Chapter 149

Julian Lombardi kicked the flowerbed edge in fury, staggering backward from the excessive force.

His assistant swiftly steadied his swaying figure.

A phone ringtone pierced the silent parking lot with jarring abruptness.

Julian ignored it, letting the sound fade into the air unanswered.

The assistant's phone vibrated next.

"It's Tiffany," the assistant murmured in warning.

Julian inhaled deeply before answering with practiced warmth. "Tiffany, I missed your call in the car earlier."

Tiffany Merouin's weary voice carried through the line.

"The 'River Banquet' premiere is tomorrow. Richard is personally invested—you must be punctual."

A pause. "Wear the custom-tailored suit."

Julian's fingers tightened imperceptibly.

This role had fallen into his lap only after Christopher Lowell's scandalous exit.

'River Banquet' was Lowell Entertainment's crown jewel this year, with screenplay rights alone costing tens of millions.

Richard Lowell had originally intended to showcase his own children through this production. Now he was left scrambling for replacements.

"Tiffany..." Julian's Adam's apple bobbed. "About tomorrow's premiere, I might—"

"Julian Lombardi!" Tiffany's voice sharpened. "Do you know how many actors are salivating for this role?"

Her tone turned steely. "Richard's in no mood for nonsense. Don't make things harder for yourself."

Julian stared at the distant neon lights, recalling the whispers overheard on set today.

Some said he'd merely scavenged Christopher's discarded part.

Others placed bets on him being replaced within three months.

"Understood," he finally conceded, voice low.

The moment the call ended, Julian hurled his phone against the pavement.

The screen shattered like his fractured pride.

The assistant wordlessly retrieved the broken device.

Everyone knew what 'River Banquet' meant to Lowell Entertainment.

A five-hundred-million investment, seventy percent funded from company coffers.

Richard couldn't afford to fail. Neither could Julian.

"Prepare tomorrow's outfit," Julian massaged his temples.

He needed to regain composure.

In this industry, opportunities vanished like morning mist.

Christopher's disgrace served as a stark warning.