Chapter 20
In an instant, everyone’s eyes turned to Lila. She looked at Dorian, took a deep breath, and then unleashed the words she had held back for so long.
“You seem to be a dick who doesn’t understand human language.”
Cole almost burst out laughing. He had never expected the usually gentle Lila to curse when pushed to her limits.
Kieran missing this moment was a real shame. Cole should’ve recorded the whole thing down.
Dorian was stunned. “What did you say?”
“Whether you want to act in this movie is your choice! As for Zara, she isn’t cut out for it. Even if the President himself came to plead for her today, she wouldn’t be able to stay!”
“You!” Dorian was furious, his eyes widening with anger. “You’re “
It was clear that she used underhanded tactics to steal Zara’s spot!
“Yes, I’m unyielding, obstinate, and don’t listen to any advice. If you want to leave, hurry up and take your “sister”. We can’t accommodate two royals like you here!”
Her words came out in a rush, but she felt a twinge of anxiety afterward. She wasn’t the one in charge; that was Samuel. What right did she have to decide Dorian’s fate?
Dorian was aware of this, too. He looked coldly at Samuel. “Mr. Grant, are you going to let her cause such a scene?”
Samuel’s eyes flickered momentarily, and he didn’t respond immediately. He was somewhat surprised that Taylor had recommended Dorian. His talent and popularity made him a solid choice.
“Mr. Grant,” Cole said with a smirk, “Acting is a profession, right? Since it’s a profession, shouldn’t actors show some dedication?”
His words were delivered slowly, and Lila could feel an underlying pressure reminiscent of her uncle’s demeanor.
Cole chuckled coldly. “Everyone knows that the Morgan Group offers employee benefits that far exceed those of other companies.
However, Mr. Morgan was no fool; an employee who lacked dedication would never have the chance to enter the Morgan group.
“With the Morgan Group’s substantial funding, adding a film investment is merely a small matter. Even if it means investing in the entire film, it’s just a drop in the bucket in the Morgan Group’s annual revenue.
“Mr. Grant, wouldn’t you agree?” Samuel’s gaze flickered as he pressed his lips together, glancing at Dorian. Cole’s words were diplomatic, yet the message was crystal clear.
If Dorian wasn’t dedicated, Kieran would despise such individuals. As long as Dorian was excluded from the film, Samuel could request any amount of investment.
Even the mention of investing in the entire movie implied that should Samuel ask for one or two hundred million, the Morgan Group could easily accommodate it.
While this sum was insignificant for the Morgan Group, Samuel couldn’t shake the feeling that Cole was targeting Dorian. Lila’s heart tightened as she suddenly recalled mentioning to her uncle yesterday that she felt the investments in the film were insufficient.
If the funding couldn’t keep up, everyone might have to live frugally. She hadn’t expected him to send Cole over today. She might never have known about this situation if she hadn’t encountered it.
A sense of gratitude stirred within Lila. However, she also worried that Cole might overstate his defense of her. After all, the Morgan Group’s money wasn’t something that came easily.
She gently tugged at Cole’s sleeve. “Mr. Mason, I think he gets it.”
“You shouldn’t go overboard!” She added in her thoughts.
Dorian’s face was ashen. Zara was bewildered by the sudden events, but she knew she should defend Dorian.
“Who do you think you are? The decision on whether an actor stays or leaves should be made by Mr. Grant, not you!”
Lila pressed her lips together, trying to suppress a laugh. Usually, Samuel shouldn’t be swayed by investors’ opinions, but he couldn’t ignore the fact that the Morgan Group was offering so much.
Not only had Dorian not been officially cast, but no contract had been signed. Taylor recommended him, and the audition process had merely been a formality.
But now… Lila could see that Samuel was contemplating. Samuel wanted to keep Dorian. Since it was his first time handling a task for Taylor, he felt it was inappropriate to go against his wishes.
However, when Dorian insisted that if Samuel wanted to keep him, he had to keep Zara, too, Samuel was no longer willing to keep Dorian. He was just struggling to think of an explanation for Taylor.
Now, with Dorian and Lila clearly at odds and the Morgan Group giving such a huge opportunity, Samuel had no reason to hesitate any longer.
“Dorian,” he said with a dry smile, “Lila is right. Zara does lack the ability to stay here. If there are new projects in the future, I’ll consider giving her a chance as a favor to you.
“As for you, I originally intended to keep you, but given the current situation, as you can see, I have to prioritize cooperation with the Morgan Group. This isn’t just for me but for the entire crew as well. I hope you can understand.”
In simple terms, he needed the money, and the two could leave. Dorian clenched
his fists, clearly taken aback by this outcome. His complexion shifted from ashen to a shade of anger.
Lila planned all this, right? He fixed his gaze on her. “Lila, you really are something!”
Lila was taken aback. Was he out of his mind? What did he think their relationship was?
“How could this happen?” Zara was bewildered.
This situation had turned out completely differently than she had expected. Now that Samuel had openly rejected her, and with Cole backing Lila, Lila felt more confident.
She chuckled, ready to exploit her newfound confidence. “Aren’t you curious about who this person is?”
Zara, with her teary eyes, lifted her gaze. Lila tilted her chin at Cole, who straightened his back even more.
Being of service to Lila was a tremendous honor in his eyes. After all, while others might be unaware of her significance in Kieran’s eyes, he was fully aware. Making a good impression on Kieran through her was far more valuable than trying to curry favor with him directly.
“This is Cole, the personal assistant to Kieran Morgan, the CEO of the Morgan Group,” She said with a light laugh. Although her voice was soft, Zara found it grating.
Dorian felt the same irritation.
“The Morgan Group?” His expression was skeptical. “After all these years, you still haven’t severed ties with Noah?”
Lila stood in place, her eyes carrying a faint chill, her pale skin exuding an icy aura.
“Why are you suddenly interested in my affairs?” She smiled, yet it held no trace of joy.
Dorian paused for a moment. He had been very strict with Lila in the past, and his possessiveness made him intolerant of her associations with other men. Occasionally, he’d even felt jealous over work-related matters. However, over the past two years, after becoming one of the best actors, his workload intensified, and Zara had just entered the entertainment industry.
His focus had been significantly diverted, and he paid less attention to Lila’s affairs. But wasn’t loyalty in a relationship a fundamental principle of love? Dorian’s heart swelled with rage. “Lila, have you cheated on me?”
She almost laughed out loud. “You’d better let go of your baby sister before questioning me!”