Mia, Nathan, and Amber turned around and looked at the door to the conference room. Who could possibly be ruining things for them this time? Who else resented Amber so much that she would refuse to work with her? Amber was so angry; she felt like she could explode. It had been hard enough to get rid of Emma. Did she really have to face another challenger?
The atmosphere in the meeting room grew tense. It felt like no one was even breathing. After an agonizing five minutes, the door to the conference room finally opened. It took a moment for the people in the room to recognize the silhouette of the beautiful figure in the doorway, a figure who caught everyone’s attention.
“Emma? It’s actually Emma again?” Mia clenched her fists. How could Emma have convinced Linda to go back on her word? Amber and Nathan stood up, shock written all over their faces. This was impossible. Emma had already been eliminated from consideration. How did she make Secret change their minds?
“After careful consideration, Secret Magazine has decided to use Emma as our model,” Linda announced, looking at the angry faces in the room. She continued, “It’s my understanding that Emma is Global’s model. Why do I feel like you aren’t happy with this decision?”
“Emma, what could you have done? Why are you always stealing from me? The front cover was mine!” Amber couldn’t hold back her anger as she threw these questions at Emma.
“The front cover was yours?” Emma maintained her smile, not allowing her own anger to come through. “You used my popularity to come here under the guise of sharing the stage. You used me to stir up interest, to distract the public from your scandal. Then, as soon as we arrived in Mexico, you tried to get rid of me. You bad-mouthed me to the client and tampered with my portfolio. So explain to me, how exactly does the front cover belong to you?”
“I only took back what was mine in the first place,” Amber pouted. “You used your connections to step all over me, to try and get this job.”
“I didn’t take anything from you, and I’m not going to let you trample on me ever again. It’s that simple,” Emma delivered her speech with clarity and precision. She didn’t shout or try to intimidate anyone. Her words themselves were full of power.
Linda found herself admiring Emma. She was certainly beautiful, but there was much more to her than that. Nathan, though, was feeling anything but admiration for Emma. His head was spinning as he tried once again to explain his decisions.
“Emma, I’ve told you this already. With the Top 10 Model Award coming up, this is the most important time for Amber. Everyone at Global should be helping her overcome obstacles. Can you stop being so selfish for once? She’s facing obstacles because of you,” Nathan said.
“I told you last night, and I’ll tell you again. I’m happy to support Amber, but not if it means letting her step all over me. And if that’s the only way she can advance, I’ll make sure she stumbles and falls,” Emma replied firmly.
But Nathan wasn’t ready to give up. “Emma, you have the opportunity to make a difference in Amber’s life. Linda told us that if you say it’s okay, Amber can still participate in the Secret photo shoot. She doesn’t have much time; she’s gotta get some good exposure before the Top 10 Model Awards.”
“I don’t get it. If she’s having a hard time getting jobs, why would you think I would be the best one to help her?” Emma asked in an amused tone. “Is your sister not as powerful as you made her out to be? I would think that Mia should be good enough to find Amber a shoot with another magazine.”
“Watch it, Emma,” Mia growled. Linda couldn’t be bothered to continue watching Global’s people fight among each other. She gently patted Eva’s shoulder and said, “Emma, wait outside. Tell me your decision in half an hour, whether it’s a solo shoot or a shoot with you and Amber. It’s up to you. I’ll ask for a few people from security to wait outside the door. If anyone tries anything, just scream. Thanks, Linda.”
Emma nodded. It was good timing. She had much more to say but didn’t want to air out all the dirty laundry in public. Emma smiled at Ashley and Lisa, hinting that in this situation, she knew she had the upper hand.
As soon as Linda left the room, Mia slammed her hands on the table. “What do you want from us? That may not be the best way to treat me if you’re looking for a favor.”
Emma stared at Mia, waiting for her to calm down. “Look, you don’t like me, and I don’t like you. Since we both hate the sight of each other, what’s the point of working together? You really should try and find Amber a cover shoot somewhere else.”
Mia, strong and powerful, was holding back tears of anger and frustration. Her schemes had never been so neatly sidestepped before. Was there really nothing more she could do here? Chances to shoot a front cover didn’t come around so often, and under no circumstances could she openly help Amber get other work. She had no official ties to Global or Amber. In fact, helping out Amber could really get her in trouble with her own company. So, she had no choice but to soften her tone.
“Tell me what you want, Emma. You know that if you take such a hard line, neither of us will benefit. It’s hard to talk to you if you believe I’ve stolen this job from Amber.”
“No, I know that’s not true. Amber just needs your guidance,” Mia clenched her teeth as she responded. She hated being put in this position. He was supposed to be the one in control.
“I couldn’t, Emma. Just disappear,” Emma felt the same about Mia, but this was a chance to make changes that would benefit her career for the long haul. However much she hated the idea of working with Amber and giving Mia what she wanted, this might be the best move for now. After taking a quick glance at Amber’s defiant expression, she raised her eyebrows and said, “I’m willing to give Amber a chance under one condition.”
“Yes,” Mia replied, holding back her anger.
“I want Global’s promise that from now on, I decide who I’ll work with. I only take jobs I want. Global will no longer have the power to accept or reject jobs on my behalf.”
“That’s impossible,” Mia waved her hand, dismissing this demand without a second thought. “How would that be any different from canceling your contract and opening your own agency?”
“You don’t have to agree,” Emma seemed unconcerned with Mia’s response. “But are you sure Amber can wait for something else to come along?”
Mia glanced at Nathan. They were both silent for a moment, thinking about their options. Finally, Mia spoke, “At the most, I can only allow you to voice your opinion. In other words, Global won’t arrange jobs for you without telling you. But in terms of choosing your own clients, Global definitely needs to be in control. Otherwise, you could choose to work with someone else that could bring down Global’s reputation. No agency would allow you to choose all your own clients.”
“Fine, I see your point. But I need the full team to be involved in any decisions that involve me. I no longer trust Nathan to make decisions that are in my best interests. Other companies provide their artists with the best resources. I don’t expect you to do that for me. I just don’t want you to interfere. And there’s one more thing: do not tie Amber into any of my work.”
Mia frowned. She honestly didn’t believe Emma was capable of being successful. These demands wouldn’t get her anywhere. Once Amber was popular again, Mia wouldn’t have any trouble coming up with a scheme to get rid of Emma. But for now, this was the best way to move forward, especially since Secret had already made their decision. At least Mia could get Amber a share of the stage. “You’ve got a deal.”
