Chapter 59

Chapter 59

Even Madelyn and her agent could hear the gap in talent. Madelyn simply couldn’t hold at candle to Annika.

After a long silence, the agent sheepishly turned off the music and made a feeble attempt to save face. “She can’t even do a proper riff, sounds so raw and untrained. I can’t fathom what those online fans see in her.”

“Yeah, it does sound pretty raw,” Natalie chimed in with a smile to ease the tension. “No need to get worked up over a cover artist. Maybe they’re just doing it for fun.”

Madelyn’s expression soured even more at Natalie’s words.

Someone casually outperforming her, a professional, was a sharp slap in the face.

The agent wanted to keep talking, but Madelyn cut her off, “Lily, could you step out for a bit? I need a moment alone with Natalie.”

She had to stop Lily before she embarrassed her further. Compared to Rosie, this new agent. Lily, was hopelessly inept!

Natalie’s makeup was nearly done. When Madelyn’s people left, Natalie turned to her makeup artists and said, “Go check out how Rosie’s doing with the wardrobe selections.”

A minute later, only Madelyn and Natalie remained in the room. Madelyn sat in silence for a moment, then rose and pulled a slim pack of cigarettes from her purse. She walked over to the window with practiced ease.

Just as she was about to light up, she glanced back at Natalie. “Do you mind it?”

“Go ahead,” Natalie replied nonchalantly.

Madelyn lit her cigarette and took a drag, staring at the tiny ember at the end, lost in thought.

Not until the cigarette was nearly finished did she turn back to Natalie. “I thought you were never coming back.”

“I thought the same that I’d never return in this lifetime,” Natalie said calmly.

“So you wanted to sever ties with everyone, act like you didn’t know us?” Madelyn curled her lips into a half–smile.

Natalie met her gaze, paused for a few seconds, and then said, “My grandpa is not doing well. I’m back for his final days.”

“How long did you sign with Gavin?” Madelyn asked softly.

That was always Madelyn’s style, sharp and getting straight to the point.

“Just a one–off contract for a movie,” Natalie replied with a smile.

“Oh…” Madelyn fell silent again.

11-25

Chapter 59

Sometimes a few simple words were all it took to understand someone’s intentions. No need for superfluous chatter.

Natalie knew Madelyn had a thing for Brian ever since the first time she saw her at a Howard family. Madelyn was probably worried Natalie might decide to stay for good this time.

But Madelyn should also know how much Brian despised her.

“By the way, do you know what’s the deal with the agent Gavin got for you?” Madelyn, after finishing her cigarette and flicking the butt away, asked another question.

“I don’t.” Natalie replied honestly.

But anything from Gavin was bound to be top–notch. After all, the agent used to be Madelyn’s, so she couldn’t be bad.

Madelyn laughed, “Sometimes, I can’t tell if you’re playing dumb or if you’re that

straightforward. Rosie is Gavin’s cousin. Gavin’s aunt, a top–notch agent in the industry, has stepped back in recent years and passed all her resources to her daughter, Rosie. As for Rosie’s background, well, it’s not just me who’s aware of that.”