Chapter 10 Drama Queen

Maybe the title of most beautiful ex should be given to Troy. At least, that's what Louisa thought, responding to Dean's behaviour, which was entirely out of line. No! Louisa shook her head slowly; the two humans had very different characters.

They were both bastards. However, the meaning of a date in Louisa's mind differs significantly from that of an orderly. After she tried to understand Dean until she was involved in a passionate struggle last night, another side emerged. She was bringing up waves of emotions again and again. And, of course, Louisa had to fight as long as she was on the right track. Is it wrong? Besides, how can women bend their knees to the wishes of that handsome bastard? Is it because he can bring their lust to the peak of pleasure or...

Does he like to tie up? Like ... BDSM?

Louisa shuddered in horror. The thought of Dean handcuffing her to the bed with a scary grin. She is more interested in vanilla relationships than masochism. That's hurtful and uncomfortable for her. Maybe the women in Dean's life previously preferred to be gripped by an invisible chain wrapped around their necks even though they were covered in money and jewellery.

I don't want to live like that, thought Louisa.

Unfortunately, the universe seems to be playing with Louisa's feelings. The girl was already trapped in the relationship, as if the walls that had confined Louisa were now as tall as pine trees decorated with wire fences. She could get out, but she had to bleed and feel excruciating pain before she was free. She wasn't sure whether Louisa could do anything freely after escaping Dean's trap. She felt Dean was not the type of man who would let his prey escape.

That's all if Louisa can maintain her fame while Dean greatly influences the entertainment industry. Remembering Dean's threat at Coronado still lingers in Louisa's mind. Like an evil wizard, that man could destroy Louisa's popularity with just one flick. In the future, backwards also happens; Louisa can't move except to follow Dean's plot.

It's like I'm digging my own grave. And strangely enough, I enjoyed it.

Louisa's brain was thinking so hard that her head was pounding when Cory couldn't stop talking about the offer to become a brand ambassador for a beauty company. She turned to the right, silently observing the tall building on the right side where the glass walls reflected the sunlight. She had not wanted to leave the car for half an hour. The digital advertisement, which stands firmly on a concrete pillar, shows a girl with exotic skin and pale skin showing off healthy, rosy skin. Cory pointed out that the advertisement still maintained the opinion that it was time for Louisa to receive the facilities given by the Dean without having to make any effort.

"You're fucking fickle," commented Louisa without looking at the manager.

"You're fucking stubborn," replied Cory, shaking his head at Louisa's character. "I'm not wishy-washy, Lou; I told you for the first time that you can accept Dean's attention but not his dick. You are the wishy-washy one."

Louisa's cheeks immediately reddened every time Cory brought up the topic. A strange vibration in my stomach yearned for Dean's intoxicating touch again. She shrugged her shoulders while raising the corners of her lips and said, "I can't resist when he kisses me."

"You guys are crazy," Cory sneered. "Listen, Lou, you can use this opportunity without having to spend a lot of effort. I don't think Dean will necessarily recommend you to Ellie just because of his girlfriend."

Louisa's lips pressed tightly, considering what Cory had said. It was all true, but Louisa still didn't agree if people found out that she was working with Ellie solely because she was having sex with her boss. On the other hand, Ellie's company is an industry that offers skin and hair care products and has been world-famous since the 80s. They often collaborate with top models such as the Hadid brothers and South Korean idols. They will launch perfume products specifically for women like the Channel, Gucci, Victoria's Secret, and Bulgari brands.

Louisa sighed, pulling back the thorns that pierced her heart when she replayed Dean's words that the man sold her name to the head of Ellie's company as a form of attention to the artist. Unfortunately, Louisa couldn't get rid of that annoying feeling. Instead, she imagined Dean's body on top of her. She massaged her forehead, hoping that Dean's sensual moans and whispers would stay away for a moment instead of dominating her like this.

"I don't like him like this, Cory," interrupted Louisa, turning to Cory with an uneasy look. "Okay, I know he probably means well. But other people can't possibly think like that, right? It's hurt when people talk behind my back, Cory. It's mocking that Louisa is a little bitch who pretends to be a victim after being cheated on by her lover. What do they think I am?"

"I get it well," Cory said. "How about we discuss the deal with Ellie's team? You can refuse it if you don't want to, Lou. I'm not pushing after this."

"You damn bastard, Dean," Louisa hissed, wanting to kick Dean into the Pacific.

"We need to underline it again, Ms. Bahr. Maybe this is what he means about benefits other than being able to enjoy his D," Cory commented again, bringing a blush to Louisa's cheeks. "Tell me, how hot is it?"

"Hey..." Louisa hit Cory's arm in between, holding back annoyance and blushing. "Don't talk nonsense, Cory."

Cory narrowed his eyes and concluded that Louisa liked Dean's little brother. "That's the reality. Keep using your logic, Lou," said Cory before receiving a call from someone. "Hello, Mr. Conley here. Hi, darling... what are you calling me for?"

Louisa chose to leave while tidying up her appearance. The black leather trousers hugged her plump butt so fashionably, combined with a white crop top and black long sleeves that were open from the chest to the back. Five-inch heeled boots increase the length of Louisa's legs while her make-up is simple, only focusing on a slightly bold lipstick. It was fortunate that Cory brought a change of clothes without being asked. She took a photo of herself, deliberately showing open cleavage, and uploaded it on social media to incite Dean. Again.

