Chapter 586
Brielle was blissfully unaware of the silent upheavals taking place within the walls of Stellar Stage Entertainment. She had tried reaching out to some high–profile directors, only to be met with a unanimous chorus of rejections.
Next, she tried her luck with renowned screenwriters, but just like the directors, the moment they heard the name Stellar Stage Entertainment, they wouldn’t waste another breath. promptly hanging up the phone. It became clear to Brielle that Alivia must have tipped them off.
Alivia’s brother, Kenzo, was a top–tier screenwriter, a veritable Midas of the domestic scene. Anything he penned was almost guaranteed to turn into a cultural phenomenon, dominating ratings. To collaborate with him was a dream for many directors, who would go to great lengths for the opportunity. Thus, as Kenzo’s sister, they most certainly owed her that courtesy.
Offending a relatively unknown entity like Stellar Stage Entertainment was just a small price to
pay.
Without a director or a script, even with talented actors at hand, Brielle was at a standstill. Rubbing her temples, she fixed her gaze on one particular name.
This director had once bagged the coveted Best Director award, only to fall from grace when allegations of domestic violence surfaced. The awards committee even rescinded his trophy. The man in question was John. Brielle knew she had to meet him. If possible, she could commission a tailor–made script for Aubree and Ricardo. It was a gamble, but since taking over Stellar Stage Entertainment, every move had been a roll of the dice.
She rose from her desk and strode out of the office, only to bump into Ricardo just outside her door. Perfect timing–she had wanted to take him along to meet John.
“Ricardo, do you know of John?”
Ricardo looked rather sheepish, his youth evident at nineteen, as he stood quietly. “Ms. Haywood, are you referring to John, the director? He had his moment with winning an award but fell out of grace due to the abuse and infidelity scandal. He’s been blacklisted by investors, and after losing a nasty divorce, he’s left with nothing. I’ve heard he’s been haunting the fringes of the studio lots, hoping someone would give him a chance. But his reputation is in tatters.”
“I want to meet him.”
“Ms. Haywood, I happen to know where he lives.”
Brielle was surprised. John had shunned all interviews, and with the incident five years behind him, it was unlikely anyone knew his whereabouts. How did Ricardo come to know about them? A flush crept over Ricardo’s face as he muttered, “I’ve worked a lot of jobs. I delivered food to
12:22
Chapter 586
his place once. It’s in a run–down neighborhood on the outskirts, hard to find. I’ll have to take you there.”
Brielle nodded, “Alright, lead the way.”
A flicker of something passed through Ricardo’s eyes as they headed to the car, with him taking the driver’s seat. “Ms. Haywood, let me drive.”
With a nod, Brielle settled in, no suspicion in her mind.
The drive to the city outskirts took two hours, compounded by traffic, so it was four in the afternoon by the time they arrived. The road narrowed, marred by the ruts of heavy vehicles. Several times, Brielle nearly hit her head against the window frame due to the bumpy ride.
At the entrance of a narrow alley, Ricardo pulled over. “Ms. Haywood, this is it. We’ll follow this alley straight down to where it forks and see John’s place. It’s a one–story building with white walls plastered with old ads. After you.”
With a nod and a smile, Brielle said, “Thanks for your help.”
Ricardo, his demeanor still pure, nodded back, “It’s what I should do.”
Brielle took the lead, walking slowly ahead. Even in daylight, the alley was dim, the setting sun casting long shadows only on the elevated parts.
Beaconsfield was a city where opulence and squalor intertwined, a place where sordid alleys clashed with urban splendor–both heaven and hell.
Ricardo silently drew a folding dagger from his sleeve, his gaze sharp, a faint smile touching his lips. He never missed his mark.
“Ricardo, how’s your sister’s health these days?” Brielle’s question was sudden, perhaps seeking to ease the monotony of the walk with some conversation. “What exactly is she suffering from? Has it been tough for you all these years?”
Ricardo’s hand paused, just a second away from ensuring Brielle’s fate. This was a mission he had to complete.
“Ricardo, I’m seeking out John to craft a script specifically for you and Aubree. I want to make you stars. A young man like you belongs in the spotlight.”
Ricardo’s movement halted, his eyes flickering. In the spotlight, huh?
