Behind The Spotlight Chapter 129
"This is the United States..."
Chantal and Isabella stared at the streets of California with wide eyes, struggling to process the overwhelming atmosphere around them. They had expected something extraordinary, futuristic skyscrapers, neon billboards, maybe even flying cars or robots. Instead, what they saw was simpler, yet refreshing. Their first impression of California wasn't bad at all, especially with the blue sky looking so much clearer than back home.
"At least it looks cleaner than rat-infested Paris," Isabella muttered, her lips curling slightly as she recalled the unpleasant nights of walking past overflowing trash bins in Paris's narrow streets.
The two spoke in French, it was easier to express their excitement and worries that way without strangers overhearing.
"Collin said someone's waiting for us."
"Yeah. Let's look around first before we panic like lost tourists."
Soon, they noticed a white woman in her forties holding a cardboard sign that read: Collin East's secretary. Miss Chantal, I'm your contact.
Isabella immediately approached her, firing off questions one after another in a sharp, suspicious tone as her eyes scanned the woman for any sign of deceit. After confirming that the woman was neither a kidnapper nor a scammer, Isabella gave Chantal, who stood a few steps behind with her hand gripping her luggage handle, a reassuring nod.
"I'm Lucia Sarah, Collin's secretary," the woman introduced herself. "If you have questions, feel free to ask. For now, let's head to the ANT building. Collin is waiting for you. He can't meet you personally just yet since he has a meeting today. Also, have you eaten?"
"Yes, we ate on the airplane. The meal was filling."
Collin had given them money for business class tickets, so the two young women had enjoyed complimentary non alcoholic wine, dessert, and comfortable seats. They weren't hungry at all.
"I know you're still skeptical about me," Lucia continued, "so how about we take a taxi instead?"
"I'm fine with that."
"Me too."
They pulled their luggage along as Lucia hailed a taxi. After some effort fitting everything into the trunk, they set off. The ANT building was well known in Los Angeles, so the driver didn't need directions. He even nodded knowingly, mentioning how often famous people visited.
When they arrived, Chantal and Isabella were stunned. Los Angeles seemed full of beautiful and handsome people, so much so that it felt unreal, like stepping into a fashion magazine where everyone looked styled for the spotlight. Especially in Hollywood, it seemed as if anyone on the street could be an actor or a model.
"Let's go inside. No need to be nervous," Lucia said with a soft chuckle, recognizing the awe in their eyes.
If anyone was nervous, it was Chantal. Her palms were damp with sweat, her heart pounding as doubts whispered inside her. Would this choice change her future for better or worse?
At the reception, Lucia introduced them. The receptionist confirmed the meeting with a professional smile. Collin East's reputation within the company had risen lately, especially after saving Jolyne Robs from an abduction attempt, a story that had spread like wildfire across the office. Combined with his streak of successful clients, Collin's status was stronger than ever. Some colleagues even whispered about the agency possibly offering him shares as a partner.
"C-Chantal, look, it's Tommy Yatch!"
Isabella gasped, pointing at the actor emerging from the elevator in a sleek black suit that probably cost more than her entire wardrobe. She nearly rushed forward for an autograph, but froze when she noticed the stares of disdain around her.
This was the ANT building, where seeing celebrities was routine. Employees treated it as ordinary, and disturbing a star was seen as disruptive. Security had already begun moving toward Isabella when she raised her voice.
Tommy Yatch, in particular, was infamous for his temper with fans. Tabloids loved writing about his fiery outbursts whenever someone approached him without warning.
Realizing her mistake, Isabella blushed furiously and clutched Chantal's arm. Chantal, equally starstruck, had simply frozen in place. Both women looked down in shame, wishing they could disappear.
Tommy Yatch glanced their way, his eyes filled with disdain as though brushing off an annoying fly. Surrounded by bodyguards, he left the building, leaving the two women even more embarrassed.
They silently promised themselves never to make a scene again.
"Come on, let's head to the elevator," Lucia said gently. "Don't worry, Tommy Yatch is just like that. Not all celebrities have bad attitudes. Still, I recommend staying calm here. Security won't hesitate to escort you out if you cause a ruckus."
"We'll keep that in mind," Chantal muttered, her cheeks still flushed.
Lucia led them to the floor where Collin's office was located. By now, the two were convinced Collin hadn't lied, he really was a talent agent.
As they neared the office, someone exited, and his presence immediately drew every eye. Blonde hair, brown eyes, and features so delicate they could be mistaken for a woman's. His angelic face radiated charm.
"Good morning, Mr. Terrence," Lucia greeted politely.
"Oh, hi Lucia," Lawrence replied with his signature smile, the kind that melted hearts in an instant.
"And these two are…?"
He glanced at Chantal and Isabella, who stood frozen, jaws dropped as though they'd just seen a miracle.
"This is Chantal and Isabella," Lucia explained. "Chantal is Collin's new client, and Isabella is her friend."
"Ah, so you're Collin's new client. That means he saw something in you. You're lucky to have him."
"I-I-It's nice to meet you, L-Lawrence," Chantal stammered, her face burning red. Isabella couldn't even manage words, only a weak nod.
"Nice to meet you too. Well then, I'll excuse myself. I have something to attend to."
Lawrence knew this wouldn't be the last time he saw them. After all, Collin had signed one of them. He waved before stepping into the elevator, leaving behind a faint trace of expensive cologne.
"Guys, stop drooling. I'll have to call the janitor if you make a mess," Lucia teased, smirking as the two quickly regained their composure.
"I-I'm sorry…" Chantal whispered.
Today had been overwhelming for both women. Meeting two superstars in a single day felt like something out of a celebrity magazine.
"Sir, Miss Chantal and Miss Isabella have arrived," Lucia announced after knocking on Collin's door.
"Let them in. Thank you, Lucia. I'll take care of them," Collin replied.
Lucia excused herself with a small bow and returned to her cubicle near the elevator. There, she worked among other assistants and secretaries in a constant hum of phone calls, typing, and shuffled paperwork. For her to have a better workspace, Collin would need to move up a floor, an upgrade that required more deals, more talents, and greater influence in the company.
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[This novel has 55 chapters on Patr eon.]