However, Veronica completely failed to pick up on the implied meaning in Jones's words. She sat down on the sofa on her own accord, then looked at Jones, putting on a pitiful, delicate expression.

  "Jones..."

  As soon as she opened her mouth, Veronica's voice was full of grievance: "You know, I've only been in the industry for less than three years. All my achievements so far have been entirely reliant on the company and Berg's team."

  At this point, Veronica's cherry-red lips pouted slightly. She blinked pitifully: "But I have a rash nature by birth. Berg has told me off several times. I genuinely want to correct this bad habit, but occasionally I still inadvertently say or do improper things. Often, I'm not even aware of it myself."

  Jones frowned deeply as he looked at her, seemingly starting to sense what Veronica was trying to express.

  Could she really be bringing up the promotions issue at this moment?

  Right in front of Miss Dorothy?

  She really knows how to pick her timing!

  Sure enough, Veronica lowered her gaze, looking dejected, and continued: "If I've done something wrong, you could just tell me directly. I really want to learn from you, and I myself hope that you, Jones, could give me more guidance."

  "But now you've told the promotions department to halt my exposure. That doesn't just affect me; it affects the company too."

  She looked up at Jones: "Jones, you don't need to deny it. If it wasn't your instruction, Colin wouldn't dare do this."

  Jones's expression was now extremely unpleasant. But he couldn't lose his temper here in front of Miss Dorothy. Veronica didn't know Miss Dorothy's identity, so he couldn't rightfully call her an idiot!

  Sneaking a glance at Miss Dorothy's expression, he found her casually leaning back on the sofa, her eyes carrying a faint, amused smile as she watched Veronica perform this act of "apology and confession."

  Concealing his own expression, Jones sat up straight and looked seriously at Veronica: "You don't need to say all this to me. Whether what you did was intentional or unintentional, we both know in our hearts."

  "Stopping your promotion is my decision, and the company's decision. You also don't need to feel wronged, because you are not wronged at all."

  Veronica was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting her carefully worded, indirect approach to receive such a firm reply from Jones.

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  Her face stiffened, and she blurted out, "Jones, I don't understand what you mean. What exactly did I do to make the company treat me like this? Even going so far as to halt my promotions. Do you know what a huge blow this is to my career, which is on the rise?"

  "No matter how big the blow, you have to take it. Otherwise, you'll never learn your lesson!" Jones stated righteously: "Artists under my 'Golden Joe Media' may have shortcomings in their professional skills, but they must conduct themselves with integrity."

  "You want to know why? Fine, I'll tell you!"

  Jones seemed tired of dealing with her and was also afraid that if this dragged on, Veronica might say something else thoughtless. So he simply took a clear stance in front of Grace.

  "On the day of the press conference, what did you do? Don't you remember?" Jones asked, his gaze icy as he stared at Veronica.

  Veronica's expression froze, her mind quickly flashing back to the scene of the press conference that day.

  She seemed to...

  The next second, her stunned expression turned to one of slight shock. She remembered!

  Seeing her reaction, Jones continued: "You thought because I wasn't present that day, no one would notice one person missing from the press conference? The main cast team was supposed to appear collectively. Every actor was supposed to be there. Why didn't Chloe go on stage?"

  " Jeff, whom you used as a pawn, resigned the very next day. Have you ever wondered why?"

  At this point, Jones slammed the table fiercely and sternly rebuked: "Did you really think you could keep this hidden? Just because Chloe is a newcomer, you thought no one would care?"

  This outburst startled Veronica, making her jump!

  "I originally considered that you've already gained some fame and didn't want to bring this matter into the open. And you still have the nerve to come to me asking for an explanation? Halting your promotions for this drama is the company's punishment for you! Any dissatisfaction you have, keep it to yourself!"

  Veronica might use underhanded methods, but that didn't mean she was shameless. Jones's words were directly thrown in her face, making her instantly feel extremely guilty.

  Especially since there was a third person in the room, and that person's gaze had been fixed on her from beginning to end.

  While listening to Jones reprimand his employee, Grace also enjoyed watching the changing expressions on Veronica's face. This glamorous star, usually only seen on screen, could also look so awkward and flustered.

  Come to think of it, she could do such things, so the star's halo had long since vanished. But seeing it firsthand, Grace still found it quite interesting and novel.

  Seeing Veronica, knowing she was in the wrong, remain silent and not defend herself, Jones let out a weary sigh of disgust: "Reflect on yourself properly during this time. With such a narrow-minded intolerance for newcomers, how far do you think you can go in this industry in the future?"

  Veronica's eyes reddened slightly. The indignation she originally felt for herself vanished completely at this moment, leaving only a sense of utter humiliation.

  She nodded, stood up, pushed the door open, and left, her retreating figure radiating panic.

  Seeing this, Jones turned away impatiently, then said softly to Grace: "Miss Dorothy, please don't be angry over someone like this."

  Grace smiled slightly. She could tell that half of Jones's actions just now were sincere, and the other half were for her benefit.

  "Don't worry, Jones. I'm someone who clearly distinguishes between gratitude and grievance. Since she has already been punished, I won't hold any further grudge against her."

  Hearing Grace say this, Jones couldn't help but nod with relief.

  Faye's flight was delayed, so she didn't arrive on set until that afternoon.

  She first went to Bryan's dressing room to bring him good news: "The Pacific brand ambassador deal for 'Constantin' men's watches is secured. It's for two years. As long as you can rise to top-tier status within those two years, the brand spokesperson position will be yours!"

  "Thank you for your hard work, Faye. I'll work hard," Bryan nodded with a smile, then pulled Faye aside and said in a low voice: "Faye, I saw Wendy today. She came out of Chloe's dressing room. 'Golden Joe' might also want to sign Chloe."

  Upon hearing this, Faye was momentarily stunned, then frowned.

  She knew dragging this on was risky. As expected, long nights bring many dreams.

  It was entirely normal for a promising talent like Chloe to catch 'Golden Joe's eye. But for Wendy to personally handle it was somewhat unexpected.

  "We'll do our best and leave the rest to fate," Faye said, calming herself. "It's not the first time we've competed with 'Golden Joe' for talent!"

  Bryan hesitated for a moment, then tentatively asked: "I shot two scenes opposite Chloe today and also did an additional promotional photo shoot with her. Should I go talk to her?"

  Faye looked at Bryan and smiled: "No need. You're not exactly the persuasive, eloquent type. Don't end up making things worse for me."

  Hearing this, Bryan pouted with a look of feeling wronged.