Chapter 412
“Is this Ms. Rosalie Fisher? This is Isaac Donovan from Angel International Talent Agency. I just saw your daughter’s performance, and we’re interested in signing her as a child model.”
The voice continued, “I wanted to discuss this at school, but…”
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Isaac had watched helplessly as Fisher family staff escorted Rosalie, Harold, and Paisley away earlier. He’d had to obtain Rosalie’s number through connections.
Rosalie suddenly straightened her posture as she gripped her phone with both hands. “Angel International? You want my daughter?”
Instant euphoria flooded through her. She’d often considered increasing Paisley’s visibility, but lacked video skills and couldn’t stomach personally approaching agencies.
As a Fisher, actively pushing Paisley into show business would draw family criticism. Yet Rosalie knew exactly how lucrative child stardom could be. After all, Paisley’s fame would reflect gloriously on her too.
She could already picture herself giving interviews as “the mother of child celebrity Paisley Fisher“.
“Yes! We’ll come for the audition tomorrow!”
After hanging up, Rosalie whipped out her compact, hastily reapplying powder with trembling hands.
Harold eyed her curiously. “What
Sudition?”
Rosalie paused mid–powder application, turning to Harold. “Angel International, the biggest child talent agency in the country. Ever heard of them?”
Harold shook his head. “Never.”
Rosalie inhaled sharply through her nose. “Their agent just called. They want to sign
Paisley!”
Harold’s eyes lit up. “Our Paisley? A celebrity?”
Excitement overtook him as he practically vibrated in his seat. “She could earn millions!”
Rosalie’s lips curled in triumph. “I paid Darcie good money to make Paisley lead dancer–that spotlight is what caught Angel International’s attention!”
Snapping her compact shut, she spread her arms toward Paisley as she said, “Come to Mommy.”
Despite everything, the child still yearned for maternal affection. Paisley crawled into Rosalie’s lap, where her mother began meticulously combing her hair.
“You must make me proud, Paisley! Elara and Merida want to ruin you!”
“Mommy…” Paisley’s wide eyes shimmered with timid hope. “Can I have snacks at school with Merida?”
Rosalie’s voice sharpened. “You’ll bloat like a pig!”
Tears pooled instantly in Paisley’s eyes. “Waah…”
As her lips trembled, Rosalie seized her shoulders and shook her violently.
“Why are you crying? Stars don’t cry! When you’re famous and rich, the Fishers will finally respect us! No one will look down on us anymore!”
Tear droplets clung to Paisley’s long lashes. “When I’m a star… Can I eat yummy food?”
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Chapter 412
Her hopeful gaze met Rosalie’s suddenly radiant smile. “Of course!”
Rosalie hugged her gingerly–Paisley’s brittle bones could fracture or dislocate from normal handling. She said, Paisley, you must help Mommy crush Elara! Your success is everything!”
11
Soon after leaving school, Rosalie received notice of her removal as PTA president. The news triggered her violent outburst against Harold.
“Why do you obsess over Elara?” Harold ventured.
“Today’s humiliation is all her fault!” Rosalie’s chest heaved as she screamed.
Meanwhile, Harold immediately fell silent under her fury.
Back at the school auditorium, Xavier walked down the corridor, peering into each lounge one by one. Even so, Merida was nowhere to be found.
Frustrated, he scratched the back of his head, wondering where Merida and Elara had gone. Had they already left? He glanced at the sunflower bouquet in his arms–a gift to celebrate Merida’s first solo performance at the gala. He’d stepped out earlier to retrieve it, only to return and find them gone.
“Mr. Xavier, should I call Ms. Jones for you?”
His bodyguard, aware of his search, offered help. Xavier shook his head and pointed ahead, signaling them to check further.
If Elara and Merida weren’t here, they must have left–and Xavier would simply go home.
This was his nature. Having lost his voice, he disliked inconveniencing others even more. He preferred handling things alone.
Asking for help only made him feel like a pitied weakling. Hence, his bodyguards fanned out, searching every room in the auditorium for Merida.
Suddenly, a child limped out of a room ahead. It was Beau.
Scowling, the boy muttered under his breath, “Stupid Merida! I’m never talking to you again!”
So, Merida was here! Xavier stepped inside–only to find the room empty.
Then, a forceful shove sent him stumbling forward without warning. By the time he turned around, Beau had already slammed the door shut.
A dangerous glint flashed in Xavier’s eyes as he moved to push past Beau and reopen it. But just then, Beau grabbed a nearby rod—and swung it straight at his head!
