Getting Back To The Top

"No way, it's not the right time!" Sophie declared.

Noah, understanding her thoughts, handed her the phone.

Without moving away, Sophie confidently took the phone and answered it in front of Noah.

"Sophie, where are you now?" Nathan asked from the other end.

"Fearing that the media would find me, I hid," Sophie calmly answered.

"So, you don't know about the Lisa situation?" Nathan inquired patiently.

"What happened to Lisa? I'm in a remote hideout and haven't been able to catch up with events. What's up?" Sophie asked, feigning curiosity.

"Your manager has put Global Pictures Entertainment in a big mess. Return to the office; I'm arranging a press conference for you. Sophie, we're counting on you to clear Global Picture's reputation," Nathan stated.

A press conference? Just another chance for him to pin the blame on Sophie...Did he really think she was still that gullible?

Sophie ended the call in disgust. Then Noah said, "I've saved my number in your phone. Call me anytime you need help and let me know what to do."

"Thank you… Noah." Sophie's emotions overwhelmed her.

"Don't call me that..." Noah unfolded his legs and drew Sophie to his side. "Call me something else…or I won't let you go."

Sophie turned red and nervously whispered, "h…hubby..."

A rare smile graced Noah's face. "Alright… I'll take you to work. And remember your promise… don't get close to any other man," he said.

Sophie understood Noah's meaning. She responded with a comforting smile and hopeful eyes, wishing for Noah's trust.

Noah's heart raced. There was nothing more to say between them.

Within roughly 40 minutes, Noah successfully dropped Sophie off near the Global Pictures Entertainment office.

Being a titan in the industry and having been a part of it for so long, he was privy to all its dark secrets. He was curious to see how Sophie planned to turn the tables and reclaim her position as a top model.

Meanwhile, Sophie knew what she was stepping into. This was a game where she had to keep her cards close to her chest. If she couldn't change the outcome, even after playing an entirely new hand, she would have to admit defeat.

After exiting Noah's car, she entered the building through a secret passage. As soon as staff members spotted Sophie, the room was filled with diverse reactions - disgust, hatred, and mockery. It seemed they were convinced that the revelations made by Lisa were all orchestrated by Sophie.

Sophie, however, didn't react to the gossip and pointed looks. Instead, she feigned obliviousness.

She moved towards Nathan's room, gently pushing the door open. Her eyes locked onto the back of Nathan's head. "You're back..." Nathan spun around, anger visible on his face.

"What happened?" She inquired.

"Sophie, are you seriously telling me you have no idea about the Lisa situation?" Nathan tossed a newspaper article towards Sophie.

He asked with rage in his voice, "If you didn't direct her, how would she have the audacity to do this?"

"Nathan, we're about to tie the knot, why would I jeopardize our relationship? Wouldn't that just push you away?" Sophie's voice wavered as she looked at him with an innocent gaze.

"Then how do you justify wearing the crown's star on your ankle? You're well aware that the only significant difference between you and Amber is your legs..." Nathan challenged.

As Nathan grilled her, Sophie recollected the numerous times Nathan had defended Amber similarly. She had always assumed it was for his career advancement and nothing more. Therefore, she put up with the injustice and allowed him to side with another.

However, judging by the current situation, it seemed Nathan was only interested in protecting Amber.

"I had no other choice. The star wasn't suitable for my arms and even Amber's manager Gary, who was present, was clueless. I had no other option but to wear it on my ankle." Sophie retorted.

"Gary was there, and he said it was your decision to wear the crown star on your ankle." Nathan retorted.

"Nathan, I'm your future wife, shouldn't you trust me more than any outsider?" Sophie argued.

"Your words won't undo what's been done. Beautiful Soul has already notified their intention to sue Global Pictures Entertainment for contract violation. Public sentiment towards Global Pictures is deteriorating due to your manager's actions. You need to take responsibility for this." Nathan's gaze was heavy on Sophie, his demeanour was akin to a supreme being passing judgement.

"You'll be my wife soon. I don't want my wife tarnishing my career. For Global Pictures' sake, Sophie, you need to clarify to the public that this fiasco was a publicity stunt by your manager and has nothing to do with Global Pictures." His voice was devoid of any emotion.

"To admit my manager's culpability is to admit my own. Weren't you the one who hurriedly asked me to replace Amber? Don't you have a responsibility too? Or should I be sacrificed just because I'm your bride-to-be?" Sophie protested.

"I wasn't aware that being recognized was your fault." The moment Nathan uttered those words, he realized he had crossed a line.

He quickly composed himself and tried to embrace Sophie. However, she pushed him away. "Sophie, I lost my temper... I promise to treat you better once we're married."

Sophie remained silent for a moment. Although she had already decided to end the relationship, the thought of sacrificing her career for this man filled her with frustration and anger.

Sophie held back her fury, "Nathan, I'm handling this situation not because I admit to causing the chaos, but to save your career. However, be certain that this won't happen again..." Sophie asserted.

"Sure... I promise there won't be a repeat of this." Nathan sounded thrilled hearing Sophie's agreement for the press conference.

In reality, Nathan was confident that Sophie would be tricked again just like every other time. He believed that after their marriage, he could manipulate Sophie effortlessly due to her nature.

"The press conference is scheduled for after 3PM. We have a meeting shortly to review your speech." He continued without any shame.

"Fine!" Sophie replied, forcing herself to make eye contact with Nathan as usual. However, as soon as she stepped out of the room, her eyes flashed with a chilly expression.

She shouldn't forgive the nuisance that he was, but she decided to stand by her choices. She was not going to accept the fault for Nathan's misconduct.

After some thought, she retreated to her room and dialed her manager, "Lisa, Nathan is attempting to use me as a scapegoat."

"Ha ha, Sophie! Tell me what to do." Lisa was eager and ready for action.

"At 3PM, I will take responsibility for the chaos and apologize. I want you to release photos of Amber and Nathan showing affection at the hospital, but do it anonymously..."

"Ha ha! Absolutely!"

"Apologies, Lisa! For pulling you into this mess." Sophie apologized sincerely.

"Sophie, as long as you've decided to start anew, I'm here to help you reclaim your position as the top model, and even more, I'll assist you in becoming... an international supermodel."

[A. N: Thanks for reading, drop Powerstones that will help a lot and drop reviews if you like the story and add to your library]