Side Chick Era Over (Sharon and Carter) novel Chapter 436

Chapter 436

He was merely testing her limits.

Had she shown the slightest sign of backing down, Carter would have pushed even harder.

Sharon didn’t waste another word. Instead, she reached into her bag and pulled out a stack of sheet music and a small portable player.

“These are my original compositions,” she said calmly. “Kelly and Carter, feel free to review them before deciding whether to accept my proposal.”

Kelly accepted the sheets and began flipping through them attentively.

It only took her a few moments before she looked up at Sharon, eyes flickering with surprise.

As someone trained in music-and not without talent-Kelly could clearly recognize the quality of the compositions in front of

her.

Sharon continued, “I won’t use the name ‘Star’ to hype anyone up, especially not under someone with a reputation like Kelly’s. That’s out of the question.

“To be perfectly honest, the amount Carter is offering, I might very well earn that in time. It’s not exactly tempting.”

“Of course,” she added, a faint smile playing at her lips, “if Carter can offer a number that makes it worth risking my entire reputation, I might consider it. I did the math. That number would have to start in the ten-figure range.”

Ten figures.

No rational person would agree to such a price. Not even Carter. Not even Nate would shell out billions just to secure an exclusive composer for the woman he adored. (1

Even if he had the money, he’d never spend it that way.

Sharon went on, unfazed. “Kelly, if you like any of these, feel free to choose one. But if you’re insisting on using Star for publicity

She looked directly at Carter.

“Then I’m afraid-even if you kill me-I won’t agree.

Carter gave her a long look, then pressed play on the music player.

A delicate violin melody flowed through the room, soft yet powerful, filling the space with quiet resonance.

The office fell into complete silence.

Even Peggy and Simon-neither of whom had any real understanding of music-found themselves drawn in, quietly captivated by the sound.

No one knew how much time had passed before the final note faded away.

Carter’s expression remained unreadable, his handsome features betraying neither approval nor displeasure.

He turned to Kelly. “Kelly, what do you think?”

Kelly hesitated for a moment before replying, “Sharon’s music is truly stunning. But what I need isn’t just a brilliant composer. I need one who can quickly boost visibility and generate buzz.”

Sharon responded evenly, “To be honest, Kelly, given your current situation, stirring up more buzz might do more harm than

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good. Even with Star’s name attached, the public won’t accept you.”

Nate finally lost his temper. His face twisted in anger as he snapped, “Sharon! You keep taking veiled shots at Kelly’s reputation. What exactly are you trying to say?!”

But Sharon’s tone remained calm, devoid of emotion or personal judgment.

“I’m simply stating the facts. I have to make a living too. If I could profit from this, who wouldn’t want to?”

“And honestly, Nate, do you really believe Kelly’s current reputation would allow her to hire someone like Star? I imagine none of you would want rumors circulating that she only landed Star thanks to a wealthy backer.”

She paused, then turned her gaze toward Carter, her smile laced with mockery.

“Or… are you planning to go public with our divorce?” (1

Industry insiders already knew about her and Carter. But for the public, that was an entirely different matter.

Carter hadn’t made the divorce public-not for the sake of their son, Theo-but to avoid any potential stock volatility or giving

his competitors an opening.

His gaze darkened.

“You’re very persuasive.’

Sharon’s smile deepened slightly. “I’m not the one convincing you-the facts are.”

Carter was quiet for a few seconds, then gave a slow nod. “Fine. I’ll agree. But you’ll need to provide Kelly with at least three original compositions.”

Sharon didn’t even blink. “Deal.”

Kelly and Nate’s expressions changed instantly. They spoke at the same time.

“Carter!”

Carter’s voice was cool and steady. “She’s right. Kelly, there’s been too much attention on you lately. It’s not the right time to be

in the spotlight.”

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