The Alpha's Contracted Mate

Chapter 10 The Flight to Ravenwood

"It seems so," Berg, Matthew's assistant replied, his head down.

Matthew scoffed lightly, "Seems?"

"Yes," the assistant affirmed, feeling a pang of sympathy for his boss. Matthew's own mate had thrown dirt on him to protect an unknown trainee's reputation.

Matthew raised his hand to scratch his brow, a faint smile playing in his eyes.

Marcus interjected, "Mr. Matthew, now that special guest Ms. Sarah has been removed from the annual meeting, and all other slots for big stars are full, this..."

Interrupting Marcus, Matthew turned his head and looked at him, "All other slots for big stars are full?"

Marcus let out a dry laugh, unable to articulate a response.

In reality, it wasn't that all the slots were full. Everyone knew about Sarah's relationship with Matthew and dared not take her place.

Sarah had been replaced by Isabelle, known as the semi-adopted daughter of the Ace family. Sarah wouldn't dare to upset Isabelle, but anyone who dared to take her spot would face future trouble.

Marcus didn't disclose the truth, but Matthew, well-versed in the ways of the entertainment industry, understood the situation.

Matthew leaned back in his chair without a word. After a brief pause, he spoke with a teasing smile, "Why are you asking me if you can't invite anyone? Go ask Ms. Morgan!"

Marcus remained speechless, caught off guard by Mathew's response.

The assistant standing beside Matthew couldn't help but express his disapproval, "Mr. Matthew, you are blatantly using your power for personal revenge!"

Matthew, indeed, was using his power for personal revenge. Isabelle instantly recognized this when she heard Marcus's words.

Marcus, the planning department manager in Ace Media Company, was a middle-aged man with a receding hairline and a slightly overweight build.

He had a round face with a friendly smile that often betrayed his nervousness in challenging situations. His eyes, framed by a pair of rectangular glasses, reflected a mix of apprehension and determination.

Dressing with meticulousness, Marcus often donned well-tailored suits in shades of navy blue or charcoal gray. His shirts were crisp and neatly pressed, and he took care to match them with coordinating ties that added a touch of sophistication to his appearance.

His attention to detail in his attire mirrored his commitment to his work, always striving to present himself professionally.

Marcus was known for his diligent work ethic and dedication to his responsibilities which made Matthew always kept him close. He possessed a calm and collected demeanor most of the time, making him approachable to his colleagues.

However, he had a tendency to become flustered or caught off guard when faced with unexpected challenges or when tasked with delicate matters. Despite his occasional moments of unease, Marcus was known to be a reliable and trustworthy individual who took his role seriously.

He often aimed to please and maintain a harmonious work environment, which sometimes led him to navigate delicate situations with caution. Marcus was seen as someone who valued his colleagues' respect and would go the extra mile to salvage his own pride or the reputation of the company.

However, he also had a tendency to hesitate or falter when faced with making tough decisions, seeking guidance from superiors or those he admired within the organization.

Marcus was a conscientious and well-intentioned individual, driven by a desire to excel in his role and maintain positive relationships with his peers. He always tries as much as he can to be on everyone's good side.

After leaving the conference room, Marcus hurriedly made his way to Isabelle's office. He wore an embarrassed smile, with a thin layer of sweat on his forehead, and said, "Ms. Morgan, I really had no other choice. Mr. Matthew said I should ask you."

Isabelle looked up from a stack of documents, her expression indifferent. "And what if I say I can't do anything about it?"

Marcus's smile froze, and he stammered, "Uh, no... you can't, right...?"

Maintaining her composed demeanor, Isabelle lowered her eyes and continued browsing the documents. "I'll give you an answer in three days."

Marcus sighed with relief and quickly flattered her, "Ms. Morgan, I knew you'd find a way. Besides Mr. Matthew, you are the person I respect the most in Ace Media Company. You..."

As Marcus rambled on, Isabelle raised an eyelid and glanced at him, giving a clear hint for him to leave. "Remember to close the door on your way out."

Embarrassed, Marcus finally understood and left Isabelle's office, salvaging some of his pride.

Once Marcus was gone, Isabelle's young assistant, Lindsay, entered the office.

