Scarlett studied his flushed, satisfied expression.
It didn’t take much to guess what had just happened.
If she wasn’t mistaken, Sadie was probably downstairs right now, waiting for his answer.
“The female lead?” Scarlett said lightly. “That’s not happening.”
The director hesitated, anxiety creeping in.
He had just sworn to Sadie that he’d do everything he could to secure the role.
“Chairwoman Hayes – “
“This decision came from me.”
“…What?” The director’s eyes widened.
‘Did Sadie really offend the chairwoman herself?’
He opened his mouth to argue further, but one look at Scarlett’s cold, unreadable expression made him swallow his words.
There was no point pushing it.
Just as he stood there, unsure what to do next, Scarlett spoke again.
“I recall Sadie has a rival in the industry.”
“There is… one actress she doesn’t get along with – Angela Gomez. They used to be close, but they had a falling out,” the director said, clearly confused. “Why?”
“Give her the lead.”
The director blinked.
Then froze.
“And one more thing,” Scarlett added, her tone calm and matter-of-fact. “Convince Sadie to take the second female lead. If she agrees, I’ll give you a one-million-dollar bonus.”
The director just stared at her.
One million?
Howard’s eyes lit up immediately.
As expected of his boss.
Using her rival to crush Sadie’s pride – without lifting a finger herself.
Just sitting back and watching the show unfold.
Brilliant.
In the lounge, Sadie sat clutching her stomach, sipping warm milk as she waited for good news.
She tugged down her collar slightly, catching sight of the marks on her skin. Her expression darkened instantly, fury rising.
‘That disgusting old man…’
‘I told him not to leave marks! My wedding is tomorrow – what if James sees this?’
Just then, the door opened.
The director walked in and immediately pulled her into his arms, planting a couple of sloppy kisses on her lips before letting go.
The stench nearly made her gag.
Disgust churned in her stomach, but she forced a smile.
“Director… how did it go?”
The director shook his head.
“I can’t help you.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
She had already sacrificed so much – and this was the result?
“I don’t accept this! You promised me!”
“I did everything I could,” he said quickly. “But the person you offended is someone I can’t go against.”
He almost revealed more, but caught himself just in time.
“The female lead is impossible,” he continued. “But… they asked if you’d consider the second female lead.”
“Second lead?!”
Sadie had read the original script.
The second female lead was manipulative, vicious-a scheming antagonist who framed the heroine multiple times and even caused her family’s deaths.
A deeply hated character.
“Sadie, think about it,” the director urged. “This is based on a bestselling novel-big budget, major production. Based on my experience, it’s going to be a massive hit. If you miss out, you’ll regret it.”
He leaned closer.
“And honestly, the second lead has more depth than the main character. If you play it right, you could become an overnight sensation.”
Sadie hesitated.
She was tempted.
“…Fine. I’ll take the second lead.”
“Great. Then sign this.”
The director handed her the contract.
The moment she signed her name, a smug smile spread across his face.
One million… just like that.
After handing the contract back, Sadie asked,
“Who got the female lead?”
She couldn’t help it.
She needed to know who she’d be acting opposite.
The director cleared his throat.
“Angela Gomez.”
“…WHAT?!”
Her voice exploded through the room.
Her eyes bulged with rage.
“How is it her?! Why is it Angela?!”
Out of everyone-
It had to be her worst enemy.
Letting that woman stand above her, outshine her-
She couldn’t accept it.
Never.
The director wasn’t surprised by her reaction. Everyone in the industry knew about their feud-there had even been a near on-air confrontation once.
Thinking about it now…
Scarlett’s decision was genius.
One as the lead, one as the rival-
The drama would practically promote itself.
“I’m not doing it!” Sadie snapped.
“That’s not an option,” the director said calmly. “You’ve already signed the contract. This isn’t a game-you can’t just back out whenever you feel like it.”
He locked the contract away in a drawer.
This was the chairwoman’s first assignment to him-he had to deliver.
Besides, the bonus was already secured.
No way he was giving that up.
“Give me the contract back,” Sadie demanded, panic rising as she stared at the locked drawer. “Let’s just pretend none of this happened.”
“That’s not happening.” He pointed upward. “There are cameras. I’m not taking that risk.”
Sadie clenched her teeth, cursing him internally.
‘You disgusting old man…’
‘Earlier you were all sweet talk, acting like you’d do anything for me-now you’re pretending none of it happened?’
“Director~” Sadie cooed, leaning into him.
The director didn’t hold back, squeezing her waist with a grin. “Sadie… there’s really nothing I can do.”
Her expression instantly darkened.
‘So you can’t help-but you still take advantage of me? Shameless old creep.’
“Fine. Then I’ll breach the contract.”
There was no way she’d accept being overshadowed by Angela.
“That’s fine,” the director said coolly. “The penalty is one hundred million.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.