Chapter 24

"Ms. Stafford, there's no need for this..."

Mr. Taylor wasn't an idiot. The fact that Nikita knew both Yesenia and Clifford meant she was likely from a powerful family herself. The thirty million offer was probably

real.

Nikita pulled Latisha into a chair beside her and crossed her legs. "You all can discuss it. If thirty million isn't enough, I can add more."

Mr. Taylor felt a headache coming on. This was the first time someone throwing money at him had caused him this much stress.

Yesenia shot back, "Fine. I'll match whatever she offers. You act like you're the only one with money."

Nikita gave her a disdainful look. "You have money? Is any of it actually yours?"

"And is your money yours?"

"At least it belongs to my family, the Stafford family," Nikita retorted. "Even if I do nothing, I'm entitled to my share. What about you?"

"You"

Mr. Taylor quickly stepped in. "Ladies, please, let's not argue. How about this? I'll call Mr. Lambert."

"Go ahead. And put it on speaker. We all want to hear this," Nikita demanded, her anger rising. She wanted to see if Clifford would truly side with Yesenia over his own wife.

Mr. Taylor fumbled for his phone. He didn't have Clifford's direct number, so he called his assistant.

After a brief explanation of the situation, the assistant realized this was above his pay grade. When he mentioned Latisha's name, he knew he had to report it to Clifford.

"Mr. Lambert, that's the situation. Your wife and Ms. Winslet are fighting over the same role. What are your instructions?"

Clifford didn't even look up from the document he was reading. "Give it to Yesenia." "I... beg your pardon?"

Clifford finally raised his eyes, glancing at his assistant. "Did you not hear me?" "But your wife..."

Clifford's face hardened, and he cut the assistant off. "I said, give it to Yesenia. Do you not understand?"

The assistant quickly lowered his head. "Understood. I'll handle it right away."

When Mr. Taylor received the call back, he looked at Nikita with an apologetic expression. "Ms. Stafford, we've received word from Mr. Lambert."

Nikita knew from his face what the answer was. "He gave it to her, didn't he? MrTaylor, you're so willing to bow to Clifford Lambert. Does the Stafford family not deserve the same respect?" .net

"This is..."

Mr. Taylor wanted to cry. He deeply regretted ever approving this stupid project Now he was trapped

projectk and a hard place. No

between a

matter who he chose, he would be making a powerful enemy

Latisha lowered her head. It was the outcome she had expected. She could feel Yesenia's triumphant, mocking gaze on her.

Without Clifford on her side, what right did she have to fight Yesenia?

She wanted to leave, but Nikita wouldn't let her. She was determined to see this

through to the end, and Yesenia was just as stubborn.

Mr. Taylor and the producers

huddled together for what felt like an eternity, but they couldn't reach a decision. Finally, they reported the situation to their superiors, who washed their hands of it. The advice they gave was simple: you're going to offend someone either way, so weigh your options and choose the side that will cause the least damage.

The choice was obvious. Nikita alone was no match for Clifford Lambert. Clifford

had given a direct order, whereas Nikita was only representing herself, not the entire Stafford family.

After weighing the pros and cons, Mr. Taylor had no choice but to turn Nikita and Latisha away.

"Ms. Stafford, I am truly sorry. After careful consideration, we have decided to select Ms. Winslet as the spokesperson for this campaign."

Nikita slammed her hand on the table and shot to her feet. "What is the meaning of this? What is Clifford thinking?! Is this how he treats his own wife?"

"Wife? Wh-what? Who is..." Mr. Taylor was stunned. His eyes darted to Latisha. It couldn't be what he was thinking, could it?