[This novel has 75 chapters on Patreon.]
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Behind The Spotlight Chapter 193
The two reached the vending machine. Some staff members who recognized Collin greeted him, and he returned their greetings with a polite nod and a brief smile. Some of the backup dancers were especially interested in him. Collin's reputation in the industry was strong because of his clients' consistent successes. He was now recognized as an influential figure, so these backup dancers hoped that Collin would offer them a contract, or at least remember their faces for the future.
Unfortunately for them, Collin's attention was focused on the woman standing in front of him.
Gabriella was wearing a black, midi-length wrap dress and holding a purse, her posture elegant and composed. Collin admitted that Gabriella was attractive, but because of the industry he worked in, he had grown numb to beautiful yet shallow women.
'The question is, is Gabriella Wallmart a shallow person or not?' He silently evaluated her.
"What do you prefer? There's no alcohol here, it seems," Gabriella said with a slight smile, as if testing how casual he would be.
"Cola." His reply was short and neutral.
"Here you go." She handed him the can.
They opened their drinks, and the sharp hiss of the cans echoed between them.
"You're probably thinking that I'm interested in signing Princess Chantal," Gabriella said, cutting straight to the point.
"Given your actions, yes. I believe you want Princess Chantal to sign a contract with your record label," Collin replied calmly.
"If I say yes, are you going to prevent me from talking to Princess Chantal?"
"I can't force my client to stop talking to anyone. At the end of the day, it's Princess Chantal's decision whether she wants to speak to you. However, I will warn her of your intentions." Collin took a sip of his drink.
He knew how reality worked. He had tried to stop Lawrence from attending parties and had talked to Jennifer about her foul mouth. The decision to change always rested with them, no matter how much advice he gave.
"Then I'll say I'm not interested in signing her. I just want to be her friend. That way, you won't stop me," Gabriella giggled, clearly enjoying the exchange.
Collin looked at her and noticed the playful expression on her face, one that was difficult to read.
"Are you playing with me?" He raised an eyebrow.
"What do you think?"
"It doesn't matter. I'll still warn Princess Chantal."
"Just like you said, that's your decision," Gabriella replied.
"..."
The pause lingered between them.
"You're really an amazing guy. I heard you also handle actors and even a director. Tell me about it. I bet it took a long time and extreme hard work to reach your status. I'm interested in hearing your story." Her voice softened slightly.
"Well," Collin admitted that he felt a hint of pride at her praise, though he tried to suppress it. "It wasn't simple. For Wyatt, the director I signed, I had to find an investor to fund The Accidental Wedding Crashers. At the time, I was nervous and under immense pressure."
He recalled that period. It had been difficult but unforgettable, an experience that shaped him. A faint smile crossed his face. Back then, he had rented a church without air conditioning, and it was torture. He had to manage every expense carefully, calculating every cent.
"Wow, you really worked hard. No wonder you reached your status. No wonder your clients became successful, it's because of you. You should be proud of yourself," Gabriella said, listening intently. Her gaze sparkled, as if she were genuinely interested rather than merely flattering him.
"Proud, huh? I did help manage their careers, but the biggest factor behind my clients' success is their talent. They're talented, I just helped them realize it." His humility was genuine.
"And that's exactly why you're an amazing agent. There are countless talented people in Hollywood, but only a few make it. I blame their agents, the agents failed their clients. But you're different. You trusted your clients. You know how to make them famous. When Axel Gunner was buried in scandal, everyone thought his career was over, but you didn't listen to them. You bet on Axel and rebuilt his career successfully. That takes guts. If you're not talented, then how do you explain that?" Her words flowed smoothly.
Gabriella had researched Collin thoroughly. The more she learned about him, the more convinced she became that he was worth stealing from any competing agency. Her instincts told her that if Collin worked with her, the talent agency she founded with her brother would dominate the entertainment industry without question.
She licked her lips and continued praising him, unwilling to give up.
"You're amazing. Such a great agent." Her enthusiasm seemed sincere.
"Nah, I'm just a normal person. You don't have to flatter me," Collin waved it off.
As the conversation continued, Gabriella gradually realized that her charm wasn't working, which irritated her internally.
'Something's wrong... No matter how much I praise him or talk to him, it feels like he's guarding himself even more. That's strange. Usually, people open up to me and start telling their stories. But Collin is different. His answers are superficial. I feel like he doesn't trust me at all. This has only happened once before, with my father.' She hid her frown and maintained her smile.
What Gabriella didn't know was that her talent, Master Manipulator, had been active the entire conversation. Collin saw it and remained on guard.
'This woman is dangerous. There were moments when I almost revealed my true emotions. It feels like I'm talking to an old friend I can trust. That's terrifying. If not for my golden vision, I might have fallen for her tricks.' Collin stayed alert.
Fortunately, Collin didn't sense any outright malicious intent from Gabriella, though he wasn't sure whether her talent was influencing his instincts as well.
The conversation continued until Collin excused himself. An assistant needed to discuss Princess Chantal's schedule and upcoming appearances.
"What the heck?" Gabriella tilted her head after he left. Frustrated, she stomped her foot against the floor. She couldn't believe Collin had stayed guarded. Based on her past successes, she had thought this would be easy. She had even timed her visit to coincide with his just to strike up a conversation, yet she failed.
"Should I follow the plan and continue pursuing him?" She gritted her teeth. Her pride couldn't accept failing to recruit what she considered a mere talent agent. With a pout, she glared at Collin's retreating figure, her determination burning even stronger.