Chapter 165
One of them, a man in his early thirties with glasses and an easy smile, leaned forward and said, “Miss Sophia, your involvement will elevate this project. We promise full transparency–you can follow the progress anytime, even have a say in selecting the cast.”
“Actors?” I repeated, my tone neutral. I hadn’t given it much thought.
My main focus was the return on investment, not who would play which role.
“Yes,” he said with a nod. “We believe in collaboration. If there’s anyone specific you’d like to recommend, we’re open to your suggestions.”
I shook my head slightly.
“I don’t have anyone in mind. Frankly, I don’t care much about the names. Sometimes fresh faces bring more authenticity to a role than seasoned actors.”
The man exchanged a look with his team, their expressions tinged with approval.
The meeting flowed effortlessly after that, and Zoe and I stayed longer than planned, chatting about the project over coffee.
When everything was laid out, I decided not to waste time. “Zoe, let’s finalize this.”
She glanced at me, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “Straight to the point. I like it.”
The paperwork was swiftly arranged, and with a few signatures, the deal was done.
I felt good about this decision, like I had finally closed the chapter on yesterday’s frustration with Alina.
Back at the hotel, I had barely kicked off my shoes when my phone buzzed.
The caller ID flashed Alina’s name.
I debated ignoring it but curiosity got the better of me.
“Sophia,” Alina’s voice barked the moment I answered, her tone sharp and accusatory. “I heard you signed the investment with someone else?”
Her words were so forceful that I instinctively held the phone a little away from my ear.
Excuse me?” I replied, baffled by her hostility.
Didn’t you promise to invest in our company yesterday?”
she demanded, her voice rising.
“And now you’ve turned around and signed with someone else? What’s the meaning of this?”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Oh, that,” I said with deliberate slowness, drawing out the moment. “Didn’t you tell me yesterday that if I didn’t apologize, you’d make sure my investment went to waste? Why are you suddenly in such a rush now that I’ve taken my money elsewhere?”
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, followed by a sharp intake of breath.
“Yesterday was a misunderstanding!” Alina snapped, her tone wavering slightly.
“You don’t understand–our theater group is the only way you’ll see real profits. This is a mistake, Sophia. You’ll regret not investing with us.”
I smirked, letting her words hang in the air for a moment before responding.
You’ve got an interesting perspective, Alina. Let me get this straight–you think I, as an investor, should put up with your tantrums and still hand you money? What kind of logic is that?”
Her frustration was palpable, even through the phone. “You’ll see!” she finally burst out, her voice trembling with barely–contained fury.
“Just wait and see. I’d like to see who in this industry dares to work with your investments after I’m done talking to them!”
“Is that a threat?” I asked, my voice light, almost amused. “Go ahead, Alina. I’ll be waiting… clucking.
“Clucking?” she repeated, confused, and then I heard a sharp exhale, like she was ready to explode.
Before she could retaliate, a low male voice murmured in the background on her end. “Honey, who are you talking to on the phone?”
The moment I heard the low male voice on the other end of the line, a faint sense of familiarity pricked at me.
It wasn’t Lirian’s voice, but something about it stirred my memory.
frowned, trying to place it. Where had I heard this before?
Then, like a lightbulb flickering on, it hit me–I’d heard it during the engagement ceremony.
That voice belonged to Lirian’s cousin, Anthony.
Anthony and I had always been on good terms.
Over the years, we’d spent time together during pack outings and occasionally trained side by side.
His calm demeanor and sharp intellect made him a memorable presence.
I was about to ask if it was really him when, suddenly, the line went dead.
I stared at my phone, baffled but unconcerned.
If it was urgent, they’d call again.
Besides, I knew it wasn’t me who needed to hurry–they were the ones scrambling now.
Shaking my head, I set the phone aside and went about my business, brushing off the interruption.
The Alpha’s Substitute
