Chapter 357 Do I Have to Invite You?
Jessica changed back into her clothes, wiped off her makeup, and headed to find the director to discuss tomorrow's script. As she reached the director's tent, she heard some noise inside and peeked through a gap.
Sebastian was there, too.
She wasn't sure when Sebastian and Nicholas had gotten so close. Despite being twenty years older, Sebastian had his arm around Nicholas, and they were sharing cigarettes like old pals.
Nicholas didn't smoke much, a habit from medical school. But in social settings, he'd take a few puffs if offered. "Gabriel went back to the Harriman family today, so I took his car for a spin. I need to return it soon, or the old man at home, who seems to be getting younger, will whack me with his cane, and I'll be laid up for a day."
"Harriman Entertainment invested a lot of money. As CEO, visiting the set is part of your job, right? What's Mr. Michael Harriman's issue?" Sebastian asked with a smile.
"He's trying to find me a wife. The tricks that didn't work on Gabriel are now aimed at me. Any girl he likes, he wants me to meet. I'm finally getting a break, so let's not talk about it."
Nicholas waved his hand, one in his pocket, and glanced toward the tent's entrance.
Even though it was evening and growing dark, the set was well-lit, and Jessica wasn't exactly trying to hide. She was easily spotted.
Seeing Jessica, Nicholas raised an eyebrow, a hint of something unclear in his eyes, but he didn't say much. He just chuckled and said, "Jessica, looking for Sam? How long have you been standing out there?"
He then clearly directed his words at Jessica. "We're all friends here. I'm not dangerous; no need to stay outside."
Jessica thought, 'I wasn’t hiding.'
She just didn't want to interrupt their conversation.
She walked in, nodded at Sebastian and Sam, and said, "We have a big scene tomorrow. I wanted to go over the key points with Sam before heading back. I didn't expect a guest, so I didn't come in. Hope I'm not interrupting?"
"Not at all," Sam, who appreciated Jessica's acting and dedication, said with a smile. "Come, sit down and chat."
Jessica was about to grab her script when Sebastian suddenly asked, "Did you take off your makeup? Why do you still look so pale? This afternoon, you looked so white while filming that I thought it was a makeup issue. Are you sick?"
"It's nothing, just a bit of a cold." Jessica sniffed, not paying much attention.
"It's over 95 degrees today, and you caught a cold?" Nicholas, still with his hand in his pocket, glanced at her.
Having been in the same circle, Jessica had seen Nicholas a few times over the past couple of years, but they hadn't really talked. When they did run into each other, she would just offer a nod. She ignored the occasional meaningful sarcasm in Nicholas's eyes.
Today, they ran into each other again, and he clearly wasn't going to treat her as a stranger, making his troublemaking intentions obvious.
Jessica ignored him and said to the other two, "I'm not feeling well. Maybe I was tied too tightly during the 'torture' scene today and wore wet clothes all day. But it's no big deal; it won't affect tomorrow's shoot."
She chose her words carefully, not wanting to directly blame the props team and seem fussy, but she didn't completely hide it either.
Nicholas caught on right away. "Tied too tightly? Where did you find your props team?"
Sam suddenly realized. "The scenes you shot this afternoon were so realistic that I wondered if you were soaked in cold water. Did the props team really use cold water?"
After a brief silence, Jessica replied, "Maybe. As long as the final result is good, it's fine."
Sam and Sebastian exchanged a glance, understanding the situation somewhat. But it wasn't something they could directly address. Crew relationships were complex, and even a small staff member might have unknown backers. If they did know, it was even harder to address openly.
"Seeing you like this, I don't have the heart to discuss the script. We'll talk on set tomorrow," Sam said. "Did you drive yourself here today? The RV usually only handles on-set transportation and can't take you home. How about this: Mr. Harriman will pass through the city on his way back. Let him give you a ride."
Both Jessica and Nicholas were stunned.
Seeing their confused faces, Sam was surprised. "Aren't you two acquainted?"
Years ago, Nicholas had used Harriman Entertainment's official Instagram to mock Star Entertainment's incompetence and tried to poach Jessica. Although it wasn't widely discussed, those familiar with Nicholas's style knew that he and Jessica were acquaintances.
"We know each other, but he doesn't need to give me a ride. My assistant can drive me back," Jessica said, feeling her visit might have been unnecessary.
Sam and Sebastian didn't speak immediately but looked at Nicholas.
Nicholas looked at Jessica's pale face for a while, noticing her hand subtly placed on her lower abdomen, with the script in front of her. If you didn't look closely, you wouldn't notice she was in pain.
He clicked his tongue and said, "Why are you all looking at me? If I don't give her a ride now, won't I seem ungentlemanly?"
Sam and Sebastian silently agreed.
Jessica's mouth twitched. "Really, it's not necessary."
Nicholas scoffed, "Alright, superstar, let's go."
Jessica didn't move.
Nicholas was almost at the tent's entrance when he turned back and looked at her. "Do I have to invite you?"
Speechless, Jessica glanced at him. Seeing Nicholas standing there, clearly intent on challenging her, she had no choice but to politely say goodbye to Sam and Sebastian and follow him out.
When they reached her RV and the new Bentley, Jessica didn't go to him but went straight to her RV.
She thought Nicholas wouldn't bother with her, so there was no need to say goodbye. They could just part ways.
However, after packing her things and preparing to head to her car, Zoey suddenly patted her shoulder and pointed.
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