My question clearly caught Elaine off guard.
She looked completely lost and immediately turned to Jayden for help.
That reaction was enough. She knew.
Jayden stepped in front of her and frowned. "Why are you picking on a young girl? We're not what you think we are."
I had not even blamed her. Yet somehow, I had become the bad guy.
I gave a small laugh. "We're just ordinary friends. You don't need to explain yourself to me."
I checked the time on my watch.
There was no point staying there any longer.
I turned to walk away.
As I passed Elaine, she quickly grabbed my hand. "Newie, don't be mad..."
I pulled my hand back and said coldly, "Don't call me that."
My name was Grace Newerk. Because we shared the same last name, I had noticed her among the many students who came from poor families. I had chosen to help her.
Now, that familiar name coming from her mouth only made my past kindness feel like a cruel joke.
I gently removed her hand and said, "Next time we meet, don't say hello. Just act like we never knew each other. Wish you luck."
Not sparing them another glance, I walked straight into the private room ahead. The moment I entered, I spotted Zack Parr. The heir of Parr Group who had always kept a low profile.
My first thought was simple. Was Parr Group planning to invest in a modeling agency?
When my boss introduced him as the new model, I thought he was messing with me.
Then, Zack reached out his hand with a smile. "Zack Parr. I'll be in your hands from now on."
My professional instincts kicked in. I carefully studied him. He really was a perfect model candidate.
I had met plenty of handsome men before, but Zack's appearance and figure still stood out.
I stared a little too long. It wasn't until my boss nudged me did I finally come back to my senses.
I reached out and shook Zack's hand. His grip was tight. His palm was warm. There was even a little sweat.
My boss was practically beaming.
"From now on, Zack will be your only..."
Before he could finish, the door opened. Jayden walked in with Elaine.
My boss immediately rushed over to greet them.
In the entertainment world, the one thing one could never afford to offend was money. Those with power and wealth were always treated like kings.
My boss naturally had to fawn over Jayden. After all, he was now one of the most promising young businessmen in the capital.
Jayden wasted no time.
He gently nudged Elaine forward and said, "Mr. Lane, I heard your company is looking for new models. What do you think of her?"
My boss looked Elaine over and quickly nodded. "Of course. No problem."
I silently scoffed. No problem?
Elaine might have a sweet and innocent face, but she was not cut out to be a model. Her height alone was already a deal-breaker.
I kept quiet. This was still my boss's company. As long as I was not the one managing her, it had nothing to do with me.
Lost in thought, I forgot to let go of Zack's hand.
What surprised me was that Zack did not let go either.
Jayden noticed.
His eyes fell on our hands, and his expression immediately darkened.
Then, he pointed at me. "I want her in charge of Elaine."
I was about to refuse. Zack was faster.
"No. Grace is already my manager. She only manages me."
Jayden looked displeased. "Did I ask for your opinion?"
Zack grabbed my hand and walked right up to him. "I didn't ask for yours, either."
Jayden's face turned cold.
The two of them looked at my boss at the same time.
My boss looked back at me helplessly, clearly hoping I could solve the problem.
In the end, Elaine stepped forward. "Jay, if Newie isn't interested, then forget it. I can work with another manager."
Jayden stared at me silently.
After a long pause, he finally agreed.
I lowered my gaze. Was he unhappy because he cared about Elaine? Was he angry about this arrangement?
I did not know.
After they left, Zack quickly released my hand.
He gave an embarrassed smile. "Sorry. I really didn't mean anything by it. I just couldn't stand watching that jerk and the other woman act so proud."
I stared at him in surprise. "How did you know?"
He shrugged. "I was going to the bathroom and happened to walk past. I wasn't trying to eavesdrop on you two."