Chapter 256 Natalie Agreed.
In Melody's office, Natalie walked in and saw a casually dressed man, around 36 or 37, wearing a "Happiness Like a Song" baseball cap, glasses, and a small mustache. He was thin and refined.
Kevin was momentarily stunned by Natalie's appearance. She looked a lot like Alice but was dressed in a black and red waiter's uniform with a red and white checkered bow tie. Despite the simple outfit, her elegance shone through.
Natalie's makeup was light, highlighting her sharp and delicate features. Kevin's eyes lit up. "Melody, it's a shame such a beautiful lady is working as a waitress here."
Melody lit a cigarette and looked at Natalie. "Natalie, this is Kevin Alexander, the director of 'Happiness Like a Song' and a friend of mine. He's filming here and needs you to be a stand-in for an actress. You can name your price."
"Name my price?" Natalie frowned, looking at Kevin. "Mr. Alexander, I'm just a waitress. There are plenty of waitresses at the Imperial Nightclub. Why not pick someone else?"
Kevin was troubled by Alice's request. She specifically wanted Natalie. "Well, we rented this place, and today's scenes must be completed. Otherwise, the extra costs would be huge. Alice, our second female lead backed by Dynamic Entertainment, specifically asked for you."
Melody took a drag of her cigarette. "So if Natalie doesn't go, Alice won't shoot?"
Kevin sighed and nodded.
Melody exhaled a smoke ring. "Alice, why does that name sound familiar?" She seemed to recall it.
Natalie sneered. "My job was arranged by her."
Melody nodded, remembering a friend had introduced Natalie for this job. At first glance, Melody felt Natalie wasn't just a simple waitress. Her looks and temperament suggested a depth beyond her current role.
Her friend mentioned someone from the Cullen family wanted to arrange a job for a disobedient servant. That person was Natalie.
Melody could read people well. Despite Natalie's calm expression, she sensed a bad relationship between Natalie and Alice.
Kevin said dejectedly, "If Natalie doesn't go, Alice won't shoot. This scene is crucial and can't be cut. Alice is so picky!"
He looked at Natalie. "I don't know why Alice specifically asked for you. I really have no choice. We can't afford to offend Dynamic Entertainment who's backing Alice. We've already made many script changes for her. We also can't afford to upset the lead actress, Nora. Natalie, please help me out. If you ever need anything, just ask."
Natalie hadn't said anything yet.
Melody looked at her and said, "Natalie, Kevin is this year's Golden Globe Award winner for Best Director. This film has significant investment. Since he's asking, you should agree."
She respected Natalie's decision but saw the value in having Kevin owe her a favor.
Natalie clenched her fingers, unsure of Alice's intentions. Was Alice trying to humiliate her by making her a stand-in?
She looked at Kevin and said, "Alright, I'll listen to Melody."
Kevin, seeing the agreement, slapped his thigh. "Great!"
Melody's red lips curved into a smile. "I got it settled for you."
Kevin repeatedly thanked her. "Melody, I'll treat you to dinner sometime."
Melody said, "We'll talk about that later. Make sure Natalie's paid well. She saved you a lot of money. Renting the Imperial Nightclub, covering labor costs, and managing other expenses aren't cheap."
Kevin assured her, "Melody, don't worry about that."