Chapter 955 Unintentional Eavesdropping
"When did I say that?"
"You mentioned it in the studio to Ms. Cooper... you said you'd come here after the shoot," the assistant replied. "So I... I told the driver..."
Thessaly furrowed her brow.
She wanted to attend the meeting, but after the shoot, she was completely wiped out and just wanted to go home and crash.
Plus, with Paul attending the meeting, she was even less inclined to go.
Thessaly thought she had instructed her assistant to take her straight home, but she hadn't actually said it.
She was so out of it that she couldn't remember things clearly.
"Never mind, I didn't tell you," Thessaly sighed. "Since I'm here, I might as well go."
Thessaly got out of the car and entered The Walker Corporation.
The meeting was scheduled for four in the afternoon, but it was only three-thirty.
She was early.
Thessaly figured she might as well hang out in Brandon's office for a bit, hoping she wouldn't disturb him.
He was always so refined, easygoing, and gentlemanly, treating people with great care, and he considered her a friend.
'A friend...' Thessaly thought, 'That's all she and Brandon could ever be.'
Because she was completely unworthy of him now.
Besides, Brandon loved Penelope and knew about her and Paul. There was no way he'd choose her.
Being friends... wasn't so bad.
"Ms. Winterbourne, are you here to see Mr. Walker?" the secretary asked politely when she saw her.
"Yeah, the movie's about to start filming, and there's a meeting I need to attend."
"Alright, this way please."
The secretary led her to the office, but it was empty.
"Mr. Walker stepped out, but he'll be back soon. Ms. Winterbourne, please wait a moment," the secretary said. "Would you like something to drink?"
"Just water, thanks."
Thessaly had visited Brandon several times, so the secretaries knew she had a good relationship with him and felt comfortable leaving her alone in the office.
The secretary brought her water and left.
The office was quiet, spacious, and bright.
Thessaly sat for a while, then got up to go to the restroom.
She wanted to touch up her makeup to look a bit more presentable.
Standing in front of the mirror, Thessaly rummaged through her bag for lipstick and a compact.
Just then, footsteps sounded outside.
Thessaly paused. Was Brandon back already? That was quick.
And from the sound of it... it seemed like more than just Brandon.
Who else? Could it be the others arriving for the meeting?
Thessaly was puzzled when she heard Paul's voice: "Mr. Walker, you're really my lucky charm!"
Paul laughed heartily: "I've never met an investor as straightforward as you. Name a price, and your secretary transfers the money right away, no fuss. If every movie of mine had you as the investor, that'd be fantastic."
"I'll transfer the money within the budget, as promised. But if it goes over... Paul, you better watch it."
"Even if it goes over, it won't be by much," Paul replied. "Because Thessaly's fee is really low, saving a chunk of money. In showbiz, the biggest expense is usually the actors' fees, and I didn't expect her to agree to lower hers."
Brandon settled onto the couch, crossing his legs.
"She believes in the movie, thinks it's a rare great script, and hopes it will win awards, so she agreed to the lower fee."
Paul said, "Nah, Mr. Walker, it's all because of you. You pushed for her to get the lead role. How could I say no? You recommended her, and she agreed to lower her fee—it's a huge win for me!"
In the restroom, Thessaly stared at herself in the mirror, frozen.
Her face was pale.
She was already feeling dizzy and had a headache, and hearing this made her even more shocked.
Brandon and Paul seemed unaware she was in the office, chatting freely, saying whatever came to mind without any reservations.
Thessaly remembered Brandon had recommended her for the lead role audition, but he also said he couldn't guarantee Paul would choose her, as he didn't interfere with artistic decisions.
At the time, she admired him, thinking he was a breath of fresh air, not using his investor status to meddle in film production.
But it turned out... Brandon had already told Paul she was the only choice for the lead!
Why? What was going on?
Was Brandon helping her, or did he have another agenda?
Thessaly held her breath, staying calm, and continued listening to the conversation outside.
Brandon glanced at Paul: "Yeah, you're lucky, everything good falls into your lap."
"Heh heh heh, it's all thanks to Mr. Walker's good fortune, Mr. Walker, you're my great benefactor!"
"Focus on making the movie, don't get distracted," Brandon advised. "If the box office doesn't break even... I won't let you off the hook."
With a wave of his hand, he had spent billions.
Whether the money was well spent... was yet to be seen.
But if he could ultimately win Penelope, he'd spend any amount!
"Mr. Walker, you're investing in art, don't always focus on profit. You're different from other businessmen, you have aspirations," Paul flattered. "This kind of artistic film might not have great box office returns, but its artistic value is high."
"When Thessaly wins Best Actress, it'll be so glamorous. Mr. Walker, with your investment, you'll add an outstanding work to film history, such vision!"
Brandon chuckled: "Are you praising me or yourself?"
Paul laughed: "Both, both, cooperation is about mutual benefit. You get what you want, I get what I want!"
"You seem to have gotten everything you wanted..." Brandon lowered his gaze. "What I want... isn't certain yet."
With Brandon's investment, Paul was currently the biggest beneficiary.
The film had funding, he could shoot the genre he wanted, and as for the lead actress Thessaly, he had been intimate with her.
Now, Paul was just waiting to finish filming, choose a release date, and see how the market ultimately defines the movie!
"Mr. Walker, how could you not get what you want?" Paul continued to flatter. "With a wave of your hand, countless women would want to date you; you can pick anyone!"
"Or..." Paul raised his eyebrows, "Do you want to sleep with Thessaly too?"
Brandon kicked him lightly: "What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Right, right, I spoke out of turn. If you were interested in Thessaly, how would it be my turn? You'd have enjoyed her first before passing her to me!"
Paul kept laughing awkwardly, rubbing his hands.
Thessaly... he still savored the memory. If he could have another chance, that'd be great.
Of course, Paul only dared to think about it, not act on it.
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