Over on the other side, the news about Maria joining the company had already gone viral within the office.

No one knew she used to be James's ex-wife. All they remembered was how she once threw shade at him publicly and even dropped eighty million on a contract termination-definitely not your average new hire.

Their whole vibe just screamed "not normal."

But what really had everyone talking was how she handed over that massive penalty fee and still came back. as a secretary!

Of course, the gossip mill went into overdrive. Everyone was dying to know how Amelia would take the news.

She'd been around the company for ages and had her own network of people. The second she heard about it, she completely lost it and stormed into the office, ready to confront James about it.

Bad timing though-James had already left for the day.

Unclear on what James was actually planning, Amelia decided to switch tactics and go after Maria instead, hoping to pressure her into quitting.

"Get Tina in here," she ordered her assistant, tone like ice.

The moment Tina stepped in, Amelia flipped the switch and put on a friendly face. She told her assistant to grab them a couple of coffees before diving right in: "You've probably heard-there's a new stylist coming in tomorrow. I want you to assign Charlie Cruz to her."

As she spoke, she slid a check across the desk toward Tina.

Tina's eyes lit up at the sight of it, but she hesitated. Charlie was notoriously hard to manage-hot-tempered, high-maintenance, and an absolute nightmare on bad days. Add in the fact that Maria probably had a deeper connection with the boss. Tina wasn't exactly eager to ruffle feathers.

Amelia noticed her hesitation and didn't bother hiding her irritation. She shot her a sharp glare and said coldly, "Think real hard about who you're willing to piss off."

After doing some mental math, Tina realized Amelia still held more sway in the company than a newcomer. She wasn't about to say no. So she took the check and left.

Now, as the manager of all stylists in the company, Tina did have some status.

She handled all the stylist-artist pairings.

And honestly, the second she took the check, she had her mind made up-higher profile celebrities got the better stylists. That was how the pecking order worked.

Charlie Cruz was definitely one of the top names, and handing him to Maria could actually be seen as a vote of confidence in her abilities.

Even if James asked questions later, she could spin it easily.

Charlie had shot to fame thanks to a popular romance drama. He played a younger boyfriend type-sweet, obedient, sometimes playfully bossy. His acting was solid, and once the drama aired, he racked up a massive fanbase.

But in real life? Totally different story.

He'd gotten famous, and with it, his ego had blown up too. Back when he was a nobody, he was still pretty humble. Now? Pure arrogance. Treated everyone like they were beneath him.

He was super into keeping up appearances, so he had insanely high expectations for his look-and an even lower tolerance for people who didn't meet them. Even Tina had eaten his sarcasm more than once while working on him. No one could really control him.

Handing him to Maria?

Amelia's meaning couldn't be clearer.

Knowing Maria's personality, it was only a matter of time before sparks flew.

One's a top money-making celeb, the other got a reputation for being hard to get along with-obviously, James's choice was a no-brainer.

The next day, Maria officially started work. She had just parked her car when she heard a voice she really didn't want to hear.

"Maria."

She turned around, and yep-Amelia, grinning away.

"What do you want?" Maria had zero patience for her, and it showed.

Seeing her attitude, Amelia got even more annoyed, but still put on a smug "lady of the house" posture. "Welcome to Bennett Corp. Since you're now assisting James, there are some things you should keep in mind."

"James only drinks black coffee-no sugar. Oh, and he hates anything with a lavender scent..."

"Enough," Maria cut her off fast. "I'm a secretary, not his maid. And definitely not his mom."

Amelia gave a little chuckle. "Right, you're just his secretary. I'm the fiancée, remember."

Maria caught her meaning and smirked coldly. "Funny how you remember that so clearly, yet James didn't make you his secretary. Kind of a waste-seems like you'd enjoy the job."

She never thought Amelia would one day see her as a threat.

Back then, James was head over heels for his childhood sweetheart. But now? It didn't really look like he treated her all that well.

Amelia's smile froze a little, but she forced it back on. "I've got my own career. James says that's the side of me he loves most."

