Chapter 18

At the café.

Nikita had arranged to meet at her own place. Latisha sat by the window, her gaze fixed on the fading bruise on Nikita's forehead, a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. Clifford had forbidden her from seeing Nikita. If he found out about this, he would be furious.

Thinking she was just nervous about the meeting, Nikita patted her shoulder reassuringly. “Don't worry," she said with a warm smile. “I'll do all the talking."

Latisha managed a faint smile in return. For so many years, she had been completely alone. She had no friends besides Clifford; everyone else had always looked down on her. Nikita's kindness felt just like when Clifford had first burst into her life—a sudden ray of light in her bleak world.

After about ten minutes, a figure hurried in from outside, shaking the rain from his umbrella as he strode toward their table.

Nikita stood to greet him. "Mr. Taylor."

Mr. Taylor appeared to be in his forties. He was short and slender, with black-framed glasses and a friendly, approachable face.

"Ms. Stafford, a pleasure,” he said, gesturing outside. “Ah, Etherea City. Once the rainy season hits, it's just dreary for weeks. Makes getting around such a hassle."

The sun had been out that morning, but by noon, a light drizzle had started, casting a gray mist over everything.

Nikita extended her hand. "Thank you so much for coming all the way out here. Latisha, this is Mr. Taylor, the talent agent from Odyssey Entertainment I told you about."

Latisha quickly stood and gave him a polite nod.

Mr. Taylor's eyes lit up with undisguised admiration as he took her in.

“Please, sit, sit,” he said, waving his hand.

"See, Mr. Taylor? Just like the character concept I sent, right?"

He laughed. “Even better. The artwork doesn't do her justice. Miss Judd is the absolute perfect fit for the role."

Nikita had already explained Latisha's situation, so her inability to speak didn't faze him.

"I have another appointment soon,

so let's get right to it," Mr. Taylor began. "This isn't a traditional commercial; it's a promotional video for our New Year's event. We've always used animation in the past, but when our creative team saw Ms. Judd's photos, they suggested we try a live-action shoot for the first time."

Odyssey Entertainment was a major player in the gaming industry, with two blockbuster titles that were

popular worldwide. However, then et

games were managed by separate, competing divisions within the company. This New Year's event was another contest between them, and Mr. Taylor's team wanted to do something innovative to get an edge. One of their game's characters had a massive and devoted fanbase, so casting the right person was critical.

Latisha's image was a perfect match.

After Mr. Taylor finished his explanation, Nikita glanced at Latisha before turning back to him. "Everything you've described sounds great, Mr. Taylor. Now, what about the compensation?"

He smiled. "Not to worry. We've hired A-list celebrities before, and while Ms. Judd may be new to this, we're making a serious offer. How does this sound?"

He held up one hand, five fingers spread. It could mean fifty thousand or five hundred thousand.

Latisha had no idea and looked to Nikita for help.

Nikita didn't miss a beat. “That's a very generous offer, Mr. Taylor. Five hundred thousand is a respectable rate. Let's not beat around the bush, when can we sign the contract?"

Mr. Taylor let out a hearty laugh.

"Excellent! Ms. Stafford, you're

refreshingly direct. I'll go back, hold a meeting, and have the contract drafted I'll let you know

when ne

ready, and you can both come our offices to finalize everything.

"Sounds good,” Nikita said, standing to shake his hand, sealing the deal.

Latisha stood as well, offering Mr. Taylor a warm, silent goodbye.

Just as he left, her phone buzzed twice. She pulled it out and saw a new message from Clifford.