Chapter 13

The paparazzo jumped, nearly dropping his camera.

He turned to see a girl in a mask and a baseball cap, also holding a camera.

"You in the business?" he asked, frowning.

The girl grinned. "Yep. Scoot over, bro. Make some room for me.”

He rarely saw female paparazzi; they were usually obsessive fans. But it was none

of his business. "No way. Find your own spot."

The girl frowned at him. "Don't tell me Hannah hired you, too?"

The paparazzo froze. "What? She hired you? What's her deal, hiring two of us?"

The girl squatted down, her eyes shining. "You got the mall shots yesterday, right? I'm so mad I left early!"

He was even more shocked. "You were there yesterday, too? What is Hannah trying to pull?"

If two different agencies got the shots, it wouldn't be an exclusive, and the value would plummet.

The girl's eyes curved in a smile. "Who cares, as long as we get paid? How much is she giving you today?"

Annoyed, the paparazzo blurted out, "Thirty grand."

That was just the initial payment. The traffic it generated would be worth much

more.

The girl's eyes widened, and then she just said, "Oh."

He noticed her expression and narrowed his eyes. "What's that 'oh' supposed to mean? How much is she paying you?"

The girl smirked. "Definitely more than you. You're not cutting it."

No man liked hearing that. He shot to his feet, indignant. "Hannah told you I'm not cutting it?"

The girl shrugged. "All I know is, my fee is a hundred grand."

The paparazzo felt deeply insulted. Just then, he saw Hannah getting out of her luxury van.

Furious, he stormed towards her.

Marguerite, mission accomplished, pulled out her phone and sent Theobald a message.

[Come to the front door. There's a surprise waiting for you!]

This was a popular, high-end restaurant.

Hannah stepped out of the van and glanced around. There were only a few cars parked out front.

A satisfied smile touched her lips. Being the center of a private event felt good.

Her high heels clicked on the

pavement as she walked gracefully forward. The evening breeze lifted

her long hair, and she fifted her chin at just the right angle.

This was her best side. The paparazzo would be getting a perfect shot.

She had been worrying for nothing last night The girl was just Theobald's sister. Probably not a real sister, since she'd never heard him mention one she knew Theobald was devoted to her.

Suddenly, a figure darted towards her, making her jump. "Who are you?"

The paparazzo was fuming. He brandished his camera. "I'm one of the photographers you hired today! Why am I only getting thirty grand when you're paying the other one a Hundred

Hannah's delicate brow knitted. "What are you talking about? My assistant would never hire two photographers!"

"Don't deny it! I just saw her!" the paparazzo raged. "The female photographer was right over there... Hey! Where'd she go?"

He looked back. The bushes were empty.

But standing at the restaurant entrance was a tall, imposing figure, radiating an intimidating aura.

Hannah saw him too. Her heart skipped a beat. She shot a glare at the paparazzo and hurried towards Theobald. "Theo, what are you doing out here?”

Theobald stood there, his face grim.

As Hannah got closer, she could feel his hostile energy. She said softly, "Theo, that

man was just asking for directions. I don't know him."

Theobald had come outside after receiving Marguerite's message.