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.

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

private room, her heels clicking softly against the

idly against the table, a rhythm that betrayed his distracted mind. Marissa snapped out of her daze. Her lips curved into a smile as she approached, her voice warm and slightly

shoulder, his expression unreadable. "I haven't been waiting long," he replied, his tone

from him, motioning for a waiter

know about?" she asked with a practiced ease,

immediately respond. His gaze drifted for a few moments as if her question had

bothered by his lack of enthusiasm, she didn't show it. Her smile only seemed to brighten. "Alright then, I'll take care of it,"

attention already slipping back to whatever

Marissa handed the menu back to the waiter. Only when the door closed behind him did she allow herself a playful

his tone betraying no annoyance. Kayla Vanderbilt, Dominick's younger sister, had been coddled her entire life, which made her a spoiled, headstrong woman with little sense of boundaries and a penchant for making noise wherever

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

features, a flicker of something unreadable. "Yes, I've seen them." "And?" Marissa prodded gently, clearly fishing for his

don't need to concern yourself with that gossip. I've already instructed Julian to handle it. By now, it should be scrubbed clean," Dominick replied, lifting his

ever so slightly, though her expression remained composed. She picked up her phone and opened a few apps, only to confirm

faltered momentarily but quickly returned. "It doesn't bother me. As long as it doesn't

stayed even, though there was a faint undertone of dismissal and rejection. "I've already

sharp instincts picked up on the subtle rebuff hidden in his words. Her

was a relief when

plates, she spoke in a casual, almost offhand manner, "Oh, that reminds

face remained as composed

observed him closely before continuing, her tone light and conversational. "She seems to have a new boyfriend. 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 bound to have men vying for her attention. It's

from his seat. His face remained impassive, offering no clues to his thoughts as

elegant facade crumbled. She put down her knife and fork, her smile fading into a blank stare.

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