Chapter 4

I looked at Julia practically begging me and said, pitifully, "So you do know Charles and I built this company from scratch. I already handed it over to you both. What else do you want from me?"

Seeing how pitiful I looked, Julia lowered her voice, trying to sound gentle. "Claire, Charles already gave you the house, the car, and 10 million dollars in savings. We're not asking for much—just 3 million dollars. You and the baby can keep the rest."

I stared at her. I couldn't help but wonder how she managed to say that with a straight face.

I sighed. "Ms. Bennett, when the company was preparing to go public, it was valued at 100 million dollars. What I got doesn't even come close to that."

I paused before adding, "I know you studied musical theater overseas. Charles told me he started the whole company to help make your dream come true. That's why I didn't fight him over it.

"I just handed Jules Media over after working myself to the bone for four years. But listening to you now, is there something wrong with the company?"

Julia hesitated for a second, then said slowly, "You know how expensive it is to keep a company running. Since Charles is your son's father, you really should help him out."

As she spoke, she pulled a slip of paper from her pocket. "Here's the account number. Just transfer the money here."

Of course, Julia didn't come unprepared. She already had the account details ready.

And who knew if this money was really for the company, or just going straight into her own pocket?

I looked at her for a long moment before sighing again. "Honestly, I'd love to help you both, but there's a problem. All my money's tied up in a trust right now, so I don't have any cash on hand."

Then, with a look of genuine regret, I added, "I've only got about 15 thousand dollars left. If you need it urgently, I can lend it to you. Really, take your time paying me back."

Julia's eyes went wide, completely thrown. "Claire, seriously? You can't be for real."

I gave her a calm, reassuring smile. "It's not that I don't want to help. I'm really doing everything I can. Like when you asked me to donate blood, I dropped everything and came straight here. Whenever there's a way I can help, I will."

But when she saw that I wasn't budging, Julia's face darkened fast. She let out a sharp laugh. "Claire, drop the act. If you don't want to give us the money, just say so. Stop pretending to be so generous."

Julia really couldn't hide her true colors.

I reached into my bag and took out a business card. "This is a financing firm. They invested in Jules Media when we were just starting out. You might want to reach out to them."

Julia's eyes flickered as she took the card. "You're willing to help us?"

"Of course," I replied.

"You... don't hate me?"

"Everyone deserves a chance to go after what makes them happy," I replied gently. "Charles loves you, and letting go was the right thing for all three of us. Don't you agree?"

After a short pause, I added, "Honestly, Charles doesn't look great. You should schedule a full medical check-up for him and get everything tested properly."

With that, I turned and walked out of the hospital. Outside, I tossed Julia's account number straight into the nearest trash can, then pulled out an alcohol wipe and cleaned my hands.

She'd actually asked if I hated her.

Why would I even bother?

Her beloved Charles was already on his last legs.

And honestly, I couldn't care less.

With my mom and the nanny helping take care of the baby as he grew, I finally had time to focus on rebuilding my career.

Lately, the artists I used to manage had been complaining nonstop in our group chat.

[Claire, Jules Media is a total mess right now. That new girl, Julia, studied musical theater abroad. She has no clue how to run a company, but Mr. Sterling just listens to her.]

[The budget's really tight right now. We're kissing ass just to get a guest spot on a reality show. There was a company ready to invest, but after Julia handled the meetings, the whole deal just fell apart for no reason.]

[Yeah. At this rate, we're doomed. I've already lost two endorsement deals.]

At this point, their five-year contracts with Jules Media were about to expire.

I grinned and texted, half-joking: [So if I start my own agency and take you all with me, who's in?]

The replies quickly poured in: [I'm in!]

[Me too!]

[Claire, I've been waiting for this day!]

I smiled to myself. These kids were finally making names for themselves. If they stayed at Jules Media, they'd only be held back.

This time, I named the company after myself—EvansOne Media.

As soon as the contracts ended, all of them posted farewell statements to Jules Media at the same time. The news blew up instantly, going viral within hours.

I was in my newly rented office, reviewing contracts with my artists, when my phone rang. The number wasn't saved, but I already knew who it was.

I hesitated, then picked up on the third call.

It was Julia. "Claire, was this really necessary? Fine, you don't want to help me and Charles, but did you have to steal all our artists?"

I shot back, "What are you talking about?"

"Drop the act, Claire. That investor you introduced? You sent him just to mess with me, didn't you? He came in demanding equity right off the bat. Did you really think I wouldn't see through it?" she questioned.

Her voice rose with anger. "And now you've taken every last one of our artists. I never thought you'd stoop this low. Honestly, I can't even figure out what Charles ever saw in you."

I stayed calm. "Ms. Bennett, I personally handpicked and mentored every one of those artists. This business moves fast. People can't afford to waste their prime years. From what I hear, Jules Media isn't doing too well these days, is it?"

Julia shouted even louder, "That's because Charles gave you everything in the divorce!"

I chuckled. "He wanted his first love so badly—the pure, perfect romance he just had to chase. He gave up his wife, his kid, and everything else for that. So whatever's happening now? He earned it.

"We're done here. If there's anything left to discuss, it sure isn't with you." Then I hung up.

Thinking back, it had been a while since I last saw Charles. I couldn't help but wonder how his health was holding up. Judging by Julia's tone, it was clear she'd ignored my advice. I'd bet she never even bothered to schedule that check-up.