Maria felt her stomach churn. She turned on her heel and left-any more of that and she might actually gag.

Inside the office, an employee led her to her new workspace. It was a secretary-slash-styling office, neat and fully stocked. Clearly someone had put some thought into this.

She started unpacking her things, but before her seat even warmed up, someone came rushing in. "Maria? Tina's asking for you."

"Got it." Maria followed the assistant out.

She'd looked up Tina beforehand-the head of the styling team. Since she accepted this job, she was ready to give it her all. Basic respect and manners weren't going to be a problem.

Tina had heard Maria was gorgeous, but seeing her in person still caught her off guard.

Honestly, looks-wise, this woman didn't just pass for a stylist-she could've easily been one of the company's top stars. She might even outshine Amelia.

But Tina shook off the moment's surprise. Amelia's instructions came rushing back to her.

She gave Maria a quick once-over. "From now on, you're handling Charlie Cruz. He's got a short fuse, so be careful how you deal with him."

A nearby stylist handed Maria a stack of A4 papers. It had all of Charlie's basic info and a full list of do's and don'ts. Entire page, single-spaced. One line stood out: "Charlie hates anything rose-scented. Strictly no."

"Any problem with that?" Tina asked, voice flat.

Maria still hadn't caught on to how much trouble that "assignment" might bring her. She just nodded. "No problem."

Maria had just stepped into the office when someone came rushing over before she could even sit down.

This time, Maria recognized her-Grace Thompson, the same girl who'd handed her Charlie Cruz's file earlier.

Grace was quite young and also fairly new to Bennett Group. Ever since Tina assigned her to work with Charlie, she'd been on the edge. Charlie had a temper, never cooperated, and she didn't dare to snap back at him-so she had to beg, plead, and tiptoe around him every day like she was walking on eggshells.

When Tina told her someone else would take over Charlie's styling, Grace practically felt the handcuffs click open. Total relief.

Still, she wasn't heartless-passing the hot potato to someone else made her feel super guilty.

"Charlie has to go on stage in two hours, but he won't even sit still for makeup," she said, looking like she owed Maria big time.

"Take me there." Maria didn't hesitate. She grabbed her kit and strode out.

The moment she pushed open the door to the dressing room, she saw Charlie lounging on the chair, scrolling on his phone, a lollipop in his mouth. He looked more like he was ready to hit the beach than a live show.

"You're late. If he's not ready on time, think you can handle the fallout?!" Charlie's manager snapped the second Grace showed up. He got so fired up that he even looked like he might lay hands on her.

Grace just bowed her head and took it all, lips pressed tight.

Maria frowned and stepped forward, pulling Grace behind her. "From now on, I'm doing Charlie's styling. You've got any complaints, bring them to me. Don't take it out on her."

The manager froze. He probably wasn't used to stylists talking back.

"You-" He raised his voice again, but then caught the glint in Maria's eyes. That look wasn't playing. He blinked and suddenly backed off like someone had hit the mute button. "Well? What are you waiting for? Get started already!"

Maria gave Grace a comforting little pat on the head. "It's fine now. If you're free, mind handing me the stuff? I'm still figuring out where everything is."

The makeup was all in the kit, but every stylist liked to arrange things their own way. Maria hadn't had a chance to reorganize hers before getting thrown into the mix.

Grace nodded obediently and took the case like a trusty assistant.

Maria walked over to Charlie. As soon as she got close, a stick from his finished lollipop landed at her feet. A childish move if she'd ever seen one.

She just chuckled and ignored it. Pulling up a chair, she sat down. "Turn around. I need to get started."

Charlie didn't respond, still humming a tune.

"I said, turn," she repeated, clenching back the frustration rising in her chest.

Still nothing-he only switched to an even perkier song.

Even the manager couldn't take it anymore and leaned in, trying to coax him. "Come on, Charlie, you're going on soon. The fans are waiting. Can we not make a scene right now?"

Charlie shot him a look. "She had the nerve to boss me around."

Maria couldn't help but roll her eyes, just in time to get caught by the manager, who immediately barked, "Watch your attitude! What was that look just now? Apologize to Charlie Cruz!"

