Spring's Caprice A Tale of Love and Fame

Chapter 3

Sophie Reed was almost hidden behind a mountain of merchandise she was carrying. Except for the tiny slits on the sides, she was practically invisible from the front. As she cautiously stepped back to give space, Kevin Strong, standing in front of Carter Blake, couldn't catch a glimpse of her face.

The moment Carter initiated the conversation, Kevin was visibly startled. "Carter, do you know this lady?" Kevin glanced instinctively at the slender legs visible beneath the pile, a mix of curiosity and confusion in his tone.

"Uh-huh," Carter responded nonchalantly, causing Sophie's expression to freeze momentarily.

Just a month ago, she had gone to great lengths to convince Kevin that she wasn't one of Carter's overzealous fans or remotely interested in Carter's contractual disputes. Being caught red-handed with a trove of Carter Blake memorabilia would make her denial seem like the ultimate hypocrisy. The thought of enduring Kevin's incessant nagging made Sophie wish she could just disappear along with these two nuisances.

As Carter's fingers gently played with a doll from the top of the pile, his chuckle echoed subtly in the confined space of the elevator. Leaning back casually, he remarked in a voice as relaxed as sunlight scattered through leaves, "Met her before, just staff."

"Huh, but all these items," Kevin leaned in closer to inspect the box, "they look a lot like your album merch..."

Sophie's grip on the box tightened imperceptibly at the mention, the bracelets on her wrist catching the elevator light, casting a soft shimmer. She remained silent, her eyes fixed on the ground.

Carter's gaze lingered for a moment before he casually shifted his attention back to Kevin, giving him a nudge with his chin in a signal to back off.

Kevin, puzzled by the sudden gesture, started to object but swallowed his words when he caught the cool, almost amused glance from Carter. "Step back a bit," Carter advised with unaffected ease, "You're invading her space."

Kevin was at a loss, his feelings of indignation and confusion mingling in his wide-eyed stare.

Carter paid him no mind.

After Carter and his manager left the elevator, Sophie finally relaxed. Watching Carter's tall figure disappear into the closing elevator doors, Sophie wondered if he had recognized her. But it didn't matter to her—so long as his overprotective manager didn't bother her again.

"Why are you just getting here?" Sophie, burdened with a heavy box, was greeted by a complaint as soon as she entered Vivian Hart's dressing room. An assistant, whose name Sophie couldn't recall, gestured for her to place the box on a nearby table. "The charity event starts in thirty minutes, and Vivian still needs to pick out albums and merchandise for Carter Blake to sign. You cutting it close."

"I'm not capable, you are," Sophie retorted dryly, massaging her wrist, devoid of any emotion. "Why don't you do it?"

The assistant, taken aback by Sophie's lackluster gaze, muttered under their breath before knocking on the inner door.

Vivian Hart, fully made up and ready, hurried out, not sparing Sophie a glance as she headed straight for the box. After some deliberation over the merchandise, which all looked the same to Sophie, Vivian finally asked her assistant, "Should I take the fourth or fifth anniversary edition? Which one do you think he'd like more?"

"I think they're both great."

"Sigh, I have to choose one," Vivian pondered, then turned to Sophie, who seemed lost in thought. "Which one do you think?"

Sophie glanced briefly at a doll that Vivian had been holding, thinking its white fur seemed somewhat vain. "The left one."

"Then I'll take the right," Vivian declared triumphantly, discarding the other back into the box. "Let's head to his dressing room. After that, we'll go directly to the gala."

The assistant, visibly excited, asked, "Can I come too? I've never seen Carter Blake up close."

"Hard to say if you'll even get a glimpse," Vivian frowned, "His manager is practically paranoid. Getting to meet him is like trying to reach the heavens."

"I heard Carter Blake is especially aloof, not keen on mingling with people from the industry," the assistant pondered quietly.

"That's nonsense. Our Carter is definitely approachable."

Sophie, gazing out the window at the evening sky, yawned lazily. Approachable, indeed. Some fans' delusions are as good as being blind!

As Vivian Hart left, she caught a glimpse of Sophie Reed leaning lazily against a corner. Sophie's slender legs were flexed beneath her dungarees, and her simple white tee shirt dipped slightly at the waist, highlighting an effortlessly captivating beauty. "Sophie Reed, you don’t need to come. Just grab your bag and wait for me outside the gala hall later," Vivian decided abruptly, her expression souring at a thought.

