Chapter 466
"Please reconsider, Ms. Whitaker."
The assistant's voice trembled as she attempted to dissuade Katherine. But the actress merely scoffed, tossing the diamond necklace onto the marble floor with deliberate disdain.
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"Get this trash out of my sight."
A stunned silence fell over the dressing room. The entire team exchanged bewildered glances, their mouths agape at the blatant disrespect.
The assistant immediately dropped to her knees, carefully retrieving the delicate jewelry.
Her hands shook as she whispered, "Ms. Whitaker, we can request another piece from VERE immediately. But you cannot be seen wearing your current necklace at tonight's gala."
Katherine's eyes flashed with dangerous amusement. She tilted her chin defiantly, crossing her arms over her designer gown.
"And if I refuse?"
The assistant swallowed hard. "With all due respect, that simply isn't an option, Ms. Whitaker."
"Do you know who you're speaking to?" Katherine's voice turned glacial. "One word from me, and you'll be cleaning dressing rooms instead of assisting A-list talent."
Before the terrified assistant could respond, a new voice cut through the tension.
"Really? I'd love to see you try."
Sophia Whitmore strode through the gathered staff like a queen through her court. The assistant's eyes welled with relieved tears at the sight of her boss.
"Ms. Whitmore!" she choked out.
Sophia gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before turning her piercing gaze on Katherine.
"We apologize for the mix-up, Ms. Whitaker. But there's no need for such theatrics over a simple misunderstanding."
Katherine examined her manicure with exaggerated boredom. She'd done her homework on Sophia after learning of her connection to Evelyn Carter.
The background check had revealed... interesting details.
"Your incompetent staff brought me inferior merchandise," Katherine sneered. "Shouldn't they be held accountable?"
Sophia remained unruffled. "Even so, you have no authority to discipline my employees."
A flush crept up Katherine's neck. "I was merely correcting unprofessional behavior."
"Let me make this clear, Ms. Whitaker. VERE sponsors this event, which means we decide who represents our brand." Sophia's voice turned razor-sharp. "Your conduct falls far below our standards. Consider our sponsorship withdrawn. Please remove our necklace immediately."
Katherine barked out a laugh. "This cheap bauble? Take it!"
With dramatic flourish, she ripped the necklace off and hurled it at Sophia.
"Your jewelry is as tasteless as your client selection."
The assistant gasped, scrambling to retrieve the fallen piece. Her hands trembled as she examined it.
"Ms. Whitmore... the clasp is broken."
Sophia's expression darkened as she inspected the damage. "Is this how you treat valuable property, Ms. Whitaker?"
Katherine rolled her eyes. "What, you want compensation? Name your price - it's probably less than I spend on weekly spa treatments."
Sophia's lips curled into a dangerous smile. "I doubt you can afford it."
"Please," Katherine scoffed. "To someone like you, everything seems expensive. Just tell me how much this costume jewelry costs so I can be rid of you."
Sophia arched one perfectly sculpted brow. "Oh, it's nothing too extravagant. Just thirty million dollars. Will that be cash or wire transfer?"