Maria slammed her hand on the table. "I'm here to do makeup, not babysit."

Only then did Charlie glance over, eyes dark and cold. He suddenly tossed his phone on the table. "Then I'm not going on stage. Just tell them the stylist lost it on me."

The manager stood there, clearly torn. He couldn't offend either side.

Maria wasn't new to working with celebrities, had done her fair share of big and small stars abroad, but Charlie? He was in a league of his own-for all the wrong reasons. Her brows furrowed slightly.

Clearly, he was used to pushing makeup artists around, playing the 'I've got fans, I'm the star here' card, probably relying on online drama and tantrums to get his way.

Well, tough luck, today he picked the wrong person to mess with. Maria wasn't someone he could steamroll.

Grace tugged softly at Maria's sleeve, whispering, "Maybe I should handle it. He really might not go out otherwise."

Maria shot her a quick look and shook her head calmly. "Don't stress it."

She plopped into the chair, eyeing Charlie who was back to staring at his phone, and said coolly, "Here's the deal: sit down and let me do your makeup, or just walk out. Your call."

Charlie snapped his head up, looking at her like she'd just grown a second head. Someone actually dared talk to him like that?

The manager's jaw dropped, eyes wide. "Do you even know who you're talking to? Are you out of your mind?"

Maria let out a low chuckle, sharp and calculated.

She pulled off her work badge and slapped it onto the table. Then turned calmly to ask, "What's the show he's supposed to be on?"

"The Late Night Scoop," Grace stammered, arms tightening around the makeup case like it was a life preserver.

The host ran a nightly show that was both a ratings magnet and a PR landmine. Her sharp wit and bold questions made celebs either shine or sweat. Getting on her show was no small feat. Charlie's manager had probably pulled every string to snag the spot.

Maria pulled out her phone, glanced at the manager, then fixed her eyes on Charlie, her voice icy. "I'll ask one last time-makeup or walk."

Charlie scoffed, visibly unimpressed.

The manager snapped, "You're the one who should walk!"

Maria casually typed as she spoke, then slowly recited a few names.

Each name she dropped made the color drain from their faces.

"Sound familiar?" Her tone was light but threatening. "Keep playing this game and I'll have no problem watching a new headline go viral. How about-'Top Star Charlie Cruz Blacklisted'?"

They froze, stunned.

Every name she had said belonged to some serious heavyweights in the industry-including the actual big boss behind The Late Night Scoop. These were people who stayed out of the public eye, almost invisible online. Only real insiders would know them.

Grace looked around, confused but catching enough to sense how real this was. She stared at Maria with newfound respect.

"Who the hell are you?" Michael Turner asked, his face pale as a sheet.

Maria smiled, all calm and collected. "Just the new stylist."

Charlie Cruz scoffed. "Don't fall for her talk. She's a newbie throwing around a few names like she's got real connections. What a joke."

Michael was just as doubtful at first, but something about Maria's vibe made him hesitate. She wasn't just confident-she had the kind of energy that made it hard not to believe her. Still, he'd been around long enough in this industry to know a thing or two, and Maria? He'd never even heard of her.

Just as he was second-guessing everything, his phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and his eyes instinctively darted to Maria, filled with disbelief.

Maria didn't say a word but gave him a tilt of the chin and a smirk, like she already knew what was up.

"Hello? Mr. Adams? How can I help you today?" Michael's tone flipped instantly, all fake smiles and low posture.

"Ah, yes. We didn't realize who we were dealing with."

"Absolutely understood. It won't happen again."

The voice on the other end kept going, and Michael's forced smile froze. His face drained of color even more before he hung up the call.

Still stunned, Michael didn't notice Maria's phone lighting up. The message just said, "Done." Her smirk deepened, eyes narrowing slightly as she typed back a quick "Got it."

That Mr. Adams? Yeah, he used to be the top agent in the game. Half the current A-listers owe their careers to him. Two years ago, he stepped back from managing talent directly, started his own firm, and built a network that could shake the whole industry. One word from him and even a superstar could disappear overnight-let alone a manager.

