Chapter 1218
With her new movie about to begin filming, Claire’s schedule went into overdrive.
She had memorized the script backward and forward; now it was time for the cast’s intensive pre-production training.
Sandra called her, absolutely buzzing with excitement. She bragged that the production team had hired a cast full of actors who looked like runway models.
The producers, determined to make a massive splash, had scoured top drama schools for fresh talent.
The requirements were notoriously brutal. Every single male actor was over six-foot- two.
And since the film featured heavy, shirtless action sequences, an eight-pack was practically a job requirement.
On top of that, the entire cast was heading to a training camp for archery and horseback riding.
Sandra shamelessly announced she would be “visiting the set” as often as possible to enjoy the view.
Claire’s assistant was even more thrilled, considering she got to live on set with Claire for the entire shoot.
Just as they wrapped up their call, the casting director phoned to ask if Claire was free that evening.
She was.
The director sent over an address, asking her to join a pre-training cast dinner so everyone could break the ice.
Claire arrived at the restaurant, and the moment she walked into the private room, she was practically blinded by the sheer amount of eye candy.
Sandra’s description had actually been an understatement.
Among this cast, Claire was a respected industry veteran.
So, the second she walked in, the entire room of stunning actors immediately stood up, bowing respectfully and introducing themselves, making Claire feel entirely overwhelmed.
These guys were in the prime of their youth, practically vibrating with energy, and every single one of them was a smooth talker.
“Claire!”
“So great to meet you, Claire!”
“Have a seat right here, Claire!”
The greetings washed over her, sickeningly sweet but impossible to hate.
The boy in the center flashed a brilliant, charming smile, pulling out a chair for her.
The one next to him, wearing a thin silver chain, smoothly poured her half a glass of warmed fruit wine, fingertips lightly tapping the n “This isn’t strong at all. Just take a sip?”
Claire was practically swept off her feet by the sheer charm offensive.
One complimented her earrings, saying they perfectly matched her aura.
Another swore she looked even more radiant in person than on camera.
The boldest of the bunch leaned in close, raising his glass. “A toast to you, Claire. Please look out for me on set.”
She laughed and clinked her glass against his. The fruit wine went down smooth, warming her up as much as the lively, youthful energy in the room.
After a few drinks, she was feeling genuinely buzzed.
She wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or the company, but she was definitely experiencing the intoxicating effect of being surrounded by gorgeous men.
In the room right next door.
Wilbur had just closed a massive deal. Zeke, his business partner, was in high spirits and called in a few beautiful escorts to keep them company.
A woman in a sequined slip dress knew exactly what she was doing. She immediately leaned into Wilbur, her voice dripping with sugar. “Mr. Prescott, a toast to you.”
Wilbur didn’t pull away, but he didn’t take the glass either. He just offered a polite smile, though his eyes remained utterly detached.
He smoothly raised a hand, his long fingers hovering just between the crystal rim
and the woman’s sequins, maintaining a subtle but impenetrable barrier.
The woman wasn’t deterred. She leaned in closer, her knee brushing against his tailored slacks.
Without missing a beat, Wilbur pushed his chair back an inch, his back lightly pressing against the edge of the table. He looked perfectly relaxed, but
effortlessly re-established a strict
but he had net
physical boundary.
He clinked his glass against hers, giving her an out so she wouldn’t lose face.
Zeke, currently occupied with a
woman on each arm, noticed the
exchange and laughed loudly. “Man,
girls
if I looked like you my line of girls would stretch all the way e way to Paris!”
Wilbur offered a faint smile. A deep, almost imperceptible exhaustion flickered in his
eyes before he buried it back under his flawless, composed mask.