CHAPTER 54: – SASHA –

Viviana stared at the woman sitting across from her and biting down on her lip.

"Do you... want anything from me?" the woman, Sasha asked. She was light-skinned, with deep chocolate eyes that flickered with uncertainty.

"I wanted to ask you something," Viviana said.

Sasha breathed out nervously. "Ms, I’m really flattered that someone like you wanted to see me, but..."

"I know, I know," Viviana cut in softly. "Just hear me out, please. I’m begging you."

Sasha hesitated. She glanced around her and slowly nodded. "O-okay."

"What’s it like working with Fernando?"

"Eh?"

"What is it like working for him? You’re a model at the Stolique agency, right?"

"I am." Sasha nodded cautiously.

"Then—" Viviana’s eyes locked on her. "—What is it like?"

Sasha shook her head. "I don’t understand what you’re trying to ask me, ms."

Viviana drew in a steady breath. She said, "I know Fernando. I know the kind of man he is. I want you to tell me what it’s been like working under him. Has... he ever harassed you?"

Sasha’s pupils widened. She froze. Then suddenly stood, snatching her bag to leave.

Viviana quickly caught her head. "Please, do not go yet. Talk to me. I’m trying to help you."

"Are you really?" Sasha shot back, staring hard at her. "Anyone who’s not stupid can tell you and he has personal problems with each other. Everyone saw what happened at the wedding. So are you really trying to help me, or are you just looking for something you can use against him? Because that’s what it sounds like. And I;m not going to risk myself for anyone."

She tried to pull her hand away, but Viviana wouldn’t let go. "Please, just sit down. Give me a chance to talk first."

"I don’t want to get in trouble. I—"

"Sasha, please. Just hear me out. If you still say no, I’ll stop. I promise you that." Viviana looked desperate.

Sasha stared at her. Every instinct screamed to leave, to stay out of whatever drama this was and not get involved with these people who were in a different world compared to someone like her who was barely a supermodel.

But, a little part of her wanted to hear Viviana out. She didn’t wish to leave without at least giving her even a minute of chance.

"Fine," she finally agreed, taking her seat again.

Viviana’s tone softened apologetically. "You’re right. I admit that a big part of this is merely for my interest. I will not lie about that. I have my own personal issues with Fernando, I do. And it runs as deep as you can imagine. However, I also truly want to help you. I can help you, and still be able to get what I need in the process. I am not here to use you and walk away. I’ll sincerely help you, Sasha, but I need you to talk to me first."

Sasha fidgeted worriedly with her fingers. "What can you even do?"

"Sasha—"

"Ms, for as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a model. When I finally applied at Stolique and got in, I thought I had made it. And I don’t want to give it up. I don’t want to fall back to where I started, searching, working myself to exhaustion, crying into my pillow because I failed and couldn’t make it. I don’t... I don’t want to go back to that. But..."

"But?"

Sasha’s shoulders sagged. "It can feel overwhelming. Sometimes I sit and mope, asking myself if it’s even worth it."

"And do you think it is?" Viviana asked.

Sasha couldn’t answer her. Her head dipped, and her voice broke as she finally broke down, shaking as she sobbed quietly.

"Sasha."

"It’s killing me," she whispered. "But I’m too scared to do anything. People like me, we can’t win. Not against powerful people like him."

Viviana watched quietly as she sobbed. She reached forward, wanting to comfort her, but stopped when Sasha suddenly wiped her face roughly with the edge of the hoodie she had on.

"It’s not just me," she said.

Viviana asked, "What do you mean?"

"The harassment, it’s not just me." Sasha let out a shaky breath. "You weren’t wrong at your wedding when you exposed him as a proud womanizer. A lot of women go through it. He’s Fernando Stolov, the son of one of the richest men in Valestra. He gets whatever he wants. If he decides to ruin one of us, he can. So we stay quiet."

Viviana couldn’t even speak. She could only just stare at her.

Sasha gave a bitter chuckle. "I know what you’re thinking, ’why haven’t we said anything?’ But it’s not that simple."

"I understand," Viviana said quickly. "And no, do not assume that. I know you would’ve spoken up if you could. No one enjoys being suppressed." Her hands balled into fists. "And that is why I’m going to help you and myself. I have a way to help you, to help all of you."

Sasha’s eyes narrowed. "How?"

Viviana reached into her bag and took out a recording chip. She placed it in her hand.

Sasha stared down at it, frowning. "What’s this?"

"A video recording chip. It’s tiny enough and would hardly be discovered," Viviana said. "I want you to pin it somewhere on your clothes where it won’t be noticed. You need to get him harassing you on tap. That’s the only way we can win. With sufficient evidence. And with it, I’ll make sure Fernando’s finished. Completely. Can you do this?"

Sashah looked from the device to her. She shook her head. "No."

"Sasha—"

"It’s too dangerous. I’ll lose my job. I’ll get fired. Don’t you understand? He could destroy my life!" Sasha’s voice broke. "This is too risky. I’m not like you. I don’t have your privilege. If this goes wrong, my life is over!"

Viviana sighed softly. She cupped her hands.

"Sasha, that agency isn’t the only place you can make your dream come true. You said it yourself that it is not worth it. I want you to trust me. I meant it when I said I wouldn’t use you and toss you aside. If you help me, I’ll help you start over. I’ll make sure you get the opportunities you deserve, without having to suffer for them. I will not go back on my words."

Sasha stared hard at her.

She swallowed. "But why should I trust you? I don’t even know you that well. Y-you could be lying for all I know."

"And you’re right to be this vigilant," Viviana admitted. "Nothing I say can prove otherwise. But trust yourself to trust me. You can bet on it. And I promise, the risk will be worth it. Please."

Sasha flickered her gaze to her fidgety hands. She was nervously bouncing her knee, trapped between fear and something that almost looked like hope. Finally, she sighed, rubbing her curls as she locked gazes with her. "I’ll think about it."

"Sasha."

"That is all I can offer for now, ms—"

"Just call me Viviana."

Sasha swallowed thickly, nodding. "Well, Viviana, this is the only thing I can offer for now. If I change my mind, I’ll let you know."

Viviana didn’t push it. This was more than enough. She scribbled her number on a slip of paper and handed it over. "Contact me if you do."

"I will." Sasha gave a faint smile before standing to leave.

Viviana watched her go. She leaned back in her chair with a tired sigh.

"Fernando... Stolov," she muttered.