Chapter 227 I’m Here
Hope nodded, “When we’re on set, the cast and the film crew would usually gossip about industry affairs. There were a lot of unfavorable rumors about Victor. The celebrities in his company aren’t exactly open about it, but the rumors always find a way yout to us.”
Hope cast her mind back to the rumors she had heard and said, “Victor mismanaged the A–list Actors‘ resources. For instance, if one of them has to endorse a certain popular brand, he’d force his client to feature another actor or actress who isn’t as famous to pit them against each other.
“It wasn’t a fair fight most of the time. When we pushed for details, all we had to go on were the expressions on people’s faces. They were very secretive. Maybe there’s a unwritten code of silence…
Maia blinked while listening to Hope.
“Furthermore, one of my celebrity friends told me about her experience in Mykonos Studio when she was a trainee. Victor used to take advantage of her.
“He even asked his secretary to tell her that he could give her a leg up in the industry if she let him have his way with her. She had a hot temper, though, so she slapped him right then and there…”
Maia was surprised to hear that. She laughed and said, “He had it coming!”
Hope nodded. “Victor’s personal life isn’t a bed of roses either. Rumor has it that it’s a mess, but Mykonos Studio is a big player in the industry so he has some strong backing too.
“Some celebrities think that putting out for him is the only path to success.” Hope sighed.
Maia frowned. She understood that it was common to run into such twisted people in every industry, but understanding it and accepting it were two very different things.
“Follow the lead Hope gave us, Buck. We’re not just taking out Victor for our own benefit, but also for the sake of everyone who has fallen victim to him.”
In a way, it reflected what she said in the past.
“I’m here. Everything’s going to be fine.”
If they could verify the truth behind the rumors that Hope had heard, then they could tear down the facade Victor had built of himself in the eyes of the public! He would pay for his
behavior!
“Understood,” Buck said to Maia. “Leave it to me, Ms. Maia. I’ll investigate it thoroughly.”
Maia nodded.
+15 BONUS
It was almost nine o’clock by the time they were done with dinner.
Hope yawned a couple of times. “I should head back, Maia. I have two magazine interviews tomorrow.”
Mala nodded and looked at Buck, “Send her home, Buck. Keep her safe. Okay?”
“Leave it to me, Ms. Mala!” Buck nodded instantly.
As Maia walked them out the the hallway, she whispered in Hope’s ear as Buck went to the elevator. “Now’s your chance to make a move on your future husband.”
Hope blushed and nodded. Then, Hope and Buck waved Maia goodbye and went into the elevator together.
Hope stole a glance at Buck and lowered her head timidly. Her words were caught in her throat.
“I think your interviews are going to be exhausting tomorrow. Have the interviewers been briefed already?”
Hope nodded and said, “They have. Wesley talked to them and made sure there won’t be any complications. I’ve also gone through the questions they’re going to ask in the interview as
well.”
“That’s great. Wesley’s doing a good job.”
Hope smiled, “So are you, Buck. You do a wonderful job as Maia’s assistant.”
“Ms. Maia gave me a job that suited my talents. I can’t thank her enough. Naturally, I have to put everything I have into it and make her proud.”
“What’s that thing people are always saying? A man is judged by his family and his career..The
pay
and benefits package you received from Starlight Entertainment was very good. You’ve got the career part covered.
“Do you
have any plans to start a family? If I recall correctly, you don’t have a girlfriend.”
Hope had shot countless films and played various characters. She acted out numerous love confessions and romantic scenes on camera. Never once did she think it would be this difficult
to do it in real life.
Buck was no fool. He knew where she was going with this. He looked at Hope from the corner of his eye as they walked to the underground parking lot together. He did not give her an immediate answer. Instead, he remained quiet for a good while.
When they got to the car, he started the engine and tried to keep his emotions in check. As she got into the car with him, he said, “I don’t have a girlfriend right now. I’m still single.”
2/3
+15 BONUS
A sense of hope stirred in Hope’s heart. Just as she was about to say something, Buck said, That said, I haven’t given it much thought. I had a great start to my career and I want to focus on it. I’ll think about the rest after my career is more stable.”
Just like that, Hope’s dreams was dashed to the ground.
“S–So that’s how it is…” Hope said, sounding a little disappointed.
Buck felt that he had to salvage this awkward moment.
“What about you? Are you going to start a relationship with someone? I know for a fact that it’ll affect your career to some extent. Is Ms. Maia going to allow it?”
“My career is important, but I can’t give up on my personal life for its sake. Maia knows my stand on this. She’s not going to stop me from pursuing romance.”
“Well, do you have someone in mind?” Buck smiled.
Hope lowered her head, pursed her lips, and shook her head, “I’m the same as you. I’m going to focus on building my career for now.”
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She made a casual excuse. She was not about to let herself be embarrassed again..
Buck nodded, “Sure. I support your decisions, no matter what they are.”
“Are you going to support me if I say I want to be a nun?” Hope was somewhat mad at him. She had made the first move and given him a huge hint, but he he went ahead and threw a wet blanket on it.
Buck was startled for a few seconds. He looked at Hope when he stopped at a traffic light. Then, he smiled and nodded, “Certainly. I would support you unconditionally.”
If she became a nun, then he would simply be the monk next door.