"Who told you to deny me my freedom, Dean," he grumbled as Cory approached. "Who's calling?"

"You won't believe what I heard, Lou," said Cory, rubbing his bald head, which was starting to grow blonde hair like coarse grass. "We have to meet your colleagues at Ellie first; they are waiting."

Louisa rolled her eyes in embarrassment. "You made me curious."

Cory chuckled, walking side by side with Louisa while reminding her of the limited offer from Ellie, which was related to the gossip she had just received. He managed to cool Louisa's emotions and was determined to ask Dean for compensation for the mess the man had made. After this, he was sure Lousia would agree to work with Ellie.

###

Loud applause filled the meeting room when Dean signed an agreement between Cross-Agency and one of the big agencies in Seoul. He shook the hand of the head of the company, then moved on to a top singer and rapper who seemed enthusiastic about the collaboration, which would be warmly welcomed by fans all over the world. Dean shook his head proudly and then smiled happily when the camera captured this moment to be shared on social media.

After the meeting, Dean received a call to attend one of the Milan Fashion Week events planned to be held on Valentine's Day. Apart from that, several artists will be under his auspices taking part in this world-class fashion event, including Louisa, if she wants to be a brand ambassador. He was still waiting to hear from Cory whether the stubborn girl was still adamant without thinking about the benefits it would provide. Dean understands very well that Louisa is hungry for popularity and has the ambition to become even more famous while her name soars above the clouds. Isn't this the right time? Why did she refuse?

Damn dumb!

"I'll let you know later," Dean answered, then hung up the phone. Not long after, his assistant approached and said Dean had to carry out several schedules, including giving evaluations to other executive leaders. "Tell them to wait a moment; I must see our guests off."

"Yes, sir."

Gathering in the meeting room for employee appraisal was what most people at Dean's company feared. Especially if the man suddenly held a performance evaluation like now. No one expected it, but they had to be prepared for Dean's appreciation and criticism. Even though he looks relaxed and easily charms women, Dean can assess the abilities of his subordinates well. Suppose he has sharp eyesight and hearing of all the little things around him.

In the past, when the agency was in its lowest times, Dean suggested getting rid of problematic employees or artists and recruiting talented stars who had a more responsible attitude. At least, that's what he's learned so far, reflecting on big agencies in the world such as Japan, China or South Korea. Forming an attitude and mentality is necessary when dealing with haters who send insults without looking at their hard work. He wasn't concerned about the slanted rumours that had spread on the internet that the artists under his management were like robots because they did not have freedom of expression.

"I allow them from doing anything; it's just that everything has limits that I think are reasonable. Are you going to let your artists use drugs when they have to appear in public? I also don't limit them from using cell phones or dieting. They are also humans who need at least one burger and two sex a week, right?" explained Dean when interviewed.

Pros and cons have become daily food for Dean; the proof is that he has succeeded in building and increasing the popularity of the Cross agency again, even though he has had to stumble. One of Dean's strengths is that he likes to take significant risks, but according to Adolf - his father - this is the best thing a leader should have. It's also not wrong for the Cross family to give a mandate to a well-built man who is a favourite in women's eyes.

After saying goodbye to the guests, Dean sent a text message to Louisa, wondering where the girl was now. Was she still angry about something trivial that happened this morning, even though they had made love so intensely before?

He wanted to open Instagram because he had received a notification updating Louisa's account when her girl had uploaded something. Dean's eyes widened reflexively, almost dropping his jaw to the floor and looking at Louisa's photo, which he deemed too tempting. This appearance should be intended only for Dean alone, not for general public consumption. Moreover, Louisa's caption seemed to provoke his emotions again.

'Prohibition is exciting to break. Is not it?'

As a result, Louisa immediately received various comments from fans and haters. It's like two camps; some agree, and some don't agree with Louisa. They think that a ban is something that is not allowed as long as the aim is positive. Meanwhile, others thought that the photo could be an act of sarcasm towards her ex. Those who know Louisa's character in several films believe their idol hates infidelity the most. However, quite a few people associate the picture with Dean.

'Don't talk about Troy anymore, Bro. She's on a date with her boss, didn't you know?'

'Wow, I wonder if Dean Cross read this post? I wonder what kind of relationship they are in.'

'Like you don't know. Dean Cross wastes time with Louisa so he doesn't get bored. Just watch. In two weeks, Louisa will be dumped like other women.'

"Wow, am I acting like that?" Dean muttered, amused by the comments. Then, he hurriedly typed a message to Louisa as he quickly returned to the meeting room.

Dean: Babe, where are you?

Dean: Call me in the next half hour. I want to talk with you.

Louisa: Why me?

Dean opened his mouth wide and then shook his head, not expecting Louisa's rebellious reaction. If it's like

Dean wants to keep Louisa locked up in his trap even longer.

Louisa: I also have something to discuss with you alone.

Louisa: this time I will arrange the place, not you.

"Damn, girl," said Dean, raising an eyebrow.

Dean: OK. as you wish, Babe.

"What does she want to discuss with me?" Dean muttered curiously before finally opening the meeting door and being greeted by the executive leaders.