Chapter 586


    Brielle was blissfully unaware of the silent upheavals taking ce within the walls of Ster Stage


    Entertainment. She had tried reaching out to some high–profile directors, only to be met with a


    unanimous chorus of rejections.


    Next, she tried her luck with renowned screenwriters, but just like the directors, the moment they heard


    the name Ster Stage Entertainment, they wouldn’t waste another breath. promptly hanging up the


    phone. It became clear to Brielle that Alivia must have tipped them off.


    Alivia’s brother, Kenzo, was a top–tier screenwriter, a veritable Midas of the domestic scene. Anything


    he penned was almost guaranteed to turn into a cultural phenomenon, dominating ratings. To


    coborate with him was a dream for many directors, who would go to great lengths for the opportunity.


    Thus, as Kenzo’s sister, they most certainly owed her that courtesy.


    Offending a rtively unknown entity like Ster Stage Entertainment was just a small price to


    pay.


    Without a director or a script, even with talented actors at hand, Brielle was at a standstill. Rubbing her


    temples, she fixed her gaze on one particr name.


    This director had once bagged the coveted Best Director award, only to fall from grace when


    allegations of domestic violence surfaced. The awardsmittee even rescinded his trophy. The man


    in question was John. Brielle knew she had to meet him. If possible, she couldmission a tailor–


    made script for Aubree and Ricardo. It was a gamble, but since taking over Ster Stage


    Entertainment, every move had been a roll of the dice.


    She rose from her desk and strode out of the office, only to bump into Ricardo just outside her door.


    Perfect timing–she had wanted to take him along to meet John.


    “Ricardo, do you know of John?”


    Ricardo looked rather sheepish, his youth evident at neen, as he stood quietly. “Ms. Haywood, are


    you referring to John, the director? He had his moment with winning an award but fell out of grace due


    to the abuse and infidelity scandal. He’s been cklisted by investors, and after losing a nasty divorce,


    he’s left with nothing. I’ve heard he’s been haunting the fringes of the studio lots, hoping someone


    would give him a chance. But his reputation is in tatters.”


    “I want to meet him.”


    “Ms. Haywood, I happen to know where he lives.”


    Brielle was surprised. John had shunned all interviews, and with the incident five years behind him, it


    was unlikely anyone knew his whereabouts. How did Ricardoe to know about them? A flush crept


    over Ricardo’s face as he muttered, “I’ve worked a lot of jobs. I delivered food to


    12:22


    Chapter 586


    his ce once. It’s in a run–down neighborhood on the outskirts, hard to find. I’ll have to take you


    there.”


    Brielle nodded, “Alright, lead the way.”


    A flicker of something passed through Ricardo’s eyes as they headed to the car, with him taking the


    driver’s seat. “Ms. Haywood, let me drive.”


    With a nod, Brielle settled in, no suspicion in her mind.


    The drive to the city outskirts took two hours,pounded by traffic, so it was four in the afternoon by


    the time they arrived. The road narrowed, marred by the ruts of heavy vehicles. Several times, Brielle


    nearly hit her head against the window frame due to the bumpy ride.


    At the entrance of a narrow alley, Ricardo pulled over. “Ms. Haywood, this is it. We’ll follow this alley


    straight down to where it forks and see John’s ce. It’s a one–story building with white walls stered


    with old ads. After you.”


    With a nod and a smile, Brielle said, “Thanks for your help.”


    Ricardo, his demeanor still pure, nodded back, “It’s what I should do.”


    Brielle took the lead, walking slowly ahead. Even in daylight, the alley was dim, the setting sun casting


    long shadows only on the elevated parts.


    Beaconsfield was a city where opulence and squalor intertwined, a ce where sordid alleys shed


    with urban splendor–both heaven and hell.


    Ricardo silently drew a folding dagger from his sleeve, his gaze sharp, a faint smile touching his lips.


    He never missed his mark.


    “Ricardo, how’s your sister’s health these days?” Brielle’s question was sudden, perhaps seeking to


    ease the monotony of the walk with some conversation. “What exactly is she suffering from? Has it


    been tough for you all these years?”


    Ricardo’s hand paused, just a second away from ensuring Brielle’s fate. This was a mission he had to


    complete.


    “Ricardo, I’m seeking out John to craft a script specifically for you and Aubree. I want to make you


    stars. A young man like you belongs in the spotlight.”


    Ricardo’s movement halted, his eyes flickering. In the spotlight, huh?N?velDrama.Org (C) content.