Chapter 1109 Do as You Please
Max looked at Lucas, surprised.
Lucas pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and showed no emotion.
"Alright," Max nodded.
Bernice walked in, wearing light blue wide-leg pants, black canvas shoes, and a short black T-shirt showing off her slim waist. Her long blonde hair was topped with a white baseball cap, and her face was stunning, naturally suited for the dazzling spotlight.
She glanced at Max, then Lucas, a flicker of emotion in her eyes that seemed like an illusion.
Lucas took a lazy drag of his cigarette, leaning against the sofa, a hint of interest in his eyes. He thought, 'Interesting! Not many women stay this calm around me. Either it's her nature, or she's pretending to get my attention.'
"Bernice, meet Mr. Nelson," Max said gently, pointing to Lucas. He had high hopes for Bernice.
Bernice looked at Lucas, her face showing little expression. "Mr. Nelson."
Lucas raised an eyebrow but stayed silent.
Seeing Lucas quiet, Bernice turned to Max. "I heard Sarah got the lead in 'The Whispering Shadows.'"
Max knew why Bernice was here but didn't expect her to ask in front of Lucas. He nodded, a bit surprised. "Yes, Ms. Gray decided on it."
Bernice's eyes turned cold. "Really? I thought Sarah got the role through Lucas. Ms. Gray preferred me before, and I believe I'm a better actress than Sarah."
Max felt awkward, glancing nervously at Lucas.
Lucas's expression didn't change, but the air seemed colder.
"Bernice, do you know what you're saying in front of Mr. Nelson?" Max reminded her.
Bernice looked at Lucas indifferently. "I'm talking about Lucas, not Mr. Nelson."
Max was at a loss. He was sure Bernice was doing this on purpose.
"Bernice, stop messing around. Mr. Nelson is Lucas," Max said.
"Really?" Bernice raised an eyebrow. "I thought a man who likes Sarah must have poor taste. But seeing Mr. Nelson, who is elegant and distinguished, I didn't think he was the Lucas in the rumors."
"Bernice." Max's face turned red with anger.
"What did I say wrong? I just praised Mr. Nelson for being handsome," Bernice shrugged, looking puzzled. "I've never met Lucas before, so I could only imagine. Because I dislike Sarah, I also have a poor impression of any man who likes her."
Max was desperate, nervously looking at Lucas. "Mr. Nelson, I'm sorry. Bernice is a good actress, but she's a bit eccentric."
Bernice was a big moneymaker for the company, and Max wanted to keep her.
Lucas stubbed out his cigarette, looking up with a cold smile. "You've insulted me quite a bit. Clearly, you have a problem with me."
"Yes, I do," Bernice nodded calmly, meeting his gaze. "You can spoil Sarah all you want; she's your girlfriend. Spend a fortune on movies and albums for her, but you can't force the audience to watch bad shows. The funniest part is Sarah winning the Most Popular Actress award with her acting skills."
"Bernice, that's enough," Max panicked. He knew Lucas well; when Lucas got truly angry, it was terrifying.
But Bernice kept going, "Are you going to buy her a Best Actress award this year too, Mr. Nelson?"
"That's my business. I spend my own money. What does it have to do with you?" Lucas stood up slowly, his tall figure making the office air feel thinner. "You're here shouting because you think it's unfair. But the world is inherently unfair. If you have the ability, become my woman. Maybe you'll get the same treatment as Sarah."
He reached for her chin.
Bernice's face changed slightly, and she slapped his hand away.
Under her cap, a flash of surprise and disgust appeared in her eyes.
Max was dumbfounded, wondering why Lucas could still flirt at a time like this.
Beautiful women were everywhere in the entertainment industry, but a woman like Bernice, with both personality and perfect looks, was rare.
"Sorry, if I had such thoughts, I would have been someone else's woman long ago. It wouldn't be your turn," Bernice retorted coldly.
Lucas's smile remained, but his eyes grew darker. "Then what are you here for? To the company, you're just a money-making tool. To Sarah, she got the role on her own merits, whether by her body or other means. That's her skill."
"You're right." Bernice nodded. "But when we signed the contract, you promised to support me and give me resources. What have you given me in these years? The good ads and endorsements I got were all on my own. As for film and TV roles, I got them through auditions. You signed me but didn't nurture me, yet you take a quick cut of my earnings."
Max said, "When the company signed you four years ago, we did give you resources. But your acting was poor, and you didn't work hard. What could we do?"
"Did the resources come after I worked hard and became popular?" Bernice asked. "Not only did you not give me resources, but you also helped other artists in the company use underhanded means to steal my opportunities. I turned down all recent roles for Ms. Gray's film, but Sarah decided to come back, and my role was taken by her. Don't I have the right to ask why?"
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