Chapter 222
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Westin’s eyes widened in surprise . “ A woman ? ”
But the more he thought about it , the more sense it made .
That black vortex painting – so saturated with deathly stillness and despair – was pure emotion , not technique .
Only a woman could channel feelings so raw and nuanced onto a canvas .
“ I want to meet my senior even more now , Westin admitted , unable to hide the eagerness in his voice .
He was desperate to see more of Aria’s work
Mono wanted to see her too . In all those years , aside from their brief apprenticeship , they’d barely crossed paths . Aria was always busy .
When she finally found a moment of freedom , she’d suddenly gotten married – without a word to him .
Divorced , too , and never breathed a syllable . The more he thought about it , the more irritated he became
The private suite was thick with smoke . Vanessa endured it with a poker face , doing her best not to cough
Besides the “ big boss ” Dawson had warned her about and Orlando , there were two film company CEOs in attendance , each flanked by a stunning actress -the brightest stars in the entertainment industry .
All except Vanessa knew exactly how to play the game : pouring drinks , making conversation , serving up the kind of emotional energy these rooms demanded .
Russell and Orlando , strikingly handsome , didn’t take advantage or make lewd jokes ; the actresses smiles were genuine , needing no cues from their bosses .
Yet the man in black – the one with a diagonal scar over his left brow and an aura colder than ice – was so intimidating no one dared get too close .
So it was Orlando who found himself sandwiched between two ambitious beauties , both determined to charm him ,
Meanwhile , Dawson and the others were deep in negotiations with Russell about Nebula’s expansion into domestic film
Nebula , after all , was one of Masmubia’s most powerful studios , responsible for blockbuster after blockbuster , its stars household names around the globe .
Russell , though a Huthailian , was one of Nebula’s top executives , responsible for all business in the country .
But CEO was just his public face , what truly unnerved people was his background .
Dawson only knew bits and pieces , but he knew enough : cross this man and you’d disappear without a trace .
One of the film bosses piped up , “ Mr. Nicholson , we’ve heard Nebula’s planning to invest in Huthalia . Is there already a project works ? ”
Russell simply nodded . The laughter laded . Everyone leaned in
His gare slid to Vanessa’s untouched glass . “ Miss Ward , are you feeling unwelt
Dawson caught on instantly , shooting Vanessa a warning glance – drinking was nothing in their world , just another part of the business .
Vanessa didn’t flinch ; she filed her glass , offered Russell a bright smile , and said , “ Mr. Nicholson , lit me boast to you , if you have any projects , thope you’ll consider Starmon Films . If not , at least keep me in mind . ”
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She downed the drink in one go .
Everyone at the table had the same thought , but Vanessa was the only one bold enough to say it aloud ,
Dawson’s face twitched – he nudged Vanessa under the table , then stood to apologize . “ Sorry , Mr. Nicholson . Our actress tends to speak be
Russell said nothing . Orlando smiled faintly , “ No harm done . Miss Ward is just looking out for her future . ”
A bit blunt , but honest .
Dawson quickly shifted gears . “ There’s a new sci – fi film in the pipeline . Miss Ward would be perfect for one of the roles – perhaps she could audition ? ”
Russell nodded .
Landing a role in a Nebula production was a golden ticket , the sort of opportunity that transformed careers overnight .
Everyone at the table was stunned .
Dawson nearly bounced back into his chair , while Vanessa raised an eyebrow , sensing something off beneath the surface .
One of the CEOs teased , “ See , Vanessa ? The rest of you should take notes . ”
The other actresses , emboldened , tried to be just as direct , but neither Russell nor Orlando offered them any promises . Regret was written all over the
faces .