After having lunch with her colleagues, Annie retreated to her room for a short respite. When afternoon rolled around, she plunged back into meetings to map out her upcoming plans.

One decision was already firm in her mind: she no longer wished to manage Nathan. The company, sensing her resolve, had offered her a different artist-another male singer. He was a recent debutant, practically unknown in the industry, though undeniably promising, with striking looks and an impressive physique.

Her ...