Bradley shook his head and called over a random actor from his crew. “He joined the scene just last year and hasn’t even graduated yet. Ask him how much he gets paid.”
Stella felt like she was slowly walking into a trap.
A few moments later, Bradley called another person over.
Stella couldn’t deny that she was truly tempted. She knew Bradley wouldn’t risk ruining his reputation by lying to an amateur like her, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that it was too good to be true.
“I’m sorry.” She spoke up, her voice tinged with hesitation. If she allowed Bradley to go on, she feared she might end up succumbing to the temptation.
She needed some time to think, to find a quiet place to reflect on his offer. “It’s already late, I really should head home.”
She assumed Weston was probably no longer in the mood to wait, given how late it was.
Stella dragged her feet, reluctant to go home. She feared that if she returned too early, Weston would demand something from her. Even though she knew there was nothing she could do if he did, she subconsciously delayed her return, trying to stretch out the evening as much as she could.
The director, sensing her reluctance, didn’t press her further. Instead, he handed her a business card. “Add me as a contact. Reach out to me when you’ve thought it through. Oh, and what’s your name?”
“Ella Steele,” she replied.
“Great name, Ella,” he said with a smile, patting her shoulder. “I know you probably think I’m just trying to sweet-talk you, but I mean this from the bottom of my heart: You are very talented. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Do you know how many women like you fight tooth and nail for a chance at a role like this? You should really seize the opportunity life is giving you. For all you know, it might change your life!”
His words, delivered with sincerity, struck a chord with her. She had originally come here to avoid Weston and to try something different, but now, Bradley’s advice echoed in her mind.
She wanted to leave Weston, to break free from his control. That desire had been with her from the start. But with her current abilities, she knew it would be impossible until the day Weston grew tired of her. He had promised that he would let her go when the time came, but what if he changed his mind when that day arrived? She didn’t want her fate to be so vulnerable, reliant on someone else’s whims.
She was just a dance teacher, after all. No matter how high she climbed, she would always be under Weston’s thumb. But the opportunity before her? That was different.
If she became a public figure, it might make Weston think twice before acting too boldly against her.
As she left with Ruby, who noticed her quiet demeanor, Ruby asked, “Ms. Steele, why didn’t you take them up on their offer?”
Stella’s thoughts were in turmoil. “I haven’t thought it through yet,” she answered distractedly.
They had just reached the main entrance when a commotion from inside caught their attention. Someone shouted, “Mr. Ford is here!”
“Which Mr. Ford?” someone else asked.
“Weston Ford! The boss of Ford Corporation, the one who’s more handsome than any other male celebrity!”
“Why is Mr. Ford here?” another voice asked.
“I don’t know… Maybe for Guinevere? She’s the female lead of this movie. He could be here to check on the filming progress.”
Stella’s face paled, and she froze in her tracks. She turned around, and her gaze immediately locked with Weston’s.
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