Lindsay had an understated yet distinctive presence. Her appearance was marked by a natural elegance, with chestnut brown hair cascading in loose waves around her shoulders.

Her almond-shaped eyes, a warm shade of hazel, sparkled with curiosity and enthusiasm, reflecting her youthful spirit. Lindsay's slender frame and graceful posture added a touch of gracefulness to her overall demeanor.

She also had a penchant for contemporary fashion with a hint of sophistication. She often opted for tailored blouses and pencil skirts, combining classic pieces with modern trends.

Her outfits were tasteful, showcasing her attention to detail and her ability to effortlessly blend professionalism with a hint of personal style. Lindsay's choice of subtle accessories, such as delicate earrings or a statement necklace, added a finishing touch to her polished look.

Beyond her appearance, Lindsay's character shone through in her work ethic and personality. She approached her tasks with unwavering dedication, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and reliability. .

Lindsay was known for her exceptional organizational skills, keeping things running smoothly amidst the fast-paced nature of the media industry. Her ability to multitask and prioritize effectively made her an invaluable asset to the company.

However, it was Lindsay's warm and approachable nature that truly endeared her to her colleagues. She had a natural talent for fostering positive relationships, making others feel comfortable and heard in her presence.

With her friendly and compassionate demeanor, Lindsay was always willing to lend a helping hand or provide a sympathetic ear when needed. Her genuine kindness and optimism created a harmonious atmosphere, making her a cherished member of the team.

Lindsay's youthful energy and unwavering dedication to her work made her a reliable and trusted assistant to Isabelle, and her innate ability to connect with others brought a sense of camaraderie to the office.

Whether collaborating on projects or offering a supportive word, Lindsay's presence had a way of brightening the work environment and leaving a lasting impression on those around her.

However her only flaw was that she lacks patience. Having overheard Marcus's conversation, Lindsay felt indignant on Isabelle's behalf. "Ms. Morgan, why did you agree to him? It's his job to find stars."

Isabelle didn't engage in the conversation, seemingly lost in thought. After a few seconds, she spoke, "Book a ticket to Ravenwood for me."

Perplexed, Lindsay asked, "What are you going to Ravenwood for?"

Isabelle responded, "I recall Hugh is settled in Ravenwood, right?"

Understanding Isabelle's intention, Lindsay questioned, "Are you planning to ask Hugh to come out of retirement?"

Isabelle nodded slightly, "It seems to be the only option right now."

Lindsay muttered under her breath, "If we knew it would be such a hassle, we might as well not have replaced Sarah."

Isabelle calmly stated, "Even if it's a hassle, we must make the change. Some sharpness should not be encouraged."

Lindsay, who had worked with Isabelle for two years, understood her character. Isabelle may appear cold, but she was easy to get along with outside of work.

Realizing it was better not to say anything more, Lindsay took out her phone and booked a ticket for Isabelle.

"Can I book it for two and a half hours from now?"

Isabelle glanced at her wristwatch, "That's fine."

Half an hour later, Isabelle and Lindsay arrived at the airport. Lindsay carried a suitcase with a few changes of clothes, while Isabelle focused on checking her email on a tablet.

The email contained an investigation into Hugh, the former famous artist in the entertainment industry, including his daily preferences and lifestyle.

As they lined up for the security check, Lindsay tugged on Isabelle's sleeve, drawing her attention. Lindsay nodded in the direction of the VIP security check, where Matthew and his assistant Berg stood.

Surprised, Lindsay murmured, "Mr. Matthew is on a business trip!"

Isabelle glanced over and then returned to her email, showing indifference. "Hugh lives in a remote location in the suburbs. It might be challenging to find a hotel. We should book in advance."

Aware that Isabelle was not one for gossip, Lindsay responded with a disappointed tone, "Oh."

On the other side, Matthew stood there with a cigarette in his mouth while Berg talked to him. "Mr. Matthew, Ms. Sarah just posted a vague tweet. It's quite ambiguous."

Matthew took the cigarette from his lips and extinguished it, his lazy smile betraying nothing of his true feelings. "What did she post?"

Berg replied, "I love you, a secret that can't be spoken."

