Chapter 120

Vicky sent an electronic contract as she spoke. Times had changed; electronic agreements were as legally binding as paper ones.

With the contract in hand, Stacey left The Empress production team with Lynn. Back at the hotel, she forwarded Vicky's contract to her brother for review and sent a copy to Lynn, who was well-versed in the entertainment industry and could identify any potential problems.

Feeling relieved, Stacey had been worried about competing with Janet, but the director had given her the contract directly. Was she officially the lead actress?

"Lynn, if I've signed the contract, does that mean I'm the lead in The Empress?" Stacey asked cautiously.

Lynn smiled and nodded. "Yes, you were fantastic!" Even Lynn had been surprised by Stacey's audition performance for Vicky. It was as if Charlotte had stepped straight out of the novel.

Stacey nodded enthusiastically. Lynn then messaged Vicky, requesting a copy of Stacey's audition footage. Vicky quickly forwarded the video. Lynn forwarded it to Charlie.

Charlie was talent scouting. The Carters' entertainment company was newly established, and besides Stacey and himself, they had no other artists. He needed promising talent to get the company going.

While poaching talent, Charlie's phone pinged. It was the audition video from Lynn—his sister's audition. His eyes lit up. Ignoring the actor he was currently scouting, he slipped into the break room to watch it.

Malcolm was stunned. Was that Becky in the video? He vaguely recognized the background as an audition. Had Becky landed a new role? After Lovey Princess, the cast had varying degrees of success, with many production teams offering roles. Some agents even offered Malcolm deals, as his contract with his previous company had ended. He’d been wavering—should he stay in the entertainment industry? If so, what were his next steps? He needed to join a company; for someone without connections, being a signed artist was essential to get good scripts. But which company? Acting was a young person's game, and he’d already wasted years. At 25, signing with a mediocre agency could ruin his career. When Charlie contacted him, Malcolm was shocked. He hadn't expected Charlie to start his own company and recruit him.

Joining Charlie's company could be promising. As an award-winning actor, Charlie had the connections and resources. Moreover, as a new company, there wouldn't be many senior actors hogging opportunities. Most importantly, Becky, Charlie's sister, would likely be part of the company too. Malcolm had a good impression of the siblings; despite their wealth, they were decent people.

As Charlie finished watching the video, he met Malcolm's eager gaze, sensing something might have changed.

"I can sign with the L&K Group," Malcolm said. The L&K Group might be unfamiliar to outsiders, but Malcolm knew Lily and Kev, and guessed the company name came from their nicknames.

"Really?" Charlie was delighted. He produced a contract and handed it to Malcolm. "How about we sign now?"

Malcolm, thinking Charlie was prepared, asked, "Can I ask a question?"

"Of course," Charlie replied. "What is it?"

"Has Becky signed with the L&K Group?" Malcolm inquired.

Charlie was visibly happy. "Of course! Our company was started for Becky. Any good resources will prioritize her. But she's a girl, so it won't affect roles for guys. Signing with us won't impact you negatively." Malcolm knew male and female actors had different roles; even if the company heavily promoted Becky, it wouldn't affect him much.

"Is Becky taking a new role soon?" Malcolm asked.

Charlie became wary. "What are you up to? If you're thinking of barging into Becky's project, that's out of the question. Becky takes her acting seriously. Any male actor working with her must have both looks and talent. No freeloaders, back off!"

Startled, Malcolm took two steps back, then laughed. "That's not what I meant. I don't need special treatment. I just wanted to know what kind of script she's considering next. There must be male roles. If possible, just let me audition. If I get the part, it'll be on my own merits. What do you think?"

Charlie scrutinized Malcolm suspiciously. Why is he so eager to be around Becky? Is he trying to court her? She just got divorced…is he trying to take advantage?

Unnerved, Malcolm quickly denied any romantic interest. "No, no, I'm not trying to pursue Becky. I just think she's great, and I enjoyed working with her. Plus, with your family's great support, she will get great opportunities. If I can work with her, even in a supporting role, it would really help my career."

Charlie's look seemed to accuse him of wanting to exploit Becky, which terrified him. Though he did want to leverage good connections, it wasn't manipulatively.