Chapter 121

Becky was already married and even had children. How could he dare to think of her inappropriately? One might live without shame, but not without principles. Malcolm would never dream of seducing a married woman.

"At least you're smart about it," Charlie snorted.

Becky was the apple of the Carters' eye; someone they cherished and protected. If Malcolm could accompany his sister, even as a minor companion, he would benefit greatly. The fact that Malcolm confessed his feelings spoke volumes about his character. The entertainment industry was full of shady dealings, and it was better to have someone trustworthy like Malcolm around Becky than risk unsavory characters getting close to her.

"Alright, but the best I can do is get you an audition. If you don't get the part, don't blame me," Charlie stated plainly.

Malcolm was overjoyed and nodded eagerly. "I understand. I'll do my best."

"One more thing," Charlie added. "I can't be around Becky all the time. If you land the role, keep an eye on the people around her. If anyone has bad intentions, step in. You can send the bill for any protection costs."

Malcolm's eyes lit up. "Sure, no problem."

These were golden opportunities and ways to make some extra cash.

"Can I take the contract home to review? I'll bring it back signed in a couple of days," Malcolm said.

Charlie nodded. "Sure."

Brimming with excitement, Malcolm nodded repeatedly. His luck had finally turned. From now on, he'd be riding the coattails of someone powerful, sailing smoothly toward wealth and success.

Having settled things with Malcolm, Charlie dusted off his hands and walked away, feeling quite pleased. He returned to the hotel and shared the news about signing Malcolm with his sister.

Stacey was surprised. "You signed a contract with Malcolm?"

"Yeah, I did. His acting skills are decent, his character is good, and he's willing to work hard. He just needed a bit of luck, so I signed him up. After all, we have plenty of resources," Charlie said with a cheerful grin.

Stacey nodded. "Yeah."

While speaking, Charlie observed his sister's expression, curious to see if she had any feelings for Malcolm. However, seeing her calm demeanor, he realized she regarded Malcolm as just a friend. His worries were unfounded, and he felt relieved. Stacey was too innocent. After finally getting rid of Theodore, he didn't want her to be easily deceived by another rogue, especially one from the showbiz.

"Malcolm also wants to join your new production. I agreed to get him an audition, but I won't interfere beyond that. It's up to him to impress the director. If his acting is good enough and he gets the role, I won't stand in his way," Charlie added.

Stacey was taken aback. "He wants to join The Empress production?"

Charlie shook his head, then nodded. "Not exactly, but sort of."

Stacey looked puzzled.

Charlie's smile faded as he explained earnestly, "He just wants to follow you around. He wants to be part of any production you join."

"Me?" Stacey was confused.

Charlie chuckled, pinching his sister's cheek. "Yes, you. You're now the darling of the Carters, my dear sister. Everyone knows you're our princess. We'll always cherish and protect you. Malcolm sees this as a golden opportunity. He wants to be your sidekick because he knows that being around you means a high chance of success and making a lot of money."

Charlie laughed. "Malcolm is a smart guy with a decent character. I've looked into his past. He seems clean, with some morals. He's just trying to make the most of his opportunities. Letting him stay around you isn't a big deal. Consider it his good luck. Just see him as a friend, nothing more," Charlie continued. "Oh, I've hired him to protect you. If you run into any trouble, you can go to him. He'll keep you safe, and I'll pay him for his services afterward." Stacey was speechless.

Rattling on, Charlie's mouth was dry. He quickly took a big gulp of water. He went on at length to remind his sister that if Malcolm treated her well, it was because he was being paid to do so. There was no need to be overly moved by it.

Stacey had a hard time shaking off the memory of Theodore. He didn't want her to be easily taken in by another untrustworthy man. What if this guy had ulterior motives and just wanted to use her? The entertainment industry was too messy, so he needed to give her a heads-up.

Unaware of Charlie's thoughts, Stacey would have found it amusing if she knew. After her experience with Theodore, she had no interest in romance or finding a partner. She just wanted to focus on herself, raising her two adorable babies, and living well with her parents and three brothers. She only wanted to cherish the present and strive for a better future.

"Got it, thanks, Charlie," Stacey said, feeling blessed as she looked at him.

Charlie smiled, lifting his hand to affectionately pinch her cheek again. She had inherited their parents' excellent genes and was very beautiful. The more he looked at her, the more he adored her.

"Charlie!" Stacey pulled away her brother's mischievous hand. She noticed that he loved pinching her cheeks ever since they got closer. But she wasn't a child like Lily and Kev anymore.

Charlie quickly withdrew his hand, smiling. "Becky, do you have any plans for later? If not, how about I take you out for something delicious?"

"Really?" Stacey's eyes lit up.

Lynn, standing nearby, chimed in, "You're about to join the production. You need to watch your diet."

"Becky is not fat at all," Charlie retorted.

Stacey chuckled and turned to Lynn. "Don't worry, Lynn. I'll watch it."

She was about to sign a contract with the production team, so she needed to manage her figure. Otherwise, she would be irresponsible. Her parents and brothers always doted on her, giving her anything she wanted and constantly finding ways to treat her to good food. If this continued, she would be spoiled.

"We could go for something that doesn't make me gain weight so easily," Stacey said.

Charlie looked at her, feeling a bit downcast. "What kind of food doesn't make you gain weight?"

Stacey cautiously answered, "Veggies?"

Charlie was dumbfounded, thinking, Did Mom never mention that I don't eat veggies? Stacey knew Charlie disliked vegetables. When they ate together at home, their mother would often nag about how Adrian liked this, and Bryce liked that, but Charlie was the pickiest, refusing to eat this or that. When he was younger, his finicky eating habits even led to malnutrition. Because of this, she hoped Charlie would eat more vegetables for a balanced diet.