Chapter 5
Tobias was out on another business trip - off to Albion again. Typical.
But Lisette wasn't exactly twiddling her thumbs, either. Her schedule this week had been jam-packed.
Up at 7 a. m. sharp every morning, she'd go for a jog with Bryce. By noon, while her dad buried himself in the newspaper in his study, she'd pop in and casually strike up a conversation about politics, throwing in her two cents.
Come afternoon, she and her mom were hitting every major mall and spa in Veridia, swiping cards like pros - budget apparently not a concern.
And nights? Wrapped up in a blanket, snacks in hand, she'd wedge herself between her parents on the couch, chattering away about whatever drama was on TV, bringing back a sense of life to the big, quiet house.
Even the old butler couldn't help chuckling, saying, "Miss Lisette's more clingy than she used to be! The house actually feels alive again."
Lisette just smiled, soaking in every bit of this long-lost warmth.
A whole week of this family 'healing therapy' had started to smooth out that restless unease she'd carried since her second shot at life began.
That morning, just after finishing her light makeup, her phone pinged.
It was a one-line text from Scarlett: [Done. This time Maverick's going down hard — he won't even have his socks left.]
Lisette's lips curled up into a cold smile. Perfect. Step one of the plan-check.
Lisette smoothed her hair back into a sleek low twist, picked up her car keys, and headed straight to the new office, following the location sent by Elliot Jameson, Tobias's assistant.
But the moment she stepped in the door, she was hit with a report so absurd, it nearly made her laugh out loud.
"Wait, what did you say?" Lisette blinked, thinking she must've misheard. "Who just signed, then wants to back out?"
Elliot braced himself. "It's the chairman of Apex Group. He's planning to invest ten million just to get his son signed—then have us terminate the contract for 'poor performance.' Apparently, that's his way of keeping the kid out of the industry."
Lisette was baffled. What was this chairman even trying to pull?
The agency had just launched - hadn't even started poaching talents yet - and already some CEO was throwing money around just to get on the radar? And not because he wanted to make his son a star, but because he wanted to prove he couldn't succeed?
So what now - he had no faith in his kid's talent? Or was he doubting Lisette's skills?
Gold-standard manager - that's the bar Lisette was aiming for. Every artist she signed had to be top-tier, eventual A-listers. That was the goal.
This? This was just a slap in the face, the kind you couldn't ignore.
Lisette didn't hesitate. Let out a soft laugh-icy as ever. "Tell that chairman: we don't do underperformers. If he wants a flop for a son, he should send him to some second-rate agency instead."
"Got it," Elliot said quickly, barely containing his grin. He lived for moments like this - she didn't mess around, and he loved it.
He followed behind Lisette, still giving his report. "Out of the ten novels you picked for film rights, we've locked down eight. The last two are in final negotiations. Some of the directors we reached out to are already in talks.
"Also, the company's new CEO, Mr. Zachary Bennett, has onboarded. He was VP for the North American division at Hastings Group - personally appointed by the boss."
Lisette nodded, clearly approving of Tobias' judgment. "If Tobias picked him, then he must be solid."
Elliot jumped in with a well-timed compliment. "Ma'am, I've read your project plans - they're impressive. If you were the CEO, I think you'd be even more perfect for the role!"
Lisette arched a brow and clapped him on the shoulder like one of the boys.
"Kid, you've got potential—smooth talker and all. But tell me, didn't your boss teach you anything? The higher the title, the bigger the target—and the earlier the death."
She smirked and leaned in, voice dripping with playful sarcasm.
"Just look at Tobias. Only twenty-eight and already hunched over like a corporate corpse. Aside from you—his forever-single assistant—not even a female mosquito dares buzz near him."
She tossed her hair, eyes gleaming.
"Me? I'm in my prime. No way I'm letting paperwork suck the life out of me or going bald from spreadsheets. I'd rather be on set, sipping lattes with hot actors and pretty starlets. Now that's the kind of grind I signed up for."
Elliot was speechless. Not only was she throwing shade at Tobias, but she also casually threw in a personal burn - and he had no defense.
