[Young Residence]
Melissa idled on the perfect cloud sofa in her room, a deep frown marring her features despite the luxury that surrounded her. Holding her phone, another deep sigh escaped her.
"Manager Kang, what is it again?" she asked.
"Melissa, I just got a call that the schedule for Ryker’s audition is moving up," Manager Kang said. "Haven’t you heard?"
"You’re my manager," Melissa retorted, checking her nails. "Why would I bother?"
"Melissa, you promised Simon the role of Ryker," he insisted. "It’s why he signed with us."
Pursing her lips, Melissa leaned back, a hand touching the back of her neck. "I did, so what’s the problem?"
"Tch. Melissa, you know the audition for Ryker’s role was supposed to be the last one, right? Simon is still preparing," the manager explained. "This sudden change is going to complicate things."
"Manager Kang, aren’t you confident in Simon? He’s an established artist, close to becoming an A-lister," she said indifferently. "With him and me under you, the executives have been very happy."
Her eyes snapped up. "Manager Kang, are you saying you want me to pull some strings to secure Simon’s spot?"
"Melissa, if you’re aiming to be part of the executives, we have to show off!" Manager Kang intoned. "This project is our greatest chance to showcase our artists. You even managed to secure slots for Pixy and Megan, even though they don’t deserve it."
Melissa didn’t answer right away, her lips pressed into a thin line. She thought deeply. If it were only for herself, she wouldn’t care. What she truly wanted was a life of luxury, a life people would envy.
But she was marrying into the Lancaster family, and that required bigger ambitions. She might have Derek under her thumb, but the other family members were successful businesspeople or respected professionals. The Young family’s wealth, while considerable, would seem paltry in comparison. She knew of the bloody internal conflicts the Lancasters had behind closed doors, and they would surely look down on her.
This was why she had been planning to make a name for herself, not just as an actress, but as something more.
"Fine," she huffed. "I’ll see what I can do. Happy now?"
"Of course!" Manager Kang’s voice was a grin. "Melissa, just don’t forget your promise that once you become a part of the board of directors..."
She smirked. "Of course. As long as you help me, we’ll both win."
****
Meanwhile...
The twins stared at their mother with equal parts of curiosity and satisfaction. Silo was also quietly studying Lola. Neither of them tried to distract her, simply watching her lips curl into a smile and her eyes fix on the window.
"Goodness," Lola snickered, shaking her head. "And here I thought all those part-time gigs made him lose touch."
After all, she had triggered Cedrick just right, making him channel the anger in his heart. Watching Ryker come to life was thrilling, and she’d had to pull him out of character before they parted.
A satisfied smile dominated her face. She’d heard that Director Sarian was moving the audition date up, and that was all she needed. She knew Director Sarian well enough to be certain that, just like her, he had seen the perfect person for the role.
Another soft chuckle escaped her until she suddenly realized the three pairs of eyes on her. Slowly, she lifted her gaze and saw the twins and Silo staring.
"Oh." Her mouth parted slightly, and she touched her nape in embarrassment. "I’ve been... in my head for a bit?"
All three of them nodded.
"..." Lola pursed her lips. "Is that so?"
"Mommy, are you that happy that Uncle is good?" Second asked, a slow smile spreading across his face.
"Mhm," she hummed, biting her lips to stop herself from grinning like a fool. "He was good, don’t you think?"
"He’s amazing! We watched one of his movies back home, and we did the fight scenes with everyone!" Chacha chimed in happily. "It was so much fun!"
Lola chuckled, listening to them, and reached for their cheeks to brush them gently. "I bet it was."
Perhaps it was just her mood, or the twins’ presence, but she felt less exhausted despite having used more brainpower today.
"Lola, if the audition schedule is set, does that mean you’re going to move your schedule as well?" Silo asked.
"Right." She snapped her eyes at him. "I’ve already done a few things ahead of schedule the past few days. I’ll send you which ones are finished."
Silo nodded. "Okay, but the negotiation for the properties..."
"Let’s talk about it later," she hummed, giving him a knowing look. "Send the files to me. I’ll review them tonight."
"Okay."
With that, Lola refocused her attention on the twins. Even Silo didn’t think much of it and just listened to the trio, only getting kicked out of the conversation whenever he tried to join.
It didn’t take long for them to reach Lola’s home.
"Wait—!" Silo jumped out of the van, catching Lola carrying her bags while the twins stood beside her. The three of them looked back at him, tilting their heads.
"Let me carry those to your place," he said, almost panting, as they had already started walking away.
Lola thought about it for a second before flashing him a smile. "Don’t bother."
"Huh?"
"We’re okay, Silo. See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow, Uncle~"
Deep lines appeared between Silo’s brows as he watched the trio resume walking toward the building. He tilted his head, confused. "Is something wrong?" he asked himself. "She usually lets me carry her things even if I don’t want to, but lately..."
Lately, Lola just kept telling him to meet her in the lobby or at another location. He was used to heading straight to her place. Not that he was complaining, because he didn’t have to go to the penthouse, but this was strange.
"Is there something in her place she doesn’t want me to know about?"
If only Silo knew that it wasn’t just something, but someone... a very confident man currently walking around her home... topless.