Chapter 40 " Mr. Hollis , as soon as the lead actress finishes this scene , you're up next . " " Alright , thanks . " Tristan glanced at the young assistant , a charming smile tugging at his lips . There was a softness in his eyes , the kind that could easily sweep you off your feet if you weren't careful . " N - no problem . " The assistant blushed , the backlighting hiding her expression . She didn't linger , rushing off after giving her message , tugging her lunch buddy along as the two whispered excitedly , barely containing themselves . Tristan caught their gaze and looked over . Immediately , both women pretended to be busy with something else . He didn't call them out - just waved in their direction and then turned his attention back to his phone . " I heard the company signed some rich kid as a new artist and specifically wants you to write his songs ? " " Sounds like he's loaded . Maybe I should consider it ," came the teasing reply through his headphones . Tristan's grin widened . " Come on , Alessia , we've been partners for years . You wouldn't just toss me aside , would you ? " " In this world , nothing's more important than making money . I have to train a replacement for you , just in case your career goes up in flames . " He laughed . " You're investing in blue - chip stocks here , ma'am . I only go up , never down . " On the other end , Alessia scoffed . " I'm bringing a rookie along on Saturday . As for the trust - fund kid , let's put him on hold . Lillian can handle it . " " I'm wrapping up filming this Friday , so I'll be back in the studio Saturday . See you then , boss . " After sending the message , Tristan handed his phone to his manager and began getting into character for the next scene . Alessia replied with a half - hearted " OK , " then switched screens to open a document - the preliminary contract with the Summers family . She skimmed it , then opened a separate pricing sheet . After a moment , she clicked into another chat window . חו 15:41 Chapter 40 " We're ending our collaboration with the Summers family . " " Understood ," came the quick , curt reply . " Vera , I'm not some heartless boss . It's half past midnight . I don't expect you to be on call 24 / 7 - we're a legitimate company , not a sweatshop ." " Don't worry , I just happened to get up for a glass of water . Besides , with a $ 20,000 - a - month salary , replying to your messages is part of the job . " Vera followed up with a deadpan meme : " Sleep ? I'll rest when I'm dead . " Alessia rubbed her temples . Sometimes she wondered how she ended up surrounded by such oddballs . In her cramped apartment , Vera had already opened her laptop , the screen casting a pale green glow across her face . She pushed up her glasses , her gaze sharp and alert - no trace of someone who'd just been dragged from sleep . " Since you're online , let's review some work ," Vera said , her tone as prim as ever . " You've missed quite a bit during the month you've ignored my calls and messages . " Alessia sighed . She'd heard of bosses overworking employees , but never the other way around . Still , she composed herself quickly . Vera was methodical and thorough , sorting important matters and documents needing signatures into clear folders , even flagging the items that would require Alessia's in - person attention at the office . In less than ninety minutes , they had cleared the backlog . " As for the Summers family , their offer isn't as good as the other company's , but it's cheaper . I was going to discuss it with you tomorrow . " " Don't ruin our reputation for a bargain , especially after today's unpleasantness . I think it's time to teach them a little lesson . " Three hundred grand , gone without a second thought . For Alessia , it really was just a " little lesson . " But compared to what the other side stood to lose in the long run , walking away from the Summers family was the smarter move . Even after three years working together , Vera still found herself surprised by Alessia . Angel or devil - her choices could go either way . She was not someone you wanted to make an enemy of . 2/2 15:41