So when Lisette and Zachary stepped aside for a private chat, Elliot quietly dialed up Tobias in Albion to report in.
At the end of the call, Elliot hesitated, replaying Lisette's unimpressed expression in his mind. He added timidly, "Boss, money isn't everything. You're already the richest guy around. Maybe it's time to learn how to be a husband your wife actually enjoys being around."
There was a long two-second pause on the line, followed by Tobias' calm, unreadable voice. "Got a lot of free time lately?"
Elliot broke into a cold sweat. "I'll book the next flight to Albion right now!"
He thought Tobias was going to hang up, but instead, he heard a light instruction: "Book me on a flight to Veridia the day after tomorrow."
Elliot couldn't help but cheer up. "Boss! Are you going to see your wife? Finally! It's about time. Work's important, but so is keeping the spark alive, right?"
Also, maybe... if you stop being such a workaholic, I can finally have a chance at dating too?
Tobias gave a quiet chuckle. "You really don't seem busy."
"Boss, I'm sorry! I'm gonna get to work right now!" And for the first time ever, Elliot hung up on his boss out of pure panic.
Zachary was sharp and efficient - Lisette was more than satisfied with him as the new CEO.
She reported to the talent division as a newcomer, wearing a badge that simply said: Lisette. From now on, the entertainment industry would be her battlefield in the full-scale takedown of Maverick.
Meanwhile, completely unaware he was already in her crosshairs, Maverick sat waiting for Lisette inside a secluded booth at a quiet bistro.
Tap, tap.
A soft knock sounded on the door. Maverick's expression shifted fast, his eyes softening like he just turned into Mr. Nice Guy.
The door cracked open and clicked shut again. Lisette strode in, heels tapping quietly on the floor.
She wore a striking glacier blue wool coat, matching stilettos showing off her delicate white ankles. Her thick curls were tied up in a loose ponytail that swayed a little with each step she took.
She didn't wear much jewelry, just a pair of sapphire drop earrings that caught the light - so pretty it made Maverick glance at her a few seconds longer than he should've.
Though not the Cavendishs' biological daughter, Lisette had been raised in comfort her whole life. That natural grace and effortless elegance wasn't something money alone could teach.
"Kept you waiting?" Lisette asked casually as she took the seat across from him. Her cat-like eyes were half-lidded, carrying a faint trace of tiredness.
Maverick blinked, slightly thrown off. Was it just him, or did she seem... different?
He stared at her for a moment, scanning her from head to toe, but couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Lisette rested her hands on the table and frowned. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"No reason," Maverick said smoothly, gaze retracting as he smiled like nothing was off. He reached into his bag, pulled out a bank card, and slid it across the table. His tone was indulgent. "Here, Lisette. There's five hundred million on it."
A flicker of amusement flashed in Lisette's eyes as she glanced at it. Seriously? Still playing the cautious card? Same card she gave him two years ago when he cried poor setting up his company. Back then she was dumb enough to hand it over without a second thought.
Now he was using her money to try and break up her marriage? What a joke.
Well - saves her the trouble later.
Without batting an eye, Lisette picked up the card and slipped it neatly into her purse. Her clean, no-nonsense move gave Maverick a weird knot in his chest.
Why did it feel like she just settled the score and walked away? Wary by nature, he couldn't help but prod. "Lisette, are you really set on divorcing Tobias?"
"Yeah," she replied, not even interested in making small talk.
"But - " He barely got a word out before Lisette got up, cutting him clean off. "No 'but.' I've made up my mind. Nobody's changing it."
Just like that, she shut him down completely.
Maverick sighed, reaching out like he was trying to pat her on the shoulder in comfort, speaking with a helpless tone, "Don't get worked up. I'm always on your side, okay?"
Lisette sidestepped the gesture, tone icy. "I've got things to do. I'm heading out."
His hand froze in mid-air as the door shut behind her, leaving nothing but the cold. The softness on Maverick's face evaporated completely, replaced by a deep scowl.
He stared at his empty hand, eyes flickering. Something's off.
He immediately whipped out his phone and called his assistant, voice like ice. "Keep close tabs on Lisette. Quietly. Don't let her notice."
