They handed the documents back to Xenia.
Xenia glanced through them with a satisfied smile before passing the documents to Eric.
Eric closed the folder and looked at the two women.
“Welcome to All Stars Entertainment, Miss Alyssa and Lisa.”
“Thank you, Mr. Eric.”
They spoke in unison.
Alyssa’s heart was still racing.
I don’t believe this.
Just a few hours ago, she had been a struggling C-list actress constantly fighting for minor roles.
Now…
She had officially signed with the biggest entertainment company in Country A as an A-list actress.
It’s a dream come true.
“What does the special benefits in the contract mean?”
Lisa’s asked, her voice was professional.
Curious.
“Ah, about that. You will be given a house in Bellagio Villa.”
Xenia’s voice was calm.
“Bellagio Villa?”
Alyssa’s eyes widened.
Even Lisa gasped softly.
Bellagio Villa was one of the most luxurious residential estates in Country A.
The houses there were incredibly expensive.
Only the wealthiest celebrities, influential business owners, politicians, and powerful families lived there.
Buying a house there wasn’t simply about money.
It was about status.
And they were being given a free house there?
It was unbelievable.
“Yes. Bellagio Villa.”
“The company believes its artists should have a comfortable and secure environment. Therefore, a fully furnished villa has already been prepared.”
Xenia continued.
“In addition, the company will provide a dedicated vehicle and driver to transport you to filming locations, events, and any official schedules.”
“Wow.”
Alyssa breathed out.
“Miss Lisa, your assistant will take over from here.”
“I have an assistant manager?”
Alyssa looked up.
“Yes. Someone to assist you. Your workload will be enormous this time.”
“I have a question concerning the housing.”
Alyssa’s voice was hesitant.
“Go on.”
Eric’s gaze was steady.
“Do I have to share the same house with my manager?”
Lisa looked at Alyssa.
Doesn’t she want to stay with me?
Alyssa didn’t notice Lisa’s stare.
She was too occupied with her own thoughts.
I need to know if I’ll be staying with Lisa.
If so, I’ll have to make an excuse.
I can’t risk it.
I just married a stranger.
A stranger I’m going to be living with.
I want this marriage to work.
For Mr.
Alexander and also for me.
Besides, he won’t like it if this marriage won’t be kept as a secret so would I.
“Provisions have been made for you as well.”
Eric’s voice cut through her thoughts.
Thank goodness.
Alyssa’s shoulders relaxed.
That way, Lisa won’t suspect anything.
“One more thing.”
Eric leaned forward.
“Actors are allowed to date. But it should be kept hidden from the public.”
“Okay, Mr. Eric.”
Alyssa nodded.
“Your assistant manager is here. She will take you to your office.”
Xenia gestured toward the door.
She looked to be in her early twenties.
She had shoulder-length brown hair, bright eyes, and a soft, baby-faced appearance that made her look younger than her actual age.
She’s cute.
That was the first thought that came to Alyssa’s mind as she looked at her.
The young woman smiled brightly.
“Hello, Miss Alyssa.”
She bowed politely.
“My name is Maya.”
“I’ll be your assistant manager from today onward.”
Her cheerful energy instantly brightened the room.
“I’m looking forward to working with you.”
Alyssa smiled back.
“I’m looking forward to it too.”
Maya turned toward Xenia and playfully winked.
‘I’ll take over from here, Xenia.”
Xenia laughed softly.
“Alright miss Maya. Don’t scare our newest artist away.”
“I would never.”
Maya placed a hand dramatically over her chest.
“I’m the sweetest assistant manager in the company.”
Lisa chuckled.
Somehow, she believed that.
“Come on.”
Maya clapped her hands excitedly.
“I’ll show you your office.”
She happily led Alyssa and Lisa out of the room.
The office became quiet once the door closed.
Xenia gathered the remaining files before glancing at Eric.
He was looking down at his phone.
A faint smile curved his lips.
It was subtle.
But unmistakable.
Xenia raised an eyebrow.
“You seem unusually interested in her.”
Eric didn’t look up.
“Hm?”
“You rarely involve yourself personally in recruiting artists.”
She folded her arms.
“And yet today, you personally came to a subsidiary company, signed her yourself, and even stayed through the entire orientation.”
Eric let out a quiet laugh.
Finally, he slipped his phone into his pocket.
“Xenia.”
His smile deepened ever so slightly.
“Things are going to become much more interesting and fun from now on.”
Xenia frowned.
She didn’t like the sound of that.
She had worked beside Eric for years.
She knew that smile.
Whenever he wore it…
Someone’s peaceful life was about to change.
And for some reason…
She had a feeling that someone was Alyssa.
~☆~
Maya led Alyssa and Lisa through the hallways of All Stars Entertainment at an unhurried pace.
As they walked, she introduced each department they passed.
“This is the Public Relations Department. They handle media statements, interviews, and crisis management.”
A few steps later, she pointed toward another section.
“That side belongs to the Styling Team. Wardrobe, makeup, and image consultants all work there.”
She continued walking.
“The Performance Training Center is on the eighth floor. Dance rehearsals, acting classes, and vocal coaching all take place there.”
Maya spoke confidently, clearly familiar with every corner of the building.
Alyssa and Lisa listened attentively.
Neither of them wanted to miss a single word.
Everything here felt so different from Sunshine Entertainment.
She swiped a key card.
Beep.
The door unlocked with a soft click.
Maya pushed it open and smiled.
“This is your office, Miss Alyssa.”
Alyssa stepped inside.
The moment she saw the room, she froze.
It was spacious.
Bright floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city skyline.
A comfortable lounge occupied one corner, while elegant shelves and modern furniture filled the rest of the office.
The room was almost three times the size of the tiny office she had shared with several C-list actors at Sunshine Entertainment.
“I can’t see others. Where are the other actors?”
Alyssa’s voice was hesitant.
Maya laughed.
“There are no other actors, Miss Alyssa. This is your office.”
My office.
Alyssa stepped inside.
Her boxes were already there.
Neatly stacked.
Lisa looked around.
Her eyes scanned the empty desks.
“Are there people working with us?”
“Yes, they are. They will resume tomorrow.”
Maya smiled.
Alyssa walked to her box.
She chose a good space.
A corner near the window.
She began to arrange her things.
Her notebooks.
Her pens.
Her small framed photo.
When she was done, she turned around.
Lisa and Maya were busy.
Talking.
Sorting papers.
“Is there anything I can do to assist you guys?”
Alyssa’s voice was soft.
“No, Alyssa. You can go home. Maya and I will take over from here.”
Lisa’s tone was firm.
Kind.
Maya nodded in agreement.
“We’ll make sure everything is ready before you officially start.”
Alyssa smiled gratefully.
“Thank you.”
She glanced at the clock hanging on the wall.
Four o’clock already.
Mr.
Alexander’s people would be arriving later to help move her belongings.
She still had plenty to pack.
“I’ll get going then.”
After saying goodbye, Alyssa left the office and entered the elevator.
As the doors closed, she let out a long breath.
She stepped out onto the ground floor.
She walked out of the magnificent building and stopped near the entrance.
For several minutes, she waited for an empty taxi to pass.
Not a single cab stopped.
Only then did she realize something.
She laughed at herself.
“Right…”
“I’m not at Sunshine Entertainment anymore.”
The All Stars headquarters was located in one of the city’s busiest business districts.
Most people here relied on private cars or booked rides in advance.
Feeling slightly embarrassed, Alyssa pulled out her phone.
“I’ll just book a ride.”
Just as she unlocked the screen—
A white luxury sedan quietly pulled up and stopped directly in front of her.
The tinted window slowly rolled down.