CHAPTER 402: ROAST

As April approached and "La La Land" neared completion, Lucas’s absence from both the Oscars and Grammys earlier in the year had stirred up industry talk. Neil had attended in his place, accepting awards on Lucas’s behalf.

While this wasn’t the first time Lucas had skipped major ceremonies, it still caused ripples through Hollywood until news broke about his intensive filming schedule with Emma.

Recent photos of Lucas and Emma on set had gone viral across social media platforms. The Reddit community /Luci-Fer, dedicated to Lucas and Jennifer’s relationship, reacted particularly strongly. Threads filled with concerned comments about the co-stars’ apparent chemistry:

"They look TOO comfortable together"

"Hope Jennifer’s watching these pics"

"It’s just acting guys, calm down"

"But did you see how they look at each other?"

The photos showed their easy rapport during breaks, shared laughs between takes, and their natural chemistry during scenes.

Each new image seemed to fuel both excitement and worry among fans, despite both actors being professionals simply doing their jobs.

***

As "La La Land" approached its conclusion in mid-April, a new controversy about a potential Lucas-Emma-Jennifer love triangle emerged in the media. Meanwhile, Emma appeared increasingly affected by the impending end of filming.

During a break, Lucas noticed her distant expression. "Everything okay? You seem really deep in the role lately."

Emma nodded slowly. "I just... I relate to Mia so much. It’s hard knowing we’re almost done. I’ve never felt this connected to a character before."

"I get it," Lucas said gently. "Early in my career, I got stuck in character after ’127 Hours.’ It happens, but it passes with time." He kept to himself that his Mind Workshop had since made such transitions easier, but Emma needed to hear she wasn’t alone in this.

"Thanks," Emma managed a small smile. "Somehow knowing that even Lucas Knight went through this makes me feel better."

Lucas returned her smile, understanding exactly how isolating these emotional transitions could feel.

Take after take, scene after scene, until finally - it was done. The entire cast and crew gathered, a mix of relief and accomplishment on their faces.

Damien smiled at them all, particularly grateful to Lucas and the rest who’d helped bring his years-long dream to reality. For him, this wasn’t just months of filming - it represented years of persistence, rejections, and unwavering vision.

Emma stood among them, caught between joy and melancholy. The prospect of rest appealed to her, but leaving Mia behind wouldn’t be easy. She’d connected too deeply with the character, lived too many memories with this crew.

When she hugged Lucas goodbye, he squeezed her shoulder warmly. "It’s been incredible working with you, Emma. Thanks for making these past months so memorable."

"Hope we get to do this again someday," she replied, meaning it. Working with Lucas had surprised her - he’d made everything easier, more fun, and somehow turned every scene into a learning experience.

The cast gathered for final photos, sharing laughs and promises to stay in touch. They lingered, nobody quite ready to be the first to leave, each trying to hold onto these last moments together.

***

The familiar scent of lemon-scented wood polish and fresh linens greeted Lucas as he entered his house. The afternoon light streamed through spotless windows, casting warm patterns across the marble floors. After months away, everything felt both familiar and slightly strange.

"Sir Lucas, welcome back!" Martha’s cheerful voice echoed through the foyer.

"Thanks for taking care of the house, Martha," Lucas smiled warmly at his longtime caretaker.

"Of course, it was my job." Martha beamed with obvious pride in her work. "How is work?"

"Everything went well." Lucas sank into his plush sofa, finally feeling the weight of the past months. He pulled out his phone, scrolling through messages - Paul checking in, Neil with business updates and new offers, and Kobe about the "Dear Basketball" animation they’d discussed.

His stomach dropped slightly when he saw the flood of unread messages from Jennifer. He quickly typed out a message explaining he’d just wrapped filming.

Her response came almost immediately: "So how many times did you have to kiss Emma Stone for ’art’?"

Lucas’s fingers danced across the phone’s keyboard: "Hey now, strictly professional! Though I have to say, she’s not as good a kisser as you... wait, that didn’t help my case, did it?"

Lucas spent the evening texting with Jennifer before checking his messages from Neil about upcoming projects. But after months of intensive filming, he was too exhausted to think about work.

Neil had reminded him about "Arrival" screening at Venice in a few months - they’d need him for promotional interviews. Standard procedure, but Lucas just wanted rest for now.

The weeks passed quickly, bringing May and new obligations.

On "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," Lucas joined Amy Adams on stage, greeted by thunderous applause. Amy glanced around, quickly realizing most of the excitement was for her co-star.

"Oh my God, finally!" Jimmy exclaimed, practically bouncing in his seat. "Lucas Knight actually came to my show! I was getting jealous of Ellen, Kimmel, and Oprah - thought they had some kind of exclusive deal with you."

