Fenella’s POV
A week later, all my bruises had healed. There were no more bruises or marks. I could also walk normally without feeling any pain. There was still a faint scar on my cheek, but I was able to cover it with a clear bandage.
I also wore sunglasses, just in case there were any paparazzi taking my picture. Scars or tired eyes would stand out in photos, and I didn’t need another scandal cooked up by the media.
“Is there really no way to get in?” I asked with a deep sigh.
“No. Everything is being tightly guarded,” Jessy shook his head.
I rested my chin on my hand, which was propped up on the wooden table. My gaze pierced through the cafe window across from Gene’s office.
We stared at the office door, sealed with yellow police tape. Two police officers had stood almost all day in front of the office door to maintain the perimeter and prevent anyone from entering.
“It looks like Gene is really closed,” I said weakly to Jessy with a vacant look as my hand fiddled with my iced coffee cup.
“I know,” Jessy replied weakly before sipping his coffee.
“Fortunately, Ms. Lola is already forgetful. I can’t bear to imagine her heart breaking when she sees Gene’s office like this,” I said softly.
“Certainly. Let’s hope her children don’t report all this to her,” Jessy said, looking down at his coffee cup on the table.
Since this morning, we had only been sitting quietly in the cafe, observing Gene’s office from afar. Initially, we had intended to retrieve some materials for my portfolio and some email data from Jessy’s computer, but it seemed the police weren’t allowing anyone into the office. The place was now sealed as a crime scene, and all documents inside had been taken to the prosecutor’s office for further examination.
“So what happens with the February contract? New York Fashion Week for the next season should start preparations next week, right?”
“Even now, everyone should be doing go-sees,” Jessy sighed deeply.
“And then?”
“All contracts had to be canceled. Now everyone is looking for new agencies willing to take them on so they can sign new contracts. Just to keep their kitchen burning,” Jessy explained with a gloomy expression.
“Oh, please. The models only eat leaves and natural fruits to maintain their diets. No one cares about our kitchen,” I rolled my eyes.
“Well, smart mouth. You just forgot that they still need apartments to live in. What about your apartment?”
“Er…, I’m staying in Laird’s apartment now. You know he’s still recovering in Boston, so I thought it would be good if I cleaned his apartment before he returns to New York.” I gave a guilty laugh.
“Lucky you.”
“Yes, you’re right. Sorry.” Jessy was right. How could I feel comfortable staying in my boyfriend’s apartment while others might not be as lucky as I was?
“It’s okay. It’s just that the transition of agencies for the talents hasn’t been as smooth as I hoped. Some are still wandering around looking for agencies that will take them in.”
“Are they new models?”
“Quite the opposite. What remains are models who are already seasoned like you, too old for their brand.” Jessy glanced between his coffee and my face.
It seemed he was not afraid of hurting my feelings, but I almost didn’t care anymore. Unlike before, when I felt scared of getting older, now I felt more relaxed. It didn’t mean I no longer enjoyed working, especially as a model and even achieving the supermodel title. It’s just that it no longer felt like my top priority.
“What about Greg?”
“Still looking,” Jessy answered quickly.
“Oh,” I murmured quietly. “What about the other agents and Silas?”
“Some agents managed to find new agencies. Others opted for freelancing. As for Silas, he called me yesterday to say he’s got a job as a janitor at a private school.”
“Oh, thank goodness. It means Alan’s case didn’t have too much of a negative impact on the workers at Gene.”
“Yes. Some designers and agencies are being objective, but it’s not rare for them to only consider the reputation of the previous agency,” Jessy sighed.
“Are they gossiping about me? They must be blaming me.”
I grimaced, regretting what had happened. My head bowed as my hands gently squeezed my ice coffee cup.
“If only I hadn’t helped Mr. Golden catch Alan, maybe they would all still be working comfortably.”
“Hush now. Don’t blame yourself. You did the right thing.” Jessy pressed on.
“Indeed, the scandal hit the fashion and entertainment world hard. Now everyone accuses successful designers or celebrities of money laundering, but many also praise your courage.”
“Thanks, Jessy. I just hope this case settles soon and things can return to normal.” I shrugged with a small smile.
“Hey, I don’t think we’ll be able to return to the old normal. Now everyone is more inclined toward new micro-scale designers. With the economic strain due to corruption and war, many retailers are openly copying designers’ designs at lower prices.”
“Do you think so?” I asked as I started sipping my coffee again.
“Yes. Anyway, whether it’s successful designers or new ones, they still need models to sell their products. So, yes, actors and models are still in demand if that’s what you’re worried about,” Jessy rubbed his fingers.
“Do you think any agency would still want to take me?”
“Oh! Of course. I can still look for you and make sure the contract continues through a new agency.” Jessy’s voice weakened. I always recognized that tone. I was sure he had something in mind.
“But?”
“There’s no but.”
“Yes, there is. Just say what you’re thinking, Jessy.” I squeezed Jessy’s hand.
He squeezed mine back tightly. Repeatedly, he took and let out breaths. His other hand scratched one eyebrow, then he squirmed in his chair.
“Why don’t you open your own modeling agency? We could work independently.”
“Jessy? Are you sure about that?” I asked with my mouth hanging open.
“Sweetheart, Matthew, and Laird’s idea sounds pretty convincing. You have a lot of money, and it could help keep the company running at least until the money is requested by the court.”
“I don’t know, Jessy. I mean, I’m still afraid to start it on my own.”
My voice faltered, and I shrugged. “The idea does seem promising, but I don’t know if I can be responsible for people’s livelihoods. I mean, being a business owner must be a heavy responsibility.”
“Well, you won’t be alone. You have me! We can start small just like everybody else!”
“But Jessy, you’ve already been accepted into another agency as big as Gene’s.” I furrowed my brow, my jaw dropping in surprise, waiting for his response.
“Oh, I don’t know, Fenella. I feel too scared to handle other models besides you.” His shoulders slumped, and his lips puckered.
“Really? I thought you wanted to open a new modeling agency because you wanted the freedom to recruit Mike.” I smirked at him.
“Ew! Not that!” Jessy scrunched his nose and moved away from me.
I laughed at Jessy’s reaction. It seemed he was really traumatized by the dating talents he managed, especially after finding out that Mike had been Alan’s accomplice, intentionally distracting Jessy to keep him away from me.
“Even if I were still dating Mike, I wouldn’t want to manage him as an agent. I should maintain professionalism at work. Lesson learned,” Jessy said, lifting his chin with an annoyed huff.
“You know, sometimes love cannot be controlled. When you want it, you’d do anything to get it.” I continued to laugh lightly, teasing him.
“Ah, if that’s the case, maybe I should see a psychiatrist to cure my obsession before I end up like Alan,” he said bluntly.
“Do you think I’m also obsessed with Laird?”
“Oh, darling. Answer me. Would you say yes if he proposed to you right now?”
“Uh…, probably.”
“Congratulations. Then you’re obsessed with him,” Jessy smiled widely.
“Uh, no. We’re obsessed with each other.” I furrowed my brow to hide the blush spreading across my warm cheeks.
“Well, call it true love then.” Jessy shrugged.
Suddenly, Jessy took out a small glass jar with a golden lid decorated with a red ribbon. He opened the jar and took out chocolate chip cookies.
“Want some?” he offered.
“No. I’m still on a diet, but I feel like I’ve seen that jar before.” I frowned, my eyes squinting suspiciously.
“It’s your mom’s. I smuggled a whole box of these into my luggage.” Jessy giggled.