Chapter 19 The Face of Rebirth
“They’re launching a new perfume line called Phoenix, and they’re looking for a spokesperson. Mr. Martin saw your performance and thinks you’re a perfect fit. This is what they’re offering.”
The assistant flashed a number with her fingers.
“This kind of opportunity doesn’t come around often. Do you want to give it a shot?”
“Yes. I’ll do it.” Elsa yanked off her sweat–drenched headband, her eyes full of determination.
Standing at the reception room door, Elsa glanced up at the nameplate before stepping inside.
Lincoln stood with his back to her, leaning against the floor–to–ceiling window.
Hearing the door open, he turned and gave her a once–over.
Stripped of her stage makeup, Elsa looked pale, and her gaze locked directly onto him.
+8 Pearls
“Ms. Moore, you’re even thinner than you look on camera.” He gestured for his assistant to bring over the contract. “I saw your performance video. You’re a perfect match for our new campaign: Rebirth from Fire.”
Elsa let out a soft, dry laugh. “Aren’t you afraid of the backlash, Mr. Martin? My past isn’t exactly a secret anymore.”
Letting a fake heiress represent a major brand was bound to stir controversy. She didn’t even have to imagine what the internet would say.
“That’s exactly what I want.”
Lincoln lowered his head and lit a cigarette, the smoke curling around the corner of his mouth.
“In this age of clickbait and algorithms, even infamy is still fame. Besides..
He suddenly leaned in, his voice low. “Are you really content letting the Moore family grind you into the dirt?”
In that instant-
The soft rustling of the contract pages broke the silence.
Bang!
The door burst open from the outside.
Johnson rushed in, panting, sweat sticking his bangs to his forehead.
He grabbed Elsa’s wrist and shot Lincoln a sharp glance. “Elsa, you can’t trust this guy. Don’t sign it!”
Lincoln raised an eyebrow and looked at their intertwined hands before shifting his gaze back to Elsa, “Ms. Moore, may I ask
who this is?”
“Someone irrelevant.”
Elsa didn’t even acknowledge Johnson’s warning. She yanked her hand free, her voice cold and steady. “This is my decision. No one else gets to make it for me.”
Johnson’s jaw tightened. He dragged her around the corner into a hallway blind spot.
There, he shoved her against the wall. “Do you even know who Lincoln is?”
“He’s a playboy. He’s made a dozen starlets famous, and every single one of them was tossed aside when he got bored”
“Elba, I know you’ve misunderstood me, but I’m saying this for your own good!”
“What does any of this have to do with you?” Elsa scoffed. “Need me to remind you how you kissed Quinn in my hospital
room?”
12:26 PM
Chapter 19 The Face of Rebirth
“I can explain. She set me up!”
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Something stormy flickered in Johnson’s dark eyes as he stared at her.
Breathing hard, he couldn’t understand how she’d agree to Lincoln’s offer.
“You really want to do this kind of gig? Wearing skimpy outfits, dancing in front of the camera?”
“You want men leering at you-?”
Smack!
A sharp slap echoed through the hallway.
Elsa’s hand tingled as she looked at the red mark blooming on his cheek. Her eyes were ice–cold.
“Johnson, don’t you dare make this filthier than it is.”
+8 Pearls
She stepped closer, her voice practically a hiss through clenched teeth. “I know what I’m doing. You don’t get to control me.”
Johnson laughed bitterly.
Wiping the blood from his lip, his dark eyes turned cold. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Meanwhile, on Twitter-
Martin Corp had just announced their new brand ambassador.
The accompanying image showed Elsa’s side profile as she tested the perfume.
Seeing the photo, Quinn trashed everything in her room she could get her hands on.
But none of it helped soothe her rage.
Why did Elsa get such a good opportunity? That woman should’ve rotted in the gutter.
“Why her?!” she screamed, dialing Johnson’s number. “You said you’d help me. But look!”
The sound of a lighter sparking came through the receiver. Johnson’s voice was slow and raspy. “Quinn, why are you panicking? I got you an invitation to tonight’s Moore gala
He paused. “I gave you the chance. Whether or not you can reel Lincoln in… that’s up to you.”
inside the grand ballroom-
The crystal chandeliers swayed slightly overhead, dazzling enough to make people dizzy.
Quinn reapplied her lipstick for the fifth time in the mirror. Determined to leave a lasting impression on Lincoln, she deliberately tugged her neckline half an inch lower.