Michael had made his own journey, grinding from the lowest roles on set to where he was now, a respected agent with real pull. He and the Bennett family had practically built Charlie Cruz's career together.

While Bennett's team put up the cash, Michael handled everything else-from connections to picking the right scripts to shaping Charlie's public image. Truth be told, without Michael, Charlie's abrasive personality would've burned through his fame the moment he blew up.

"Hey! Are you just gonna stand there? Who was that on the phone?" Charlie huffed.

Michael turned to him, all the warmth gone. "Just sit down and get your makeup done. Don't make any trouble."

Charlie widened his eyes like he couldn't believe what he was hearing and slammed his hand on the table. "What the hell kind of attitude is that?"

But Michael slammed his hand down even harder. "If you keep acting out, I'll air all your dirty laundry. I made you famous, and I can make someone else famous too. I'm your agent. You do what I say."

He'd never spoken to Charlie like that before. Charlie looked stunned and shut up instantly.

Then Michael walked over to Maria and forced a smile. "Really sorry about earlier. We totally misjudged you. We'll follow your lead from here on."

Maria had gotten what she wanted, so she didn't push it further. "So, can I start Charlie's makeup now?"

"Yeah, yeah, of course." Michael Turner hooked Charlie Cruz's chair over with his foot and shot him a warning look. "You better behave."

He still had no clue who Maria really was, but anyone that could get Mr. Adams on the line like that was clearly not someone to mess with.

Now, he even felt like having Maria do Charlie's makeup was a blessing. If Charlie played it right and impressed her, maybe she'd say a few words and he'd get another big break.

Maria got to work, with Grace assisting by the side. Every now and then, Maria would glance at Grace, asking for her take.

It was her first time working on Charlie, and she hadn't seen that late-night interview show, so she had to rely on some input.

Together, the two of them finally finished the look.

When Michael came over, he'd already told himself to compliment it no matter what. But the moment he saw the result, he actually froze for a second, totally surprised. Some genuine respect welled up in him.

Sure, Charlie had good features, but his skin had always been a problem. Michael had tried everything under the sun to fix it-with no success.

But after Maria worked her magic, Charlie's skin looked flawless, like he was naturally blessed with it.

This look was definitely gonna go viral.

"Charlie-quick, snap a few pics for your Twitter," Michael said, handing over his phone without missing a beat.

Let's be real though-Charlie's Twitter was basically run by Michael. He wrote the posts, picked and edited the photos, even replied to fans. All Charlie had to do was take the actual photos.

An assistant came over and reminded them-twenty minutes until he had to go on stage, ten until he needed to be lined up backstage.

Michael pulled out a sheet of A4 paper stacked with carefully selected Q&A notes-questions and answers for Charlie to memorize.

Charlie had them down pat already, but Michael still insisted he run through it once more to be safe.

Truth be told, Charlie really could act.

He dropped his eyes for a second, then looked up again, and his whole vibe changed. He slipped right into the role of that innocent, sunny boy-next-door type.

In front of the camera, he was a perfectly packaged product ready to sell. And fans just couldn't resist that kind of polished charm.

Maria didn't find any of this surprising. It was just how the industry worked, and she didn't see anything wrong with it. With Grace, she packed up the makeup kit and the two of them headed out.

Stylists had their own office area, and Maria had her own desk there too. Since it was her first day and there wasn't anything urgent, she figured she might as well let Grace show her around and get to know the place.

Word had already spread through the stylist office that the new girl managed to transform Charlie. Everyone was shocked, including Tina.

Tina's mind was running a mile a minute, trying to figure out what she'd say if Amelia ever asked her about Maria.

The moment Maria stepped into the office, some stylists sneaked a glance, while others looked openly unimpressed. The ones giving her side-eye were Amelia's people-they'd already been told to keep their attitude chilly.

Maria could tell something was off. There was a flicker of confusion in her eyes before she quickly masked it and smiled. With a calm and friendly tone, she greeted them: "Hi everyone, I'm Maria-the new styling director."