"Didn’t think they’d let washed-up actors like you into places like this. What are you even doing here, Reed? Trying to beg for work?"Oliver’s jaw tightened as he glared at the smug youth. The guy was none other than Oliver Quinn—a rookie actor who had made it his mission to poke at Oliver every chance he got.He pieced two and two and realized it must be him who was actually selected for the role. That made him even more embarrassed, and he clenched his fists, not refuting.Quinn’s grin widened, and his friends snickered, clearly enjoying the show. Their taunts grew even more, and Quinn muttered, "Don't tell me you came here thinking you were the one selected for the role? I mean, even if we bear the same name, we're clearly world's apart. Don't you even feel embarrassed bearing the same name as me?" He actually hit the nail on the end.Oliver still didn't respond, and veins popped by the side of his head. He was about to walk away when Quinn blocked his path, grinning, "Let's face
Max paused, unsure who it was. But it seemed the person in question sensed Max's penetrating gaze on him and turned back to look. It was only then Max relaxed as it was a familiar face - Noah.He strode in with his jacket still on his right arm, and Noah also got up from the chair he was sitting in, with a polite smile on his face. "Hello, Manager Norman. I'm sure you remember me."Max gave a smile in return, nodding as he hung his suit on the rack. "Of course, I do, Mr. Noah. I just wasn't expecting your presence.""Ah, yes," Noah responded a bit sheepishly. "You were not in. So, I thought I would wait for you in your office. Sorry for my intrusion.""No offense taken," Max answered too with a polite smile of his own and gave Noah a look over.Today, he wasn't dressed so gloomily like the first few times they met. He wore a white shirt and deep blue pants, making him look even more youthful and clean, like his image portrayed him the kind, handsome white knight. He also held a small
July leaned back against the couch, admiring the photo she had just uploaded on Instagram. The sunset glowed behind her in soft golds and pinks, perfectly framing her sharp jawline and delicate features. She tilted her head, satisfied with the way her hair caught the light, and watched as the likes and comments began rolling in.“Look at this,” July said with a smirk, flipping her phone to show Vivi, who sat cross-legged on the other side of the room. “Perfect, right?”Vivi glanced up briefly from her own phone, gave the picture a lazy once-over, and nodded. “Yeah, it’s good. Now hurry up and find a role, earn some cash, and move out of my place.”The playful smugness on July’s face vanished in an instant. Her grip on the phone tightened as she stared at Vivi in disbelief. “Are you serious? Are you kicking me out like I’m some homeless beggar?”Vivi rolled her eyes, her tone cool and unapologetic. “Haven’t I been accommodating? You’ve been here for three weeks, July. Eating my food, u
The low growl of Max’s luxury sedan rumbled to a stop outside the sprawling villa. Rows of sleek sports cars lined the driveway, and golden light spilled out from the enormous glass windows, accompanied by the muted thrum of bass-heavy music. Max threw the car into park, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel before shooting Milton a sideways glance.“You good?” Max asked, eyebrow raised.Milton adjusted the collar of his designer jacket with a lazy grin. “Of course. What’s a rich kid party if not my natural habitat?”Max rolled his eyes, smirking slightly as they climbed out of the car. They walked toward the villa entrance, the scent of expensive perfume and night-blooming jasmine in the air. Just as they reached the double doors, a familiar figure stepped forward from the shadows—Noah also dressed in a leather jacket like he was ready to walk on a runway.“Right on time,Max.” Noah greeted, flashing a quick smile. He gave Max a quick once-over before clicking his tongue. "I gues
“Well, well, well. What’s someone like you doing here?”"If it isn’t the pauper trying to blend in with the rich folk!” July’s sneer rang out, her voice dripping with venom. It was evident she couldn't even be bothered to pretend she was civilized and hiding behind her friend to sneer at him. Max’s jaw tightened. Just how did he always manage to run into this troublesome pest. He was about to flip out, but he kept his composure. “Nice to see you, too, July.”Vivi snorted, arms crossed. “Really, Max? Did they forget to check the guest list, or are they letting anyone with a suit walk in these days?”Max opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Jenna’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Oh, I thought I heard the sounds of desperate hyenas yapping.”July and Vivi turned, startled, as Jenna glided over, flaunting her body curves in ways that made them both instinctively straighten up in envy. They sized her up, both wondering how Max came to know such a high-profile wo
July stormed into Greg’s penthouse, heels clacking sharply against the polished marble floors. Her face was set in a furious scowl, still fuming over her encounter with Max and the humiliation she’d suffered. But her stride faltered when she caught sight of another woman lounging on Greg’s plush leather couch, looking completely at home.“What the hell is this?” July’s voice was sharp, her eyes narrowing as she took in the girl, whose long, manicured nails were painted a shocking red, tapping idly on her phone.The girl looked up, raising an eyebrow in mild surprise before breaking into a smirk. “Oh, so you’re July,” she drawled, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “Greg mentioned you—funny, I pictured someone less... intense.”July’s jaw tightened. “And who, exactly, do you think you are?”The girl leaned back, crossing her legs leisurely. “I’m Clara, and if you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m here with Greg. Or is that too complicated for you to understand?”July clenched her fists.
Greg’s smirk deepened as he crossed his arms, looking every bit the smug strategist he thought himself to be. “Simple. I’ll pull a few strings and talk to some people at my company. Get them to… stir the pot a little.”July’s eyes narrowed. “Stir the pot? How exactly?”“Oh, don’t play dumb.” He gave a lazy wave of his hand. “We’ll get a few water armies going. Let them spread rumors that Victoria only got the role because, let’s say… ‘certain shady connections.’ We’ll imply that the production team is corrupt, that they overlooked a real talent.” His smirk grew as he watched her expression shift. “Then, with the public outraged, the team will have no choice but to give you a shot. Just to keep things quiet, of course.”July crossed her arms, trying not to look impressed, but her interest was evident. “And you think that’ll work?”He chuckled, nodding slowly. “Trust me, this isn’t my first rodeo, July. I’ve had plenty of experience handling these things.”July let out a slow breath, he
Max sat on his bed, phone in hand, eyes narrowed in concentration as he scrolled through the footage he'd captured of Oliver’s stunts earlier. He watched as Oliver’s punches and kicks cut through the air, his movements swift and precise. A smirk tugged at Max’s lips.“Not bad, Oliver,” he murmured to himself. “Not bad at all.”A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He glanced up, giving a brief sigh. “Come in.”The door creaked open, and a young maid entered, head bowed. “Sir, a package just arrived for you,” she said politely.Max gestured to the bedside table without looking away from his phone. “Leave it there. Thanks.”With a quick bow, she set the package down and slipped out, leaving Max alone once more. He didn’t give the box a second glance, too engrossed in sorting the video clips. Finally, after a few minutes, he saved the best parts, satisfied with the shots.His gaze shifted to his laptop, curiosity sparking as he opened the browser. A quick search brought up c