Chapter 33
The moment Yvonne stepped into TR Entertainment's headquarters, she sent a polite message to the HR representative who had contacted her, ready to begin the onboarding process.
This job may have been tied to Julian's demands, but no one here knew she was his wife. She had no intention of pulling strings or using shortcuts; she wanted to go through the same channels as any other new hire.
The reply told her to wait for a few minutes. But instead of the HR staff, someone else arrived to meet her.
From across the lobby, a man in a tailored suit strode forward,surrounded by assistants and staff. His rimless glasses framed a smiling face that carried the polished charm of a seasoned executive.
Stopping in front of her,he extended his hand warmly."You must be our new director, Ms. Yvonne Ellis,correct? Brock Fuller, General Manager of TR Entertainment. A pleasure to finally meet you."
Caught off guard, Yvonne blinked but quickly recovered, shaking his hand. "It's an honor, Mr. Fuller." Still, confusion twisted inside her. First days usually began with paperwork and HR briefings-not a personal welcome from the general manager himself.
Brock's enthusiasm didn't falter. His gaze lingered on her with a spark of admiration as he turned to those behind him. "Take a good look at Ms. Ellis. Beauty and talent combined. I can already see her future filled with accolades and blockbuster hits. TR Entertainment truly struck gold in bringing her on board."
The staff echoed their agreement, nodding and murmuring praises. Yvonne's skin prickled with discomfort. The praise felt too heavy, too rehearsed.She wanted to shrink into her seat and disappear.
Julian's shadow loomed in her thoughts. Had he already spoken to them about her?
While she wrestled with the unease, Brock leaned closer, his tone warm and confident. "I've gone through your resume in detail-it's impressive. As it happens, we're preparing a major project, a blockbuster with a budget over one hundred million. I believe it's a perfect fit for you. Shall I have the script sent over for you to review?"
Yvonne's thoughts tangled into knots. Julian had thrown down an impossible challenge-earn five million on her own. If that was his test, why place a massive project in her lap? Was this his twisted idea of balance, or did Brock truly believe in her abilities?
She couldn't unravel it, but the chance was too good to hesitate over. Her lips curved into a grateful smile as she said warmly, "Thank you so much, Mr. Fuller!"
Brock dismissed her thanks with an easy wave before turning to his aide. "Edwin, show Ms. Ellis the script."
Edwin Happer stepped forward at once, his tone brisk but friendly. "Of course. Ms. Ellis, please come with me."
Still reeling from the unexpected turn, Yvonne followed him out of the lobby.
The moment she was gone, Brock's practiced smile melted,his eyes narrowing with calculation.
One of his assistants, unable to hide his confusion,Leaned closer. "Mr. Fuller, I've read Yvonne's file. Yes,she's well-educated and has won a few minor awards,but she's still relatively green. Is it really worth giving her this kind of spotlight?"
Brock's gaze flicked to the man, his voice deliberately slow. "You don't get it, do you? Do you know who insisted she be recruited here?" The assistant blinked, shaking his head.
"It was Julian," Brock replied, his tone carrying weight. "The head of Powell Group-and our largest investor.He personally put her name forward. Does that sound like a woman we can treat as ordinary?"
The assistant's jaw dropped. "Then... is she an illegitimate daughter of thePowell family?"
Brock slapped the man lightly across the back of the head. "Idiot! When has Julian ever gone out of his way for any woman? She's not some hidden child. She's his wife. The Mrs. Powell the media's been chasing shadows over. And we'd be fools not to curry favor with her."
The assistant rubbed his head sheepishly, still looking bewildered. Just then, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, and his expression shifted in shock.Handing it to Brock, he stammered, "Mr. Fuller... in light of this, do you still think we should keep pleasing Yvonne?"
Brock's eyes dropped to the phone screen, and the color drained from his face. He staggered back a step,so rattled he nearly lost his footing.
Blazing across the display was a bold headline: "Powell Group's CEO Seen at Baby Boutique with His Wife-The Enigmatic Mrs. Powell Finally Unveiled!"
Beneath the headline sat a photograph. The angle cut off most of Julian's features, but his identity was unmistakable. Beside him stood a woman with a gentle smile, her gaze fixed on him with unmistakable tenderness.