Chapter 132

The evening sun painted the clouds in shades of tangerine as Lucy White finished changing her clothes. Just then, her phone rang.

"Lucy, Director Jude changed the meeting time last minute. He wants to see us at seven tonight," Nathan King's voice came through the receiver. "I'm on my way to pick you up now."

Lucy glanced out the window. "Alright, I'll be ready."

After hanging up, she adjusted the loose strands of hair near her ears in the mirror. The reflection showed a young woman with delicate features, rosy lips, and a pale blue dress that made her skin glow like snow.

Nathan's car arrived right on time. He rolled down the window, his gaze lingering on Lucy for a moment. "You look stunning tonight."

"Thank you," she replied, sliding into the passenger seat. "Any idea why Director Jude rescheduled so suddenly?"

Nathan turned the steering wheel. "Word is it was Hugo Shaw's doing—the investor."

Lucy tapped her fingers lightly against the car window frame. Hugo Shaw—a name that carried weight in the industry. Liam Parker's brother-in-law, notorious for his playboy reputation.

The restaurant was located atop a five-star hotel. As the elevator doors opened, the glittering city skyline stretched beyond floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Right this way, Miss White," a waiter greeted respectfully.

Inside the private dining room, two men were already seated. Director Jude stood immediately to welcome them, but the man at the head of the table remained motionless, his gaze appraising Lucy with undisguised amusement.

"Mr. Shaw," Lucy greeted evenly.

Hugo's lips curled. "Miss White, you're even more captivating in person." His eyes roamed freely over her, his tone teasing. "No wonder you've charmed so many."

Nathan's expression darkened, but Lucy subtly pressed a hand to his arm before he could speak.

"You flatter me," she said smoothly, taking her seat. "Though I assumed this was a business meeting."

Director Jude cleared his throat awkwardly. "Right, right. Let's order first."

Throughout dinner, Hugo's attention never wavered from Lucy. When the final course was served, he abruptly set down his wineglass.

"Miss White, I'll be blunt," he said, leaning forward. "I'm quite taken with you. If you're willing, the supporting female role is yours. I can offer you even more opportunities."

The air in the room turned icy. Nathan's fists clenched, while Director Jude pretended to study the menu.

Lucy swirled her wineglass, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Are you proposing... a sponsorship arrangement?"

"You could call it that," Hugo said, spreading his hands. "I'm very generous with women."

"Pity," Lucy set down her glass and met his gaze directly. "I have no interest in secondhand men."

Hugo's expression darkened. "Excuse me?"

"I said," Lucy enunciated each word, "I don't engage with married men. Especially..." She paused meaningfully. "...ones who are still virgins."

Clink. Hugo's fork clattered onto his plate.

Director Jude and Nathan both gaped at Hugo, whose ears turned visibly red.

"Miss White," Hugo forced a composed tone, "that's not a joke to make lightly."

Lucy tilted her head. "The tan line from your wedding ring is still on your left hand, but your right middle finger has a long-term indentation from wearing another ring. That means you're married but pretending to be single."

Her gaze dropped lower. "And also—"

"Enough!" Hugo cut her off, his expression shifting unpredictably. After a beat, he suddenly chuckled. "Fascinating. Truly fascinating."

He downed his wine in one gulp. "I retract my earlier offer. However..." A sly glint entered his eyes. "I'll still block you from this role."

Unfazed, Lucy pulled out her phone. "That's fine. I happen to know a few friends interested in film investments."

She scrolled through her contacts and tapped one name deliberately. "For example... Liam Parker?"

Hugo's face froze.