Skyler was one to stick to her guns—what was hers, she'd accept without hesitation. What wasn't, she wouldn't covet for a moment more.
"You know you can ask for more," Zavier said, his tone casual as he leaned back in his leather chair.
"Thanks, Mr. Rivera, for the offer, but there are rules here. Just because we know each other, doesn't mean you should cut me the fattest slice of the pie," Skyler replied, her voice firm yet polite.
"I'm not offering you a better deal because we're acquainted. It's because I truly admire your work," Zavier insisted, his eyes meeting hers across the desk.b2
Hearing his genuine respect for her art, Skyler's face broke into a warm, sincere smile. "I appreciate your kind words about my work, Mr. Rivera. But honestly, I'm more than happy with what the company has offered me."
"Idiot!" Zavier blurted out.
Her lyrics and melodies were worth their weight in gold, far more than his initial offer. She could easily demand a higher bounty, yet there she was, stubbornly settling for less. If that wasn't foolish, what was?
Skyler remained silent, caught off-guard by his outburst.
"Since you have no objections, Tina will take you to sign the contract. After the contract is signed, we will make the initial payment. The remaining balance will be paid once you cooperate with us in producing the song and after it is released." Zavier explained, returning to business.
"Got it," Skyler nodded.
"Tina, you'll be coordinating with Skyler from here on out," Zavier instructed.
"Skyler?" Tina echoed, her brows furrowing slightly.
"Yeah, 'Free' is her," Zavier said, revealing Skyler's alias.
Tina's gaze shifted to Skyler, a realization dawning on her. "Wait, you're not the Skyler—the one the Rivera family picked out as the fiancée, are you?"
But life was unpredictable.
When her messages to Iris went unanswered and the video call was picked up by her mother, Skyler's heart sank. "Skyler, have you got nothing better to do than to call us while you're stuffed and bored?" her mother's voice came through, cold and mechanical, devoid of warmth.
Skyler had bought Iris that phone with her own savings, and the rest of the Blue family wasn't supposed to know about it. The fact that Barbara now had the phone meant something had happened to Iris.
Panic set in, and Skyler couldn't care less about where she was or who was listening. "Where's Iris?"
"She's fine, and you don't need to worry about her," Barbara's voice was as chilly as ever. "Right now, we're taking good care of her. She's living the high life. Just remember why we sent you to the Capital and focus on what you need to do. Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong."
Skyler didn't trust a word Barbara said. "Tell me the truth, what have you done to Iris?"
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