CHAPTER 373: BRAND DEAL

Two days Later...

Lola stood near Director Sarian’s seat while the scene played out smoothly. She nodded approvingly, pleased that the filming was progressing well despite the production’s current dilemma. Fortunately, they were still in the early stages, so there weren’t many scenes that needed to be cut.

At least here, things are okay.

She rocked her head lightly, scanning the crew who weren’t affected by the scandal surrounding Melissa. Lola didn’t dwell on the aftermath of the storm she’d unleashed on the Youngs—they could worry about themselves. As long as they stayed out of her way, she was fine.

"CUT!" Director Sarian’s booming voice broke the set’s focus, followed by a sharp clap. "Good take! Let’s take a short break. Cedrick, I’ll need you to prep for the next scene."

Cedrick smiled subtly and nodded before being escorted by the crew to change. As everyone scrambled to redecorate the set, Director Sarian marched over toward Lola.

"Taz!" he called, grinning from ear to ear as if he didn’t have an entire film to run.

Lola smiled back. "Director, you seem to be in a good mood."

"HA! Is it that obvious?" He laughed so loudly that heads turned in his direction. "One of my problems is gone! The executives called me themselves a few days ago and explained everything. Those fools should’ve listened to me from the start!"

"Haha..." A light chuckle escaped her. She was honestly just relieved to see the man in a better mood than expected.

Having to replace Melissa was already trouble enough. Naturally, they needed another round of auditions for the vacant role. They wouldn’t have needed to if only their first choice hadn’t gotten herself into a scandal.

"Anyway," the director continued, "do you have any suggestions for who we should invite for the audition? I’m not doing another free-for-all open call. Only invitations and direct candidates. Saves us plenty of time."

The executives were in a rush to keep production on schedule for profit reasons, but Director Sarian just didn’t want the scandal slowing him down. Melissa’s mess wasn’t going to stain his good mood.

She could be begging in the streets for all I care, he thought.

"Actually..." Lola trailed off when two tiny figures appeared from the corner of her eye.

Director Sarian followed her gaze, and his face immediately brightened. "It’s you two!" he exclaimed when he saw Chacha and Second beaming up at him. "I missed you both! Your mom said you’ve been busy with school. How was it?!"

"It was good~!" the twins chirped in perfect unison, their sweet voices enough to melt an iceberg.

"Aww." Director Sarian ruffled their hair. Then, as if struck by inspiration, he crouched down to their level. "Say, Chacha, Second—you two remember the role played by the Old Auntie, right?"

The twins blinked before nodding.

"Well, she’s gone now—good news for us," he said brightly.

Lola’s face twitched.

"The thing is," he went on, "since she’s gone, everyone’s been working harder to fill her spot. Any suggestions on who might fit the role?"

"Director, I don’t think you should be asking them—" Lola started, but her voice was too quiet to reach him.

"We do!" Chacha said confidently. Then Second pointed right at someone. "Our Mommy!"

"Huh?" Director Sarian followed their little finger, only to see Lola wincing, her face half-buried in her hand.

This is what I’m saying, she thought, forcing a polite smile. He shouldn’t have asked.

She’d made the same mistake a few days ago and had gotten the exact same answer. Her.

The twins had suggested she play the role.

No way, José.

Director Sarian blinked, then rocked his head thoughtfully.

"Director Sarian, please don’t rock your head," Lola sighed, moving closer. "My first choice already rejected the offer due to scheduling conflicts, and the production’s initial candidate is no longer available. If we can’t find a replacement, I’ll figure out how to either remove or rewrite the role."

"But didn’t you take acting lessons before?" he asked.

Lola instantly shook her head. "Nope!" she lied with a polite smile. "I only helped with acting lessons, but I’m not—please, Director."

"But Mommy, you’re so good!" Second piped up innocently. "You already memorized the script because of Uncle Ceddy!"

"Mommy, don’t you want to be the mini villain, but the final boss instead?" Chacha added, tilting her head curiously.

That question hit harder than it should have. Both adults froze.

Surely, Chacha’s comments needed a trigger warning.

"It’s not like that," Lola sighed, kneeling to meet them at eye level. "But Mommy really appreciates Chacha and Second’s help."

"Yes, your mother’s right," Director Sarian agreed with a nod. "We really appreciate your help."

"Babies, how about you go play with Uncle Haji first?" Lola suggested quickly.

"Oh! Right! We’re still playing hide and seek with Uncle Haji!" Chacha gasped.

"Oh, no!" Second’s eyes widened. "Chacha, let’s find him now! He might get bored and hide!"

With that, the twins waved goodbye and ran off. Watching them go, Lola couldn’t help but laugh helplessly.

"I’m pretty sure Haji won’t get bored hiding from them," she muttered, then turned back to the director. "Sorry about that, Director."

"Why are you apologizing? Your kids have good eyes for talent—that’s why I asked them," he said with a chuckle. "Besides, they have a point. If you just remove half the things on your face, you could play that role yourself."

"Director..." she said warningly.

"I’m just sayin’!" He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Just let me know if you change your mind. I can give you time to audition. Ida would love to see that."

A soft chuckle escaped Lola. "Thank you, but acting... isn’t my dream."

It used to be, once upon a time, until she regained the memories of her past life. After that, she forgot all about it. Even thinking about it now, her mind automatically rejected the idea.

"Anyway," Director Sarian said, changing the subject, "Ida sent you a list of potential candidates for the role, right? What do you think?"

The two of them discussed the measures they’d need to take now that Melissa was gone. Technically, he didn’t have to consult Lola, but he liked hearing her input. In the end, they decided that if no one fitting was found, they’d rewrite the script and remove the role entirely.

Lola agreed and volunteered to help adapt the changes to keep the story aligned with the original plotline.

*****

"Hey," Lola called out as she entered Cedrick’s tent. Cedrick—who was getting his makeup done—looked up in surprise.

"No, just go on," she told the staff with a wave. "You don’t have to stand just because I came."

She stepped closer and slipped an invitation card onto the table beside him. Curious, Cedrick looked from the envelope to her.

"Taz, what’s this?"

Lola smiled. "You’ll be attending the MEG Fashion event tomorrow, okay?"

"What?"

"Sorry, I should’ve told you days ago," she said lightly. "But I got busy and forgot to send it."

That’s not what I meant, he thought dryly.

Her smile only widened. "MEG Fashion is opening their new branch in King’s City here in Novera. They’re looking for a model—the face of the brand. You should go since the designer wants to meet you in person before we sign the contract."

"..." He blinked, speechless.

"That’s all. Good work, you."

With that, Lola patted his shoulder and walked away, leaving a stunned Cedrick behind.

He turned toward the tent’s entrance, staring blankly. "Sign a contract with MEG Fashion...?" His mouth parted slowly. "Did she just get me my first luxury brand deal?"