In a Love Nest with the Aloof CEO
Chapter 147

The moment they stepped off the bus, a cloud of dust and sand swirledaround them. Apparently, this town was identified by the governmentas one of the poverty-stricken areas in the country.

There was a man in a white cap and grey waistcoat standing by theentrance of the town. When he spotted Jeremy and Skylar, he made hisway towards them immediately.

They couldn't tell how old he was. He had long and thick sideburns thatextended down the sides of his face. There was something bulkyshifting around in his coat pocket.

“Oh, the both of you came together! I'm Howard Cowley. I am tasked topick the both of you up.”

Howard's eyes were fixed on Skylar as he spoke. He couldn't help butnotice how supple her skin looked. How beautiful!

Jeremy was very eager to make himself stand out. He rushed forwardand shook Howard's hand immediately.

On the other hand, Skylar merely smiled timidly at Howard.

Howard led them to where the production crew was. On their waythere, he updated them regarding the important details of the shootingprocedure.

Skylar turned to him and asked, “Has the director arrived yet?”

Howard smiled cheerfully at her. “Yes. Regarding your role as the leadactress, the production team has arranged for another candidate to filmseparately. The director will take a look at each of your scenesindividually before deciding on the lead actress. You guys may goahead and practice first. We will start with the supporting actors’ scenesfirst.”

Jeremy was pleased to hear this. “I knew it! A renowned directorwouldn't take the lead actress casting so lightly!”

Howard's words proved Skylar's suspicions correct. Before this, she hadwondered if her success had come too suddenly.

If she were Daryl's first choice for the lead actress role, he wouldn't betreating her so poorly—poor enough to have her book her own cab tothe shooting location.

Perhaps he had been acting on impulse back when he chose her, andnow he regretted it.

They finally arrived at the filming site. This was the first time Skylar hadseen so many cameras around her. As the extras paced around the setlistlessly, the director barked out orders to the other workers.

Hearing that Howard had brought the two of them there, Daryl walkedover to them, chomping nastily on a pear. As she met his bleary gaze,Skylar felt a shiver run down her spine.

Daryl scanned her from head to toe. Skylar was in her casual wear.

A pair of silky white ankle stuck out from beneath the rolled-up cuffs ofher jeans. Her features, which carried a schoolgirl-like innocence, madeher look even more beautiful.

Daryl had wanted her to be his lead actress all along. However, theproduction team commented she appeared too modern, lacking therustic appeal they were looking for.

Daryl thought that was hogwash. Unfortunately, Skylar wasn't famousenough for him to speak up on her behalf.

In the past, he would have fought bitterly to keep her as the leadactress. However, since he was making an art film this time, he had nochoice but to bow down to the investors. Frankly, Daryl was veryannoyed. If he knew this was going to happen, he wouldn't haveinvested so much time into looking for the perfect lead actress.

“Have the both of you taken a look at the script?” Daryl asked.

Skylar nodded. “Yes. I've read through the entire thing.”

Daryl sighed deeply and said, “Well, don't bother reading it anymore.They've changed the lead actress.”

Didn“t Howard say that we would film separately and be judged basedon our performance?

Initially, Skylar thought she might have a chance against the otheractress if she gave her best efforts. The small spark of hope in her heartwas extinguished almost instantly.

“May I know why?” Skylar wanted an explanation—she would be lying ifshe said she wasn't disappointed. “You could've told me about thisbeforehand so I could be mentally prepared.”

Daryl replied calmly, “There's no reason behind it. It's quite common inthis industry for lead actresses to be swapped out at the last moment.However, I do think you're quite suited for the role of the supportingactress. You're still young, and there will be many more opportunitiesahead of you. Sadly, our investors have decided that you won't beplaying the role of the lead actress.”

Skylar had read the script of the supporting actress. She couldn't helpbut feel that she was nothing but a common wench who moaned andgriped and seduced men. What an awful character!

In the end, the supporting actress was the one who ended up with thelead actor. Skylar knew that she would be getting a lot of hate mailonce the film aired.

Seeing her hesitate, Daryl said immediately, “You can choose not toaccept this offer if you don't want to. After all, we haven't signed acontract yet. If you choose to return home now, the production teamwill absorb the cost of your plane ticket home.”