Lucas grinned. "Well, Jimmy, I figured I’d wait until your jokes got better."

The audience erupted in laughter as Jimmy’s jaw dropped in mock offense.

"He’s not wrong," Amy chimed in, making Jimmy clutch his chest in pretend pain.

"So, are my jokes better now that you’re here?" Jimmy leaned forward eagerly.

"Not really," Lucas shrugged. "But I have to promote ’Arrival’ somehow."

The audience roared with laughter while Jimmy struggled to maintain his composure, his forced laugh making the situation even funnier. The unscripted moment had caught him off guard.

"I invite you for years, you finally show up, and all you do is roast me?" Jimmy placed a hand over his heart. "You’re hurting my feelings, man."

Lucas’s expression softened. "Alright, truce. Your jokes aren’t that bad. Sometimes they even make me smile... a little."

"I’ll take it!" Jimmy brightened. "Once again, please welcome Lucas Knight and Amy Adams!"

The Roots launched into an energetic musical flourish, their signature blend of hip-hop and jazz filling the studio as the audience cheered.

"So Amy," Jimmy leaned in, "how’s Lucas on set? Is he as intimidating in real life as he looks right now?"

The audience laughed as the camera caught Lucas’s exaggerated stern stare directed at Amy. She burst into laughter mid-response.

"He’s actually really wonderful to work with," Amy managed between giggles. "Very professional and—" She glanced at Lucas’s mock-threatening expression and lost her composure again. "I swear I’m not just saying this because he’s staring at me like that!"

"Amy, it’s okay," Jimmy assured her. "You’re in a safe space. Well, except for Lucas."

"I’m not doing anything," Lucas protested innocently.

"Then stop looking at her like she owes you money!" Jimmy shot back.

The playful exchange continued through their "Arrival" promotion, with Lucas and Jimmy’s banter keeping the energy high and the audience entertained.

Amy eloquently described "Arrival," sharing her excitement about bringing such an unique sci-fi story to screen. Lucas followed with his own thoughts about the film before adding with perfect deadpan timing:

"I promise you guys, this film is even more genuine than Jimmy’s laugh."

The audience exploded with laughter while Jimmy’s face cycled through about five different expressions of shock and betrayal.

"That wasn’t in the script," Jimmy whispered, leaning toward Lucas.

"I know," Lucas muttered back. "But trust me, this clip’s going viral."

Between them, Amy pressed her lips together, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

"You being here is already breaking our view records," Jimmy shot back under his breath, though they could all tell he was holding back a genuine laugh of his own.

***

The Tonight Show episode featuring Lucas and Amy hit YouTube and immediately exploded. Within 24 hours, it had racked up 3 million views.

Comments flooded in:

"Lucas calling out Jimmy’s fake laugh I’M DYING"

"That stare down during Amy’s interview had me rolling"

"Finally someone said it about the laugh!"

"Lucas Knight destroying Jimmy while promoting a movie is peak television"

"The way Jimmy tried to recover but couldn’t 😂"

"This is why Lucas rarely does interviews - man’s too dangerous 🔥"

"Jimmy: forced laugh Lucas: and I took that personally"

The unscripted moments and natural chemistry between the guests and host had created exactly the kind of authentic television moment viewers craved.

Even Jimmy shared the clip on his social media, writing "Never challenge Lucas Knight to a roast battle 😅"

The Tonight Show clip continued spreading, with Comedy Central’s Roast account sharing it: "Petition to get @LucasXKnight on our next roast? Man’s got natural talent 🔥"

Comments exploded:

"Lucas vs Eminem roast battle PLEASE"

"Need to see Lucas, Justin Bieber, and Kevin Hart going at it 😭"

"This lineup would break the internet"

***

Meanwhile, oblivious to his new reputation as a potential roast champion, Lucas stood in a high-end jewelry store, examining rings. After years with Jennifer, marriage had been increasingly on his mind. But timing was everything.

The thought made him pause. There were still loose ends to tie up—particularly a certain music mogul whose reputation was finally starting to crack as investigation details leaked online. People were beginning to see through the polished façade.

Lucas turned a diamond ring in his hand, thinking. He wanted everything settled, all threats neutralized, before taking this next step with Jennifer. Their future deserved a clean slate.

While the public focused on his acting career, Lucas’s business empire continued expanding quietly.

His early investments in Uber, Netflix, and cryptocurrency had multiplied significantly. The Vine platform was revolutionizing social media, while LK Research made breakthroughs in medical technology. His careful diversification strategy, combined with his continued box office success, had pushed his estimated net worth to 590 million.

He’d kept this growth deliberately low-profile - fame from wealth wasn’t his goal. But industry insiders who tracked his business moves knew it was just a matter of time before the media caught on to the full scope of his success.