Reclaiming Her Heart
Chapter 819 Revealing Her Ambition

Raymond wrapped up his painting, slapped a frame on it, and set it aside to dry.

All that crazy emotion from earlier? Mostly gone. He crashed back into bed and slept like a baby this time.

Next morning, Selena bounced out of Ashbourne Manor. She'd already hit up her lawyer to get All Star Entertainment to cover Sophia's contract breach fee.

Ronald had nailed Sophia's contract, so the lawyer didn't have to break a sweat. But Rachel? Man, she was fuming. Losing another hot actress to Selena was the last straw.

At some fancy lunch, she bumped into Aria, who slid over for a chat. "Ms. Dorie, heard about the drama at All Star Entertainment. Is Selena just messing with you for kicks?" First, Selena snagged the script, then Ronald, and now Sophia. All Star Entertainment was taking hit after hit.

Rachel's face twisted. "You got a plan or something?"

Aria smirked. "Just got back from a gig and got some free time. Thinking about jumping into the entertainment scene. Sophia's new show just started filming, right? If we team up, All Star can push me into Sophia's spot. We trash her rep, and Selena's company takes a nosedive."

Aria sipped her wine, oozing confidence. "I've got the White family backing me. Raymond wouldn't dare touch me. But the Whites aren't in the entertainment biz, so I need you." Rachel's eyes lit up. Her main worry was Raymond.

If Aria was game, she'd be the one going head-to-head with Selena, leaving All Star Entertainment out of the mess. Rachel could stay in the clear.

Rachel had been itching to take down Selena but never had the chance! Now, with Aria ready to take the fall, she jumped at it. "Ms. White, can't wait to work together. Don't sweat it, All Star's got plenty of resources. I'll hit up the production team and get you a key role, one with scenes with Sophia."

Aria had done her homework and had even bigger fish backing her.

This was all about her ambition and helping a friend. And that friend? Could open up a world of perks for her.

Aria's grin widened. This time, she was dead set on taking Selena and her company down for good.

Meanwhile, Selena had no clue she was in the crosshairs. She was chilling in her office when the lawyer and Sophia strolled in.

A cool $200,000 breach of contract fee had been paid in one shot, and now Sophia was officially part of S.M Corporation. Selena had someone show the lawyer out and handle the legal fees. Then she turned her attention to Sophia standing there.

Sophia was buzzing with excitement, totally oblivious to her newbie status. She glanced around the office and finally blurted out, "All Star Entertainment might exploit its artists, but at least the place looks nice. Your company? Not so much." Just as she finished, the office door swung open, and in walked Ronald. "Sophia, you can't talk to Ms. Fair like that. Apologize."

Ronald was all about the rules, always playing it straight. His gold-rimmed glasses gave him a mature vibe, and he was built like a tank, making a strong impression as soon as he entered.

Sophia's eyes welled up the moment she saw him. "Ronald!"

Ronald's face turned serious. "Call me Uncle Ronald. That's what you used to call me."

Sophia rolled her eyes.

Yeah, she used to call him Uncle Ronald, but now it was just Ronald.

The name change was a power move, but Ronald's stance was clear.

Sophia straightened up and apologized to Selena, "Sorry, Ms. Fair. Don't mind what I said. Just me talking nonsense."

Selena tried not to laugh, pretending to look at the files in her hand.

Sure enough, Ronald started lecturing her again. "Who taught you to speak like that, young lady?"

His tone was stern, pushing his glasses up his nose like a strict professor.

Sophia turned her head away, her tone light. "Ronald, it's because no one taught me that I'm like this. Why are you so mad? Ms. Fair didn't even get upset."

That "no one taught me" line was a dagger, cutting deep into both Sophia and Ronald.

Sensing the tension, Selena quickly looked up. "Forget it, it's no big deal. I actually like Sophia's spunk. I'll have Ann set her up with a manager later." Ronald stayed silent, clearly stung by her words. But Sophia acted like she hadn't said anything heavy.

"Ms. Fair, thank you! You're the best!"