Chapter 359

Dominic Alpinus quietly took a seat beside Sophia Laurent and raised his glass for a toast.

"My apologies for being late. Let me make it up with three drinks."

He downed three consecutive shots, maintaining a polished smile as he continued circulating.

At the head of the table sat Victor Merovingian, the entertainment mogul and CEO of JoyRay Entertainment, who observed Sophia with keen interest.

"Vivi, what suddenly sparked your interest in showbiz?"

"Just a casual whim." Sophia swirled her wine glass absently.

"My door is always open if you need assistance." Victor completely ignored Dominic's toast, focusing solely on Sophia.

"Uncle Victor, don't tease me. I know nothing about this industry."

Victor had been close friends with Sophia's father for decades, making her familial address natural.

A flicker of surprise crossed Dominic's eyes.

Now he understood why Manager Wang had insisted he bring Sophia tonight.

"Mr. Merovingian, Vivi genuinely dislikes the entertainment world. She always says distance preserves beauty."

"Haha... Still as spirited as ever. And you are?"

Victor finally acknowledged him.

"Dominic Alpinus, an artist under BlueMaple Entertainment. Two years in the industry with no notable works yet."

"At least you're honest."

"I wouldn't dare play games with someone like you."

Watching their polite exchange, Sophia suddenly found the entire affair tedious.

She stood abruptly. "Just remembered something urgent. I'll take my leave."

Victor waved dismissively. "Go ahead. I'll schedule tea with your father soon."

"Sure."

Dominic's expression darkened. Excusing himself to the restroom, he hurried after her.

"Vivi—"

Sophia halted and turned with icy detachment. "Yes?"

"Why the sudden coldness?" His eyes reddened instantly, tears welling on cue.

"Don't play dumb."

"What did I do wrong?" He feigned innocence, eyes brimming with hurt.

Sophia smirked, her gaze raking over him like a scalpel.

Dominic squirmed under her scrutiny but reassured himself—she'd always been soft-hearted and easy to placate.

"Dominic," Sophia spoke abruptly, "know the rules?"

"What?"

"I fund you. I give you resources. Your only job is to stay in line."

"Vivi..."

"Ask directly for what you want. Whether I grant it depends on my mood. But—"

Her eyes sharpened into blades. "Never scheme against me. Understood?"