"Do we have an actor like him?"
"No. Never seen him before."
"Then he's a rookie?"
"Maybe. But those clothes aren't rookie-level."
"Actor or not, he's hot. Should I go ask for his number?"
Jace Cromwell walked past the group. His hair was trimmed clean, slicked back. His jawline looked sharper, skin clearer.
He wore a dark navy blazer over a black shirt, collar unbuttoned. Slim black pants, polished shoes. The look was rich but not flashy. Not too formal, not too casual. Just right.
He stopped outside the Director's office door and knocked.
"Ms. Amelia, I'm Jace Cromwell."
A woman's voice answered. "Mr. Jace, please come in."
The office was neat and quiet. A desk by the window, a sofa along the wall. Papers and binders were stacked on a shelf, but everything looked organized.
Amelia stood near the desk. She smiled politely. Her white hair was tied back tight. Early forties. Tired eyes, but she held herself together.
"Mr. Jace, hope you didn't have trouble finding the office."
"Not at all," Jace replied. "It was easy."
Amelia Cross, a director with over ten years of experience, currently leading a Netflex dark romance called A Dark Destiny. Sixteen episodes were planned, four already shot. The series had launched with buzz and high hopes.
But then the original producer pulled out. Funding collapsed. Now, with her name tied to the project, failure could ruin her reputation, and maybe even her career.
Amelia gestured toward the woman on the sofa. "This is Valentina. She's playing the female lead."
Valentina Ray had been acting since childhood. Now in her mid-twenties, her first three projects were major hits, followed by a string of decent roles. But lately, her career had taken a nosedive with four flops in a row.
She looked perfect on the outside. Black heels, red slit dress, long curled hair.
But the way she sat, one leg thrown over the other and arms locked across her chest, made it clear she had no interest in being polite.
She didn't stand. Didn't speak. Just gave a lazy nod.
Amelia gave a small, nervous laugh. "T-The production's been paused, so her mood's a bit bitter. Please understand."
Jace smiled. "Sure. Let's get started." He didn't spare Valentina another glance.
Amelia's face eased up. "Let's sit and talk, then."
They all sat down. Jace took the sofa across from Amelia. Valentina remained on his left, still quiet.
A woman came in and placed teacups on the table.
Amelia spoke first. "So… you said you'd like to produce our series. May I ask how much you're willing to invest?"
She added quickly, "Even if it's not a big amount, we can make you co-producer. We just need anything we can get right now."
Jace picked up the tea, took a slow sip, then raised one finger.
"One million?" Amelia blinked.
Valentina smirked slightly, face dripping with arrogance.
Amelia tried to stay polite. "Thank you, but this is a high-end show. We were hoping for four to five million."
Jace set his cup down. "Director, I think you misunderstood. I was going to say ten million dollars."
Silence.
Amelia's eyes widened. Her lips parted but no sound came out.
Valentina's smirk disappeared in an instant.
"T-Ten million?" Amelia said. Her face lit up. "That would solve everything."
She stood up. "Let's sign the contract right away."
Jace raised his hand. "Please wait, Director. I haven't finished speaking. I have three conditions."
Amelia paused, then sat back down. "Conditions?"
"First, I want the title of Executive Producer."
Amelia was hesitant at first. "Well, you're investing so much… obviously, you should be Executive Producer[1]."
"Second," Jace continued, "move the release to next month."
Amelia frowned. "That might be difficult. The original release date is two months away, and we're already behind on shooting."
Jace stood up from the sofa. "Then the deal is off."
Valentina's voice cut in. "Director, with ten million we can pay the crew extra for overtime and shift the schedule, right?"
Amelia glanced at her. "Technically yes, but it'll be a tight schedule…"
She trailed off as Valentina stared at her without blinking.
Then Valentina turned to Jace. "Please tell us your third condition."
Her tone was serious now. No trace of the smugness from earlier.
Jace smirked.
The next morning, a sleek black luxury car moved through the city streets. Jace sat in the back, relaxed. He had bought it just yesterday.
The interior was quiet and spacious. Two rear seats faced forward. The female bodyguard he hired sat up front, silent and steady at the wheel.
Valentina sat opposite him. She looked different today. Elegant, but her posture had changed. Legs placed properly, back straight, hands folded in her lap. No attitude.
Jace looked at her. "Didn't expect you to come along. You're not even shooting today."
Valentina gave a faint smile. "I thought I'd show you around the set."
"How kind of you," Jace said with a small smile. The sarcasm in his tone was clear.
She didn't answer. She just turned her face toward the window.
The car slowed to a stop.
The female bodyguard stepped out and opened the door. "Sir, we've arrived."
Jace tilted his head slightly. "After you."
Valentina nodded and stepped out.
Jace followed.
The set was bustling. A few crew members moved props, and equipment rolled across the floor. The place had a raw, unfinished feel.
Jace breathed in slowly. Fresh air. A new environment. His eyes scanned everything.
Then a man appeared.
Tall, fit, and well-groomed. His shirt hugged his arms, showing off the work he clearly put in at the gym. His hair was styled neatly, jaw clean-shaven.
Valentina stepped forward. "Mr. Jace, meet Callen Ward. He's playing the male lead."
Callen looked at Jace with sharp eyes. "You're the guy playing the villain?"
"Yes," Jace said calmly. "Nice to meet you." He extended his hand.
Callen glanced at his hand, then back at him. "Just because you threw in some money doesn't mean I'll kiss your feet."
Jace's hand stayed in the air, but his fingers slowly curled into a fist. A vein showed on the side of his neck.
Callen turned and walked off, voice loud enough to carry. "A no-name trying to play the main antagonist? What a joke."
Valentina blinked, caught off guard. "Callen!"
Jace clenched his jaw. "Great…" he muttered.
He lowered his hand, still watching Callen walk away.
'Now I've got a new name on my list of shitheads.'
[1] The Co-Producer guides the story and creative vision, while the Executive Producer holds the real authority in decision-making.