Chapter 101
Lindsay was straightforward. “The lead role has to be Alexia. This film was tailor- made for her.”
“In that case, let me see what she looks like,” Kris replied, his standards for leading ladies famously high. Beauty was a given, but he also valued intelligence.
“Come on, I’ll take you to her dorm.”
Without further ado, Lindsay led Kris down the corridor to Alexia’s room.
The moment Alexia saw Kris, the color drained from her face. Her scalp prickled, tension creeping down her spine as she froze in place, looking as if she’d just seen a ghost.
Kris, on the other hand, was quite pleased with what he saw. He’d always had an appreciation for beautiful women—especially as a director who’d seen his fair share of them. But Alexia’s beauty was something else delicate, almost otherworldly. He’d never seen anyone quite like her before.
“Hello, Ms. Laurier. I’m Kris.” He offered her his hand in greeting.
Alexia’s hand trembled as she reached out, her eyes rimmed with red and shimmering with unshed tears as she stared at Kris. Despite being forty-five, Kris looked barely past thirty, thanks to his dedication to fitness and self-care. His physique was even more impressive-years of exercise had left him with well- defined abs and a strong, athletic build.
Lindsay watched the exchange unfold, a sly, knowing smile tugging at her lips. “I’llI leave you two to it. I have something else to take care of,” she said, and slipped out before either could protest.
“You’re just as beautiful and poised as the young Mrs. Quigley described,” Kris said, surprising Alexia. “You’re perfect for the lead role.”
The lead role? Her?
“What do you mean?” Alexia asked, bewildered.
“Ms. Nelson didn’t tell you?” Kris explained, “She’s investing in a big-budget film. I’ll be directing, and you’ll be the leading lady. We’re talking a huge production- nine figures.”
Alexia stared at him in disbelief. A major film, starring her? But Ms. Nelson hadn’t said a word about it.
“Is this real?” she asked uncertainly.
Kris grinned. “Why would I make this up? Ms. Nelson even gave me the studio’s contact.”
Alexia let out a long breath, some of her tension easing. Maybe she’d been overthinking. Why else would Lindsay offer her the starring role?
“Are you free tonight? Let’s grab dinner together. Mr. Quigley will send me the script later, and we can go over it,” Kris invited warmly.
Alexia hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded in agreement.
Night fell over Quigley Manor.
On the fourth floor, Lindsay sat in her bedroom, phone pressed to her ear as a low voice rumbled through the line.
“I’ve done what you asked,” the man said. “The production team is working on the script overnight. You’ll have it in a week.”
“Good. Now we just sit back and watch the show.”
If Alexia thought she could skip over meeting Kris, Lindsay had no intention of letting her off that easily.
“Watch the show, or ‘watch the show’?” the man teased, playing on the double meaning.
“Either way, it’ll be a show,” Lindsay replied, her tone deliberately vague.
“Tsk, tsk. They say it’s better to cross a scoundrel than a woman. Looks like it’s true.”
“Oh, spare me. Just get that script to me,” Lindsay instructed.
“Have I ever let you down? You’ll have it within the week.” “Alright. I’ll hang up now.”
As the call ended, Yves returned, his expression tight, as if he were struggling to keep something in check.
Lindsay immediately noticed, her brows knitting in concern. “Yves, is something wrong?”