"Did you hear ... someone from Goldstem Production House came here earlier," someone whispered.

Another person, clearly unaware, responded casually,

"So what if they did? One of Manager Thatcher’s artists must have bagged a project. It’s not that surprising, is it?"

After all, they had seen several production houses come in to sign contracts.

Goldstem Productions was well known—

But this wasn’t their first visit.

They had been here before as well.

"What do you know?" someone interjected with a light scoff. "This is very surprising."

When the other person looked at him in confusion, he continued—

"Not just because they weren’t here to sign with one of Manager Thatcher’s artists, but because they came to sign with Manager Finn’s artist."

"Manager Finn?" the person repeated. "They came for her artist? Does she even have one?"

Though she had been sidelined, Freya was still widely known. Every artist —new or experienced —knew about her.

After all, she was once the legend who created records of grooming the S-list artistes —the former star manager of ZX Media.

But that was all in the past.

None of them knew that she had finally signed someone under her management.

When did that happen?

"Yes, she recently signed someone," another added. "And it seems that artist managed to secure a role in one of Goldstem Productions’ upcoming projects."

"It must be a minor role," someone said dismissively.

But another immediately shook their head.

"No, I don’t think it’s a minor role."

"If it were, they wouldn’t have made such a big deal out of delivering the contract in person."

Everyone turned to look at the speaker.

Lowering his voice, he added,

"I heard she secured the lead role."

A collective gasp followed.

"Lead role?"

"Who is this artist? Did Manager Finn poach someone from another agency? Or did she lure one of her former artists away from Manager Thatcher’s group?"

"Poaching? Heh!" someone scoffed. "Do you think that’s easy for her?"

"Manager Freya’s reputation isn’t what it used to be. It’s now in tatters," another said seriously. "And she doesn’t even hold much standing in ZX Media anymore. Everyone across the industry is well aware of it. Even if she tried to poach someone, she wouldn’t succeed."

"...which means whoever it is —she must be a complete newcomer."

"A newbie managed to secure a lead role in an upcoming movie? Just how capable must she be?"

"Manager Finn was once known for having an eye for the best talent. Seems like she found another one."

"And I heard this isn’t just any project. It’s being directed by the famous Director Rhodes... and—"

Before the person could finish—

A sharp voice cut through the conversation.

"What’s going on here?"

Everyone turned—

And they all instantly stiffened.

"Manager Thatcher!"

"Manager Thatcher!"

They greeted him one after another, their earlier confidence gone, replaced by unease.

Corrin looked at them with a deep frown. His eyes scanned them with a demeaning look before he snapped —

"Since when has this agency become a place for gossip?" he said coldly. "Disperse. Immediately."

Everyone nodded quickly.

Without a second thought, they scattered, leaving the corridor almost empty.

As they hurried away, Corrin watched them, the frown between his brows deepening.

He never missed a chance to assert his authority.

He made sure everyone knew—

He stood above them.

And just now—

He had done exactly that.

But beneath his irritation—

A flicker of curiosity stirred.

He hadn’t caught everything they were saying—

But he had clearly heard his own name mentioned.

He couldn’t catch it quite well and wanted to know what they had been talking about.

However, there was no one left to question.

So, he turned and walked toward his office.

But just as he reached the door—

His assistant, Jack, came rushing toward him.

"Brother Thatcher," he called out, slightly out of breath.

Corrin’s brows furrowed at the sight of him.

Without responding, he pushed open the office door and walked inside.

"Compose yourself before entering," he said coldly. "Don’t make me regret keeping you by my side."

Jack quickly took a few deep breaths, steadying himself before following him in.

Corrin glanced at him before asking, "Did something happen just now?"

He gestured vaguely toward the outside.

"There was quite a commotion."

Jack almost panicked again—

But remembering Corrin’s warning, he forced himself to remain composed.

Then he spoke carefully,

"Nothing major. They were just gossiping about Goldstem Productions coming here to sign a contract."

"Goldstem Productions?" Corrin repeated. But then an arrogant smirk made his lips turn up at the corners.

"They’re not new here. That shouldn’t have caused such a stir."

He shook his head slightly.

"If it did, then these people must be too idle —gossiping about anything. Haven’t they heard that I helped Thomas secure a role in one of their previous projects?"

Jack nodded.

"They all know that. But—"

He hesitated.

Thomas’s involvement had indeed brought attention.

But when the film failed at the box office, it had also brought criticism.

Still—

Jack didn’t dare bring that up now.

"But what?" Corrin asked, his tone turning sharp. "They work under me. They shouldn’t be so easily stirred by trivial matters."

Jack hesitated again.

He searched for the right words ...

But nothing came to mind that could soften the truth.

In the end, he spoke plainly.

"It’s not Goldstem Productions that caused the stir."

Corrin paused.

His gaze sharpened as he looked at Jack.

"If not that, then what is it?"

Jack swallowed.

"Speak," Corrin pressed.

And this time—

Jack said it.

"It’s about the person they came here for."

The frown on Corrin’s face deepened further.

He didn’t understand.

"Who did they come for?" he asked.

Jack looked at him, clearly uneasy.

"Don’t make me repeat myself, Jack Marlow—"

"Manager Finn," Jack blurted out before Corrin could finish.

Corrin’s expression stiffened.

"What did you say?"

Freya Finn.

Why were they here for her?

Jack swallowed again, but this time he didn’t hesitate. He said rather quietly,

"Goldstem Productions came to sign a contract with Manager Freya Finn."