Filed to story: The Return Novel (Natalie & Bryce) PDF Read Online Free >>
Natalie’s eyes filled with anger as she looked at Ellington’s smug face disdainfully. With her hands subconsciously clenched into fists, she said icily, “Do you really want to bother Mr. Clare with this kind of trivia? Besides, Tony Bovel is already enjoying much more success since I started managing him. He’s got a much higher profile and already looks to be more successful than he was with you. I’m sure Mr. Clare is aware of that himself.” Natalie looked at Howard questioningly.
Howard’s eyes were fixed on Natalie. He now thought that she was smart as well as beautiful, and what Ellington had said didn’t cut any ice with him. Aware of Natalie’s gaze on him, Howard said, “I think Natalie is right, and I’m happy for her to continue managing Tony.”
Ellington couldn’t do anything but glare at Natalie. If it wasn’t for her, Tony Bovel would still be in his pocket. With Ellington still standing there, Howard temporarily gave up on the idea of continuing to chat with Natalie. He coughed lightly and said, “I guess we’d best be on our way. We should let you get on with your good work, Natalie. But I’ll be right next door if you need anything, anytime.”
Natalie nodded, she couldn’t wait for them to leave. The further they went, the better. After the two of them left Natalie’s office, Ellington brooded over what had just happened. Could it be that Howard was interested in that woman?
As they walked down the corridor, Ellington said to Howard, “Would I be right in thinking that you’ve taken a shine to Natalie?” The two men had often spoken casually to each other in the past, and Howard’s reputation was well known, so it wasn’t unusual for Ellington to ask such a direct question. Howard recalled the scene when Natalie had bumped into him, and he couldn’t help but chuckle, “Of course.”
Ellington looked unhappy. If Natalie got on good terms with Howard, that might affect him badly. But then he immediately started wondering if there was a way he could ingratiate himself with Howard, maybe do Howard some kind of personal favor that would help his own position. Thinking about this, Ellington decided that if he helped Howard get closer to Natalie, then Howard would be grateful.
He said to Howard confidently, “Howard, if you really want to get close to Natalie, I think I know a way to make it happen.”
“Oh?” said Howard with sudden interest. “What method do you suggest? Tell me.”
Ellington winked secretively and said, “I have a way. I’m familiar with her. Leave it to me for the moment. By the time of the monthly staff meeting next week, I’ll have set things in motion for you. Just relax and leave things to me. Trust me.”
Howard laughed vulgarly, then jabbed Ellington with his elbow saying, “Ha ha ha, you sly brat. I’ll leave this to you. You’ll get the rewards you deserve once the deal is done.”
The two men laughed out loud, sounding like a pair of locker room bullies. Ellington was already thinking ahead to when Howard would repay the favor by restoring Tony Bovel to his charge.
Meanwhile, inside her office, Natalie was sitting and browsing social media again, trying to purge the earlier scene from her mind. Seeing the snowball effect on social media, Natalie figured that within a few days, the production company would confirm the actors for “The Crossing 2,” and she was sure that the second male lead, Zeb Ballard, would be Tony Bovel. Natalie felt excited. She decided that as soon as she received confirmation of Tony’s casting in the role, she would tell Bryce about it as soon as possible. She would treat him to a meal and thank him properly.
At the same time, in the Clare Group’s CEO’s office, Bryce was hard at work. His assistant, Jane, was reporting on some results. As Jane was about to leave, Bryce asked, “By the way, how are things going over at Star Entertainment?”
Jane was puzzled. She had worked for Bryce for many years, but it was only in recent times that he had started paying attention to the situation at Star. She answered, “There is quite good progress, I think. The condition has improved after we hired Gary Willis, but the situation with Mr. Clare over there is still the same as before.”
Bryce poured himself a cup of coffee to combat his tiredness. He said, “I understand. Thanks. One other thing, what movies and TV shows are Gold Ingot Inc. planning to invest in?”
The assistant replied, “Well, the internet has been on fire for the past two days about ‘The Crossing 2.’ It appears that Gold Ingot may have invested $30 million in the project.”
Bryce raised his eyebrows and said, “Alan Devrise?” Jane nodded. Devrise was the general manager of Gold Ingot. He was also a well-known celebrity and had won a number of prestigious film and television awards. He was known for his coldness and arrogance. Bryce had heard that a lot of people wanted to poach Devrise, but he had not moved.
Bryce said, “Tell Devrise that the second male lead of that movie will be played by Star Entertainment’s Tony Bovel.” An image of Natalie’s smiling face flashed in Bryce’s mind. She should be delighted with this result, right?
He was still lost in thought when he heard Jane say with a smile, “There’s no need for that. It seems that Mr. Devrise has already decided for himself that Bovel is the man for the role.”
Bryce nodded, suppressing the spark of joy that had flamed in his heart. He wondered what Natalie was doing right now.