Chapter 14

The deputy GM led the way for Marshall and Daphne, while the GM walked alongside, picking out key points to report to Lisette as they moved through the Phoenix Crest Estate.

"Suite 16's previous tenant, Mr. Song, had to pull out after his company hit a rough patch. We signed the new deal with Everline Properties last week."

"The production team for My Beloved Muse just submitted a request to film on-site - they'll be shooting here for about a week."

As the updates continued, Tobias and Bryce followed along at a leisurely pace behind them.

Out of nowhere, Bryce's thoughts wandered back to a familiar memory.

"Dad gave Lise the whole estate for her eighteenth birthday. Alex and Curtis went on and on about favoritism, but right after that, they showed up towing two massive truckloads of gifts. Those huge ones - four axles in front, eight in the back. Two full trucks. Lise spent an entire month digging through and sorting all of it."

Thinking about her fierce glare while unpacking gifts back then - like she was ready to throw hands with those two - made Bryce quietly chuckle to himself.

Tobias casually asked, "What did you give her?"

He hadn't made much effort before - their relationship had been cold, and he was always on the move, busy with work. When he did visit home, Elliot usually picked out the gifts.

But now, out of the blue, he really wanted to know - what gift could make her truly happy? The kind that would earn a real, genuine smile.

He tilted his head, waiting for Bryce's answer. But Bryce fell silent.

Tobias paused in step. "Too private to say?"

Bryce was lost in the memory of Lise's eighteenth birthday. She was glowing that day - confident, radiant, with that perfect mix of innocent and mature in her smile. Honestly, he'd never seen her look more beautiful.

After some time, he licked his lips and spoke lowly. "It's not that I can't say... it's just, that's a special thing between me and her."

Since he didn't want to share, Tobias didn't push. He just looked ahead at Lisette's back, his gaze softening. "You guys sure raised her well."

Bryce followed his gaze, his tone indulgent. "She's the only daughter in the Cavendish family. Of course we're going to spoil her."

"Yeah. Totally spoiled."

Tobias, usually expressionless, couldn't help but smile a little.

Two vastly different men, both warmed by the same girl, their eyes soft under the winter sun - together, they shielded her from the cold, building a gentle world around her.

Feeling the intense stares behind her, Lisette stopped mid-instruction and turned to glance back. "What are you two whispering about?"

Before either could answer, a figure suddenly darted into view. A teenage boy ran up breathlessly, hands on his knees, panting hard. "You. You over there. Stop right there!"

Tobias and Bryce instinctively stepped in front of her, shielding Lisette.

"Who are you? Why are you after my sister?"

"Talk!"

The two of them were ready to throw down if the kid made a wrong move.

The boy flinched under their pressure, gulped, and hurried to explain. "I'm-uh-I'm Justin Brooks, son of Benjamin Brooks from Apex Group."

Bryce didn't lower his guard. "Never heard of you."

Then, in unison with Tobias, he instructed the staff, "Remove him." One step out of line, and they wouldn't hold back.

"Wait, wait, wait-"

Realizing he'd nearly gotten himself kicked out, Justin quickly turned to Lisette, blurting, "I know you! My dad tried to get me a manager two days ago at VistaSphere - he submitted an application to have you represent me!"

Lisette blinked. "Oh, so that was you!" Lisette suddenly remembered.

That arrogant kid whose dad threw ten million at the company just to boost his washed-up son's career!

Lisette instinctively stepped forward, slipping out from behind Tobias and Bryce, giving the teenager a slow, unhurried once-over. The kid had good looks - great frame too. And those amber eyes? Looked like he wore colored contacts permanently. Unique, for sure.

From a talent agent's perspective, he had potential. With the right push, he could really make it.

But... She still hadn't let go of the whole "ten million" drama.

Crossing her arms, Lisette raised a brow knowingly. "Pretty sure the company already turned your dad down. How'd I end up on your radar? Didn't you guys get that memo?"

She'd said no before, and that was even before she officially joined VistaSphere. Kid's clearly got his timeline messed up.

Justin pulled a face. "We got the notice. But my dad pulled some strings and got a list of your agents. Spent hours grilling over it and picked you. He was planning to contact you soon, but hey - fate, right? We bumped into each other at there."

His amber eyes were practically sparkling. The guy clearly caught the showbiz fever hard.

Lisette didn't want to stir up any issues between him and his father, so she tried to reason gently. "I'm just starting out. If your dad really cares, he'd want someone with a strong track record. Doesn't it feel weird that he went for a rookie like me?"

"Nope."

Justin started listing her good points like he was reciting a shopping list. "You're new, and I'm your first contract. You'll go all out for me, obvious win. Big-shot agents have a long list of stars - they won't have time to babysit me."

Lisette blinked. "That your dad's line?"

"Yep!"

He said it like quoting from the gospel, clearly proud. "Don't you think my dad nailed it? I mean, he made a solid argument."

Lisette froze. This kid's so sincere she almost felt guilty.

Curious, she asked, "So why do you want to break into this industry anyway?"

"I love acting! I want to win Best Actor one day! Make it big internationally, have people all over praising my skills!"

"That's it? No other reason?"

Justin scratched his head, looking genuinely puzzled. "Should there be? Isn't that enough?"

Then he leaned in with a gleam in his eye. "Wait, is this like a test? You know, like a college entrance exam for signing with a manager? Come on, can't you give me a clue? I'm being polite here!"

Lisette laughed out loud, patted his shoulder, and said, "Kid, if you want me to sign you, it's gonna take more than big dreams. I'll give you a six-month trial. Impress me, and we'll talk contract. Cool with that?"

As if he'd been handed a golden ticket, Justin bounced from joy. "Totally! I'm in!"

"Then show up at the office tomorrow."

"Got it!"

Looking like he'd just won the lottery, Justin sprinted off to find his dad, completely forgetting the hot springs.

Lisette watched him go, then turned around just in time to hear Bryce question, "You're actually becoming an agent?"

"Yep! I officially joined VistaSphere three days ago. Guess I'm a rookie no more!" Her eyes shined with excitement, full of hope for what was coming next.

Bryce didn't have the heart to burst her bubble. He glanced over at Tobias, who was calm as ever, then frowned and snapped, "You knew?"

"I did."

"And you still let her go through with it?"

Bryce's face darkened, temper flaring up. "She's been pampered her whole life - wouldn't even lift a box. How's she gonna survive on set running around as an agent?"