Sophie, mid-yawn, was surprised to find an easy escape from a situation she was dreading. Luck was a rare visitor in her life, yet here it was, making a timely entrance. "Alright," she agreed quickly, seizing the moment without hesitation.

She headed to the room to collect her bag, the sunset casting a brilliant glow through the window, filling the room with dazzling light. Meanwhile, Kevin Strong sighed in frustration, "Seriously, reconsider. The company won’t budge, and with less than half a year to a peaceful contract termination, why endure such loss?"

"There’s nothing to consider," Carter Blake replied, his tone indifferent, lounging back. "The anniversary single must be my own work; they can't touch it."

"But you’ve been struggling with inspiration, dissatisfied with your creations. The company isn’t asking for a full takeover, just a section to be handled by their international team. They’re professionals, discreet..."

"Then I won’t write at all," Carter interrupted, his disinterest evident. His eyes, previously shut, now open, glinted with a cold detachment under the shadow of his hair, as if icy edges were blooming into flame.

Kevin knew better than to push further. Carter’s tolerance had its limits, and his pride was unyielding. Kevin doubted he'd live to see anyone change that.

"Carter, your arrogance is bound to get you into trouble," Kevin muttered, increasingly agitated by the thought.

Carter chuckled softly. "Perhaps, but I'm still handling my single."

Kevin sighed deeply. "The company's offering an unprecedented investment for your final anniversary album under contract. If you bail now, they'll replace it with something equally demanding—either a major variety show or one of those idol dramas that have been queuing up from our door to West Second Street. Don't regret it later."

Carter frowned slightly at Kevin's words.

Noticing this, Kevin scoffed, "What, now you remember how terrifying your fanbase can be?"

Carter seemed unfazed, relaxing back into his chair. "No PR stunts, no kissing scenes."

"As if the company's doing charity work. Your forced termination is like a courtesan's exclusive night, once in a lifetime. They'll surely cash in on that—if the script lacks a sensational kissing scene, I'll change my name.

After sending a fiercely typed message, Kevin felt somewhat relieved. "Alright, if it comes to it, we'll use a body double for close shots. The production team wouldn't want to be cremated by your female fans."

Before Carter could respond, someone knocked on the door.

"Come in," Kevin called.

A head peeked in. "Kevin, Miss Vivian Hart is outside, wishing to meet her idol."

Kevin knew it was pointless to ask but turned to Carter anyway. "Will you see her?"

"Who?"

"Vivian Hart," Kevin added, remembering Carter's indifference to the entertainment circle, "The hot new star from Celestial Media. Her father is the CEO of HL Group—one of the most powerful figures in the industry."

"Not interested," Carter replied crisply.

Kevin doubted Carter had absorbed a word of what he'd said.

Turning back, Kevin instructed, "Tell her Mr. Black is unwell and to please leave."

"Alright."

"Wait," Kevin hesitated, "Did she say it was for business or personal reasons? If it's business, I should probably show my face."

"Miss Hart's assistant brought some albums and merch, apparently for signing."

"Oh, then never mind—do as I said."

"Let them in," came a laid-back voice from behind.

Kevin spun around in disbelief. "Let them in? That's a female artist. Have you lost your mind?"

"I'm bored," Carter tapped lightly on the chair, "Might as well check out the albums and merch."

Kevin was baffled.

The albums and merchandise wouldn't change.

But the people bringing them could.

Without the presence of the anticipated gloomy girl, Carter found himself even more disinterested, sparing not even a glance.

The icy demeanor of their top idol was evident, and Kevin couldn't bear to witness it. After the signing, to spare the popular actress any further discomfort in the chill of this man-made icebox, he escorted her out, citing the earlier excuse of feeling unwell.

Not only did this not end well, but it seemed he even received a cold stare for his troubles.

Walking back, Kevin pondered over the incident, finally realizing something amiss. "Those merch Vivian Hart brought, why did they look familiar?" Kevin asked as he closed the door, probing.

Carter Blake didn't even look up. "Probably because you just saw them in the elevator a while ago."

Kevin was shocked. "That box in the elevator?"

"Yes." "So, the girl you said you had seen in the elevator, she's with Vivian Hart?"

"Seems like it."

Kevin was too startled by his conjecture to notice the strangeness of Carter's "seems." His expression twisted in shock. "How have you come across Vivian Hart's personal assistant? Don't tell me you and her—"

"?"

Carter Blake, finally catching on to something, slightly frowned and chuckled under his breath, tossing off his blanket and turning with a tuft of white hair showing.

"What are you imagining?"