Reclaiming Her Heart
Chapter 504 A Green-Eyed Monster?

The agreement was irrevocable, and Austin was acutely aware that his continued presence would only serve to amplify his disgrace. He retrieved the discarded contract from the floor, his head bowed in defeat, and made his exit. In his wake, Mr. Montague was already engaged in a jubilant conversation with Rachel Dorie, lauding her victory with no consideration for Austin's lingering presence.

Upon stepping out of the office, Austin surveyed the bustling surroundings. The company was abuzz with fresh faces and renowned stars alike. His ascent to stardom had been meteoric, and everyone treated him with due respect. Yet, behind the closed doors of the office, he was insignificant.

And now, he was bound to serve as Rachel Dorie's escort. The mere thought of her cunning stratagems made his skin bristle with revulsion. But there was no escape-contracts were the bane of artists like him.

Desperation clouded his eyes as he slid into the car, toying with the idea of ending it all. He considered exposing Rachel Dorie's vile deeds before taking the final plunge. After all, he had gained some notoriety.

His agent, who had been with him for years and was well aware of his stubborn nature, attempted to dissuade him. "Easy, man, don't do anything rash. There's always a way out."

Rachel Dorie's infamous reputation was well-known in the industry. Not too long ago, a promising male star had been found lifeless in his apartment. It wasn't the pressures of fame that had driven him to his end, but Rachel Dorie's destructive games that he couldn't bear.

Austin feared he might meet a similar grim fate.

Rachel Dorie had been coveting him for a while, and the thought of the torturous games she might subject him to filled him with dread.

"Why not pay Miss Harper another visit?" Surely, spending time with Miss Harper was a more palatable option than enduring Rachel Dorie.

Austin sighed, his gaze drifting to the world outside as Selena's image lingered in his mind. If only she were receptive. He had harbored feelings for her since their first encounter. But she remained indifferent.

As evening fell, Selena took it upon herself to visit the Sky Gallery. Alex, a notorious playboy, spent the majority of his free time there, indulging in libations when not engrossed in script readings.

Selena approached the private booth frequented by the privileged youth, knocked, and pushed the door open. To her astonishment, she found Alex pinning a woman against the karaoke console, the screen echoing with salacious moans. Selena froze, her eyes meeting the woman's. The woman let out a shriek and retreated into Alex's arms. Through the reflective wall, Alex spotted the stunned Selena, hastily grabbed a pillow to shield the woman's nudity, and adjusted his disheveled shirt.

Realizing the situation, Selena began to retreat, but Alex halted her. He glanced at his trembling companion. "Get out," he commanded. The woman, her face flushed with embarrassment, kept her eyes averted from Selena as she hurriedly left the room.

Selena recognized her. She was the current "It girl," the talk of the town.

Alex quickly regained his composure and turned to face Selena. She hadn't expected to interrupt such a scene. Her expression remained icy, but her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment.

Alex was about to light a cigarette but thought better of it, considering the indoor setting and Selena's presence. He set it aside. "Selena, what brings you here?" he asked, his roguish charm returning within seconds.

Selena, taken aback, was torn between entering and leaving. Alex squinted, a realization dawning on him. His impromptu dalliance with the "It girl" had been largely due to Raymond's influence. He had had his fair share of female companions but had never taken things to a private booth before.

Today, when Little Flower approached him for resources, he had ended up in a compromising position, not expecting Selena to walk in on them.

"Come in, have a seat," he invited.

Selena knew that Alex was aware of her relationship with Raymond and was confident he wouldn't cross any boundaries. After a moment's hesitation, she slowly stepped inside.

"Mr. Alex, I'm interested in investing in your screenplay."

Alex, who had just poured himself a drink, raised an eyebrow at her declaration.

"My screenplay requires an investment of about three hundred million dollars. How much are you prepared to contribute?"

Selena lowered her lashes, considering for a moment before confidently stating she could invest half. "One hundred and fifty million."

Taken aback, Alex gave her a once-over and listened as she added another stipulation.

"But I have one condition; I want Austin to be the lead actor."

Alex was about to take a sip of his drink but paused, the cup hovering at his lips. Suddenly, he recalled Raymond's exaggerated reaction upon seeing Austin's name. Could it be jealousy? Raymond, jealous? Could that be a possibility?