Chatper 30


    Chapter 30


    As Rosie ushered her into the dining area, several actors had already arrived. Rosie made quick


    introductions. Sensing a harmonious vibe, she hurried off to her next engagement.


    Natalie found herself a secluded spot at the corner table and struck up a polite conversation with the


    lead actress and her


    co–star.


    The lead actress was the new darling of the local film scene, and Natalie, having seen her on a popr


    TV show, chatted with her a bit longer The supporting actress watched the exchange with a hardening


    gaze.


    When the production team arrived, Gavin was still missing, apparently held up by some matter, so the


    group didn’t wait for him.


    The main producer hadn’t been seated long before he noticed Natalie.


    Natalie sat quietly, her beauty arresting, reminiscent of a painting.


    “I haven’t met thisdy before.”


    At his mention, Natalie stood up with a ss of juice in hand, greeting the producer politely, “I’m Natalie


    Wright. I’ve been studying abroad and don’t have much acting experience. Mr. Miller gave me the


    thumbs–up after an audition a couple of days ago. I’ll be counting on your patience and guidance.”


    “Oh… Miller just mentioned you yesterday,” the producer replied with a warm smile, standing up and


    approaching Natalie.


    Natalie, slightly ttered, scooted her chair back, inadvertently tangling her dress hem with the chair


    leg.


    The producer advanced to assist with her dress.


    “It’s alright. I’ve got it!” Natalie smoothly avoided his touch, maintaining herposure.


    Just then, two soft knocks sounded at the door. Everyone turned to see Gracia, standing by the


    doorway with a beaming smile. She first greeted the production team, and then her eyes fell on Natalie,


    her smile freezing in ce.


    Gracia had chosen this evening for her “coincident” encounter with a well–known producer, not


    expecting Natalie to be haunting the ce as well.


    In the dim light of the hallway, a tall man with a brooding expression stood, his gaze fixed on the


    producer’s hand entwined with


    Natalie’s.


    “Mr. Howard, Gracia, what a coincidence!” The main producer spotted Brian and immediately released


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Natalie’s hand, moving respectfully toward the door.


    Brian was silent, his cold stare locked on Natalie. To him, it seemed Natalie threw herself at any man


    avable. Was she that


    desperate?


    Natalie hadn’t expected to run into these two here. After a moment of hesitation, she looked down to


    avoid Brian’s gaze, silently sitting back down and straightening her dress.


    She had worn a midi skirt to the venue, but Rosie insisted thepany’s policy required artists to wear


    formal attire, so she had changed into a long gown. She should have insisted on keeping her original


    outfit.


    With her head bowed, Natalie could still feel Brian’s intense gaze, a fineyer of sweat forming in her


    palms.


    By the door, Gracia had stiffened her smile, while Brian remained silent, giving her no


    acknowledgment.


    “Brian isn’t feeling well today, so we’ll be leaving now,” Gracia said to the producer, her voice still


    cheerful.


    The pair had just reached the main entrance when Brian suddenly said in a low voice, “You go ahead.”


    “But you have an international flight tomorrow morning, you should go back and rest,” Gracia hesitated,


    then cautiously wrapped her arm around Brian’s, cooing softly.


    She knew why Brian wanted her to leave/first. It was because of Natalie.