Matthew narrowed his eyes, finding it rather poetic. "Quite poetic."

Berg suggested, "Should we ask Ms. Sarah's manager to have her delete the tweet?"

Matthew's smile grew wider as he glanced at Isabelle, who was nearby. "Why should it be deleted?"

Berg stole a glance at Isabelle and hesitated, "If... Isabelle sees it..."

Matthew's smirk deepened, "Do you think she would care?"

Berg, unsure, responded, "No, she wouldn't."

Amused, Matthew challenged, "She wouldn't?"

The assistant had never understood how Matthew ended up marrying Isabelle. He remembered one morning when Matthew had asked him to deliver a set of women's clothes. Assuming Matthew had slept with a female star, the assistant was surprised to find Isabelle in a bathrobe, her face filled with stoicism.

That scene was etched into the assistant's memory. Matthew, bare-chested and covered in scratch marks, handed the clothes to Isabelle.

With a rogue smile, Matthew looked down at her and said, "If you're throwing yourself at me and I don't take advantage, wouldn't that make me worse than a beast?"

Later, the situation grew chaotic when some unsavory characters from the Ace family arrived with Matthew's grandfather. Shocked and angry, Matthew's grandfather forced the two to get married.

Time pressed on, and after the security check, they began lining up for boarding.

As Isabelle contemplated Hugh's information, Lindsay waved hello to Berg.

Berg, taken aback, nodded slightly and followed Matthew onto the plane through the VIP entrance.

Surprised, Lindsay said, "Ms. Morgan, Mr. Matthew is also on this flight."

Isabelle finally reacted, glancing at the VIP entrance but only catching a glimpse of Berg's back.

Once on the plane, Isabelle closed her tablet and closed her eyes to rest, preparing for the challenging battle ahead.

Everyone knew that Hugh had not been in the public eye for a long time, and it was rumored that the last media company that tried to coax him out was publicly criticized by Hugh on Twitter.

The rumor surrounding Hugh's retreat from the public eye was shrouded in mystery and speculation, but one particular event stood out in the gossip mill. It was whispered among industry insiders that a well-known media company had made a bold attempt to coax Hugh out of his self-imposed exile.

In an effort to bring Hugh back into the limelight, the media company had organized an elaborate press conference, complete with flashing cameras and eager journalists. The event was meticulously planned, aiming to create a buzz and reignite Hugh's career.

However, as the moment arrived for Hugh to step onto the stage and face the awaiting media, something unexpected happened. Instead of embracing the attention and seizing the opportunity, Hugh shocked everyone by delivering a scathing critique of the media industry itself.

In a passionate and carefully crafted speech, Hugh expressed his disillusionment with the invasive nature of celebrity culture and the exploitation he had experienced in the past. He denounced the media company's tactics as manipulative and accused them of prioritizing profit over artistic integrity.

The speech reverberated through social media platforms, igniting a firestorm of discussion and debate. Hugh's raw and unfiltered criticism struck a chord with many who were tired of the tabloid-driven culture and the relentless pursuit of scandalous headlines.

It seemed that Hugh's retreat from the public eye was not just a result of personal choice, but a deliberate stand against the darker side of the industry.

The media company, taken aback by Hugh's unexpected response, found themselves on the receiving end of public backlash. They were criticized for their insensitivity and disregard for Hugh's personal boundaries.

The incident served as a cautionary tale for other media outlets, reminding them of the importance of respecting an artist's autonomy and creative choices.

From that point on, Hugh's name became synonymous with artistic integrity and the refusal to conform to industry pressures. The event further solidified his enigmatic reputation, making his eventual return to the public eye all the more anticipated and impactful.

The rumor of this particular event spread like wildfire within the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting impression on those who heard it.

It served as a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play within the media world and the consequences of crossing the boundaries of an artist who had chosen to step away from the spotlight.

As Isabelle closed her eyes and contemplated, someone suddenly tapped her on the shoulder.

When Isabelle opened her eyes, she found Berg's face magnified in front of her. "Miss... Isabelle, Mr. Matthew is asking if you want to upgrade your cabin?"

Isabelle responded, "No need, thank you."