Chapter 4

"Preston! Thank god you're here!" Wesley gushed, the sycophantic relief dripping from his voice.

The room's atmosphere shifted instantly, a wave of obsequious murmurs and adjusted stances greeting the arrival of the Vanderbilt Global Media heir. It was a masterclass in seeing where the perceived power had shifted.

"Judging by the royal welcome, " I said, my voice cutting through the noise, "I take it you're the producer funding this little drama?"

Preston Vanderbilt sauntered towards me with arrogant ease of someone who'd never been told 'no.' He gave me a slow, condescending once-over.

"Sebastian Shaw. I've seen your work. Not bad."

"But sometimes, knowing your place is better than being clever." His tone was even more condescending than Wesley's.

I met his gaze, unimpressed. "If I had to guess, Preston, you've been waiting for this day a long time?"

He nodded, a smirk playing on his lips as he looked at me with mock pity. "Mr. Shaw, I understand you refused to sign that little agreement?"

"What a shame." He lit a cigarette, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "You just voluntarily walked away from a lifetime of real influence. The kind of money that lasts longer than your looks."

I remained impassive, a faint, genuine smile touching my lips. "An 'influence' you're offering? I'm better off outside."

My indifference clearly threw him. "Mr. Shaw, aren't you even a little angry?"

"I just waltzed in and took your fiancée!"

I let out a soft chuckle, waving a dismissive hand, my smile lingering. "Pissed? Why would I be?"

"Frankly, I should be thanking you, Preston. Without your interference, I wouldn't know how to explain this to Mr. Young."

Seeing me not just unbothered, but almost grateful, was the final straw for his ego. The carefully constructed cool evaporated. "Then what the fuck are you still doing here?" he snapped, his voice losing its media-trained polish. "Want me to have someone take care of you?"

I tilted my head, perfectly calm. "Don't be hasty, Preston. Before I go, I need to make a call."

I pulled out my phone right in front of everyone. "Grandfather? It's Sebastian."

His voice came through warmly. "Sebastian, my boy! Calling me now? Shouldn't you be at the altar? Is the bride as radiant as they say?"

I shot Isabella a meaningful look before replying coldly, "Grandfather, that's exactly why I'm calling."

"It seems another studio head has decided to poach your future granddaughter-in-law right from under me."

There was a deafening roar on the other end.

"WHO DARES?"