Chapter 6

The Golden Dome was the crown jewel of Harrowfell's fine dining scene-a restaurant where understated luxury met impeccable taste. Every corner radiated elegance, from the soft, golden lighting to the discreet hum of classical music.

Inside one of the private rooms, Gary raised his glass, his expression brimming with guilt. "Ms. Vaire, I owe you an apology regarding the lead actress role. I promised you but couldn't deliver. I'm deeply sorry." Paisley knew Gary well enough. This wasn't their first collaboration, and she understood his character. To Gary, the sanctity of art outweighed everything. If it hadn't been unavoidable, he would never have agreed to let Brittany into the project.

"Mr. Anderson, there's no need for apologies. I understand your hands were tied. It's not your fault," Paisley replied calmly, her tone devoid of blame. After all, even the most resolute director couldn't stand firm under the crushing weight of capital and influence.

Gary sighed with relief, but his guilt lingered. Without waiting for a response, he downed another glass of wine, the flush of alcohol creeping across his face. "Ms. Vaire, thank you for your understanding," he murmured, almost to himself.

In the industry, Paisley worked under the pseudonym Nion Vaire-a name that had garnered respect for her compelling scripts.

Gary had always admired her and hoped to collaborate with her again. His regret over breaking their agreement gnawed at him, and it showed in the way he nervously nursed his drink.

As a man in his fifties with a low tolerance for alcohol, Gary quickly began showing the telltale signs of intoxication.

His face turned beet red, and his words grew slightly slurred. "Ms. Vaire, I swear to you, I'll give this my all. I won't let your work be tarnished."

Paisley offered him a faint, polite smile, but her thoughts remained elsewhere. This situation had long outgrown Gary's control.

"Mr. Anderson, do you have any idea who's behind Brittany's sudden rise?" she asked after a pause. Her voice was calm but deliberate, her sharp intuition zeroing in on the real key-the mysterious figure behind Brittany.

Gary's face scrunched with uncertainty. "I don't know," he admitted as he shook his head.

Paisley wasn't surprised. She figured that whoever was backing Brittany was someone powerful enough

to keep their involvement concealed. They didn't step into the spotlight-they merely issued orders and had others execute their will.

Paisley nodded slightly, choosing not to press further.

as the door slid open, revealing a waiter carrying artfully plated dishes.

softly against the polished floor. Dominick was already there, lounging with an air of unbothered

window, the city lights glimmering faintly beyond the glass. One long, slender finger tapped idly against the table, a rhythm that betrayed his

"I haven't been

from him, motioning for a waiter

should know about?" she asked with a practiced

drifted for a few moments as if her question had only just registered. "Anything's fine," he

enthusiasm, she didn't show it. Her smile

a slight nod, his attention already slipping back to whatever thoughts had occupied him before

she

her a spoiled, headstrong woman with little sense of boundaries and a penchant for making noise wherever she went. Marissa chuckled softly, covering her mouth in

studied Dominick's expression, trying to catch any flicker of reaction. "By the way, Dom, have

of something unreadable. "Yes, I've seen them." "And?" Marissa prodded

handle it. By now, it should be scrubbed clean," Dominick replied, lifting his glass of sparkling water and sipping it

her expression remained composed. She picked up her phone and opened a few apps, only to confirm his words. The scandalous stories about her and Dominick had

me. As long as it doesn't cause you any

tone stayed even, though there was a faint undertone of dismissal and

in his words. Her smile stiffened at the edges, but she

It was

spoke in a casual, almost offhand manner, "Oh, that reminds me. I think I saw

face remained as composed as ever, betraying no

This one is a bit older-unlike that young guy picking her up from the hospital last time." She paused to delicately cut into her steak, savoring a bite before adding, "Well, it makes sense. A woman as beautiful as Ms. Sutton is

said abruptly, rising from his seat. His face remained

her smile fading into a blank stare. Any trace of her earlier nonchalance was gone, replaced by a

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255