number? I’ll reach out to her when I’m free to show our company’s interest.”
Bianca didn’t hesitate to hand over Sophia’s contact details to Zoey.
Once Bianca left, Zoey eagerly called the number. Soon, she heard Sophia’s gentle voice on the line.
Sitting up attentively, Zoey said politely, “Hello, is this Miss Sophia Johnson?”
“Yes, it is. Who am I speaking with?”
“I’m Zoey Carter, the agent director at Phoenix Entertainment. I’ve heard you’re interested in joining us. We’re excited to work with you, too. When can we meet to talk about signing the contract?”
“Oh…” Sophia hesitated for a moment before speaking, “You know, it might be better if Bianca discussed this with me. I don’t want to trouble you, Miss Carter.”
Zoey’s smile faltered slightly, but she maintained a polite tone. “Well, our company policy requires artists of your stature to deal directly with the director of agents, so…”
“Okay, but I have one condition to sign with your company. If you agree, then we can set up a meeting.”
“Of course, tell me what it is. We’ll try our best to accommodate,” Zoey replied, her spirits lifting.
“I want Bianca as my agent. That’s my condition for signing the contract.”
Zoey felt a knot form in her stomach, her forced smile freezing in place.
She hadn’t anticipated Sophia demanding Bianca as her agent!
She had her own plans for Sophia once the contract was signed, with no intention of letting Bianca be involved.
Furthermore, she was determined to remove Bianca from the company. How could she let Bianca bring in someone as significant as Sophia?
“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Miss Johnson. Our company assigns agents after an artist signs on,” Zoey explained, trying to maintain her composure.
Sophia, undeterred, continued, “Miss Carter, I’ve never heard of such a strict policy. My request isn’t unreasonable. If your company can’t grant this small concession, then perhaps we have nothing further to discuss.”
Having been out of the limelight for five years, Sophia was still sharp, easily seeing through Zoey’s schemes. She knew well how agents bent over backward for the chance to represent a star.
Zoey frowned, a clear sign she wasn’t pleased. She knew confronting Sophia could directly lead to trouble. So, she forced a smile and said,, “Miss Johnson, I’m not in the position to decide on this right now. I’ll talk to the vice general manager and get back to you once we have an answer.”
“Sure, that’s fine.”
After she ended the call, Zoey sank back into her chair, her face filled with gloom.
Later that day, Zoey called Bianca into her office.
“Miss Carter, did you talk to Sophia? Is the contract ready?” Bianca entered, eager and hopeful.
Looking up, Zoey broke the news. “We’re not going to sign Sophia.”
“What?” Bianca stopped, confused. “Why not?”
Zoey, wearing a cold gaze, leaned back in her chair and explained, “Sophia hasn’t been in the spotlight for five years. A female star usually shines brightest three to five years after becoming famous. Honestly, she’s past her prime, Bianca. Do you want to take a chance on an actress whose glory days are behind her and risk harming the company’s reputation?”
Bianca struggled to understand Zoey’s sudden change in stance.
“But even if Sophia doesn’t reach her previous level of fame, her past success still gives her more influence than most of our other popular stars. She’s likely to climb back up the ranks. Signing her would benefit us in the long run!”
To anyone paying attention, it was clear. So why did Zoey suddenly see signing Sophia as a risk?
“Bianca, you’re new in this industry and still learning. You tend to see things from only one perspective. But I’m not blaming you,” Zoey said, tilting her head as if she knew better. “I’ve seen many so-called stars demand high fees upfront just because they used to be famous. But in the end, spending all that money to sign them hardly paid off. The company can’t take that kind of risk, so we decided not to sign her.”
That condescending attitude and sarcastic tone made Bianca suspicious. She suddenly realized that Zoey was also competing for the lead role in Vincent’s latest film. Was it possible that Zoey didn’t want her to bring Sophia in?
Bianca took a deep breath and asked, “Is this decision coming from the whole company, or is it just yours?”
Zoey crossed her arms and smirked. “It’s the company’s decision, obviously. If you don’t believe me, you can check with Mr. Harvey.”
“What about Mr. Wilson? Does he know about this?”
Bianca knew that signing a star like Sophia would need approval from Mr. Wilson, the top boss.
She was certain someone as important as Mr. Wilson wouldn’t make such a quick decision without a good reason!
Zoey raised her eyebrows slightly. “Mr. Wilson’s away on business. He’ll be gone for a while. He’s put Mr. Harvey in charge while he’s gone.”
Bianca was surprised by this news.
Both Dave and Mr. Wilson were away.
It felt like too much of a coincidence.
“Okay, I’ll talk to Mr. Harvey,” Bianca said and left Zoey’s office.
Bianca rushed to Vice General Manager Josh Harvey’s office and knocked on the door.
Josh, sitting casually, glanced up from his phone. “What’s up?” he asked.
Taking a deep breath, Bianca spoke quietly, “Mr. Harvey, I want to talk about Sophia’s contract. She’s a talented actress with lots of fans. Signing her would be a big win for us. But if we don’t, it could…”
Before she could finish, Josh interrupted, slamming his phone down. “Since when do you, an executive agent, question the company’s decisions?”
Bianca stood her ground, determined. “As an executive agent, it’s my duty to bring in talent that benefits the company. Not signing Sophia could be a big mistake. Please think about it.”
She chose not to mention Sophia’s lead role in Vincent’s new film, as she had promised Vincent to keep it under wraps.
Josh’s expression turned to one of disdain. “Do you really believe you know better than the top management? Enough. I have work to do. Please leave.”
“But Mr. Harvey…”
“Get out!”