Largo cleared his throat in embarrassment, then said mildly, “You should be aware of this. Why don’t you let me introduce you to someone? If he takes a liking to you, your success in the entertainment industry is guaranteed. Cassidy’s a prime example. She owes her opportunities entirely to this sponsor. We can settle our scores this way too.”
Skylar gaped at Largo. Is this bas*ard moonlighting as a pimp?
A look of disdain flitted across Skylar’s face. Scornfully, she said, “Should I be thanking you for the favor you’ve bestowed on me then, Mr. Zeller? What an opportunity you’re giving me!”
Unable to detect Skylar’s sarcasm, Largo gleefully accepted what he misinterpreted as Skylar’s ready consent. Enthusiastically he replied, “You don’t have to thank me. This sponsor has been experiencing a dry spell lately and hasn’t seen a pretty face in a while. I told him about you yesterday and he seemed very interested.”
Skylar crossed her arms, looking defensively at Largo. Enraged, she said coldly, “What right did you have to give away my contact details to a stranger without my permission? What made you assume that I would agree?”
The sudden iciness in Skylar’s tone confounded Largo. A transactional man, Largo assumed that Skylar was merely bargaining, thus he eagerly advised Skylar, “This man definitely has the wealth to support you. In fact, money isn’t even an issue for him. You’re free to buy any Hermes products you want, or even the brand itself if you really fancy it. Many women live their whole lives dreaming of being in your position! Besides, I’m only telling you all this because I see you as a friend and don’t want to see you squander this opportunity.”
A cool breeze blew through the trees, rustling the leaves and stirring Skylar’s spirits. Skylar took a deep breath of the crisp, clear air, and decided that this business was not worth losing her temper over.
Skylar thus replied frankly, “I’m already living my best life. After this show airs, my career will almost certainly get a boost if all goes well. Hence, your offer doesn’t interest me at all.”
“Don’t be so stubborn, Skylar. How much do you get paid for your acting? Where can that take you, anyway? I’ve never met an actress who’s had the courage to demand more for herself. All I’m trying to do is get you the reward you deserve,” Largo wheedled.
Who knew that Largo’s kind face was all just a facade? Skylar thought ruefully. It must have taken an incredible amount of dedication and care for Largo to have successfully operated his side business without being exposed all these years while maintaining his honorable reputation.
“Don’t worry about me, Mr. Zeller. If you really need help, I’d recommend Avery. We look rather alike and you’ve even personally put her to the test before. I’m sure you’re familiar with her with her ability to perform,” Skylar retorted.
Largo sensed that Skylar was quickly slipping out of his grasp. Frantically, he coaxed, “These opportunities don’t come by often. Think about how famous Cassidy was at the peak of her stardom! This sponsor has the power and influence to dictate the trajectory of your career. Besides, it’s not as if you haven’t done this before. There’s no need to put on a pretense of modesty.”
Skylar refused to dignify Largo with a response. I must have been blind to take him as a friend.
Skylar reflected that it was her fault to believe that Largo was a sympathetic and gallant gentleman. When Skylar got injured, Largo even brought first-aid supplies to the set. It was both maddening and upsetting to Skylar to think that all of Largo’s previous acts of kindness had been performed with ulterior motives.
It was no wonder that Largo and Avery got on like a house on fire. Both of them were equally despicable characters.
Skylar’s curiosity, however, was thoroughly piqued by this encounter. Who exactly does Largo work for? Skylar wondered. He evidently possessed a considerable amount of wealth and influence, enough to inspire such confidence and desperation in Largo.
Skylar and Largo’s disappearance from the set had alarmed both their assistants, who were by now whipping themselves up in a frenzy trying to contact both of them.
The coincidence immediately roused suspicions of a secret affair between the two.
Hearing the giggles and whispers flying around her, Avery could hardly contain herself. She dialed Largo’s number incessantly but to no avail.
Skylar almost sprinted her way back to the set, fervently trying to set as much of a distance between herself and Largo as possible.
Skylar and Largo had only been gone for a mere half-hour, but rumors were already spreading like wildfire on Instagram. At that moment, Tobias was reading the scandal with a leer on his face.
Skylar really doesn’t let up, does she? Tobias thought to himself grimly. However, he could not blame Skylar after having firsthand experience of how irresistible she was.
Tobias ultimately found himself sympathetic. Men were naturally helpless in the face of beauty. Apparently, Skylar’s allure was far more formidable than Tobias had assumed.
