Chapter 214

The morning sunlight streamed through the car window, casting a golden glow on Lily Green's face.

Her fingers tightened slightly around the steering wheel. Since last night, an inexplicable sense of unease had settled in her chest, as if she'd missed something crucial.

"Damn it, my instincts are never wrong," she muttered irritably, slapping the horn and drawing curious glances from passersby.

She'd driven around all night without spotting a soul. With filming about to start, she reluctantly turned the car around.

Meanwhile, Lucy White had just finished shooting an emotional scene, her eyes still rimmed with red.

"Miss White, someone's asking for you," a crew member whispered.

She looked up to see Julian Chase leaning casually against the rest area, two coffee cups in hand.

"Heard you like caramel macchiatos?" He offered her one with a charming smile.

Lucy accepted it and took a sip—perfect temperature.

"Mr. Chase, here to repay a debt?" She arched a brow.

"A life-saving favor deserves more than coffee." He stepped closer. "How about—"

"Stop." She raised a hand. "A clean transaction doesn’t need romantic theatrics."

Julian blinked, caught off guard. This woman didn’t follow the usual script.

"Free tonight? I’ve got an '82 Lafite—"

"Busy."

"Tomorrow? There’s this private kitchen—"

"Booked through next year." She waved her script.

Julian narrowed his eyes. Women usually threw themselves at him—this was a first.

"Miss White," he lowered his voice, "I hear you’re knowledgeable about firearms?"

Lucy’s fingers stilled. Asher York’s man?

"Tried a few times," she said lightly. "What, Mr. Chase branching into arms dealing?"

"A friend’s very interested in you." His tone turned meaningful. "Perhaps—"

"She’s not interested."

A cold voice cut in. Ethan Smith had appeared behind them, holding a thermos.

"Playing knight in shining armor, Mr. Smith?" Julian smirked.

Ethan unscrewed the lid and handed it to Lucy. "Honey lemon tea. Good for your throat."

Their fingers brushed as she took it. Ethan’s ears turned pink, but he deliberately positioned himself between them.

"Really have plans tonight?" Julian pressed.

"Mm." Lucy nodded. "Script run-through with Mr. Smith."

Julian caught the triumphant glint in Ethan’s eyes and gritted his teeth. Since when did this iceberg learn to intercept?

"Another time, then." He slipped a business card into her script. "Call me anytime."

As he turned, he saw Ethan toss the coffee into the trash and—childishly—stomp on it.

Julian smirked. Fine. He was determined to win her.

In a corner of the set, Lily Green clutched the call sheet, her knuckles white. Now she understood what she’d missed—the man who should’ve been her savior was orbiting Lucy instead.

"System!" she screamed inwardly. "What the hell is going on?"