But still, Skylar Jones has stayed rather long by his side now. I keep hoping that I’ll be the one filling the vacant space beside him but to no avail. Valerie’s illusions gradually disappeared alongside the despair that came time and again.
Tobias then told Valerie to ponder upon it, saying that he’d send someone to take over tomorrow if she truly felt that she wasn’t suited to the job. Humans were an ambitious bunch, and plenty of people coveted the position of executive president of Royal Entertainment.
When he left, Valerie stared at his retreating figure that appeared tall and strong.
That night, Skylar was notified that she was to attend a red carpet event the next day. It was a charity gala by Harper’s Bazaar.
At this time every year, female celebrities quivered in excitement as they contended for opportunities to attend red carpet events.
That charity gala was basically attended by A-list celebrities.
When Skylar suddenly received the invitation, she skeptically confirmed it with Kate.
Kate then affirmed her attendance before adding, “Your schedule will be packed in the days to come. There are a few good scripts for you now, and Empyrean Sword has already been approved.”
Whoa! This is a one-eighty in the company’s attitude toward me. As Skylar stared at the ceiling, she could seemingly see Valerie’s face projected there. She definitely wouldn’t have changed her mind all of a sudden, so Tobias must have understood my hesitance that day and spoken to her.
That night, Tobias also asked her out for coffee. She hung up on him twice, but in the end, she still wrapped herself in a coat and braved the freezing wind.
The illumination of the streetlights elongated her silhouette, reflecting it onto the road that was carpeted with golden maple leaves.
She then arrived at the location Tobias sent her. It was a café that operated 24/7. When she pulled open the door and stepped in, she caught sight of him waiting for her in a black coat in the corner.
The lighting was dim in the corner, so much so that she couldn’t discern his expression. But still, he commanded attention despite his face being obscured.
“Don’t ask me out so late next time. I was just about to go to bed.” Taking her seat across from him, Skylar blew a few warm breaths into her hands.
A white heart adorned the coffee before her. Tobias had ordered her favorite cappuccino, and the cup was still warm to the touch.
“You were about to head to bed when it’s not even ten o’clock? You’re a night owl, Skylar. The night is just starting for you.” Tobias knew her habits like the back of his hand.
What do you know! I could’ve lain on the bed two hours earlier with my cell phone in hand and watched short videos!
“I wanted to go to bed earlier today since the company arranged for me to attend a charity gala tomorrow. If I don’t have enough rest, I’ll be bloated and look unsightly on camera.”
Tobias then added two sugar cubes into her coffee, knowing that she would still find it rather bitter even though it was a cappuccino.
“Why didn’t you tell me when you suffered so much out there? And you were so gutsy that you even dared join the cast despite the script having a rape scene!”
Stirring her coffee with her head lowered, Skylar countered, “Would it have made any difference? Is Valerie dismissed now that you’re aware of it?”
“No, the company needs her. But she has promised that it won’t happen again, and she won’t have the guts to make life difficult for you anymore.”
Hah! And here I was, foolishly hoping that he would go on a rampage for my sake! Well, I was the fool to think that, but this slap in my face has rid me of all my delusions! Valerie Fey’s position is still as secure as ever.
Snickering, Skylar remarked, “I thought you’d dismiss her without any qualms. Isn’t love supposed to be blind? Of course, it might just be my wishful thinking; after all, you’ve probably never even loved me.”
Tobias stared at her dejected expression for a long while. “That’s not my perception of love. Every single person is an individual entity, so thoughts naturally differ. I merely hope that you’ll grow to be better. I only stepped out and helped you because you couldn’t handle this on your own. I hope that you’ll be able to stand on your own feet, and our relationship wouldn’t have been in vain.”
Hmph, look at this! He’s speaking as though he’s breaking up with me. In truth, Skylar knew him well enough after all the time she spent with him. Ah, but that’s not surprising, no? After all, he gives out signals that he might leave anytime, even when we’re lying in the same bed. He always offers me a carrot after the stick, but I pitifully finish the carrot with relish every single time.
