Chapter 88

The crystal chandelier cast a soft glow over the restaurant.

Sophia pushed open the glass door and found Lucas already seated by the window.

"Director Sheridan."

She greeted him quietly before taking the chair the waiter pulled out for her.

"Sophia, take a look at the menu..."

Lucas slid the gilded menu toward her.

Her fingers brushed lightly over the pages as she accepted it.

"A medium-rare steak, please."

The waiter noted her order and retreated soundlessly.

Sophia took a sip of water and cut straight to the point.

"Director Sheridan, I have a script I'd like you to review."

She retrieved her phone from her bag and pulled up a document.

The title "Empress" stood out boldly on the screen.

Lucas accepted the phone with casual interest.

But as he read further, his posture gradually straightened.

"This..."

His fingers tapped absently against the tabletop.

The script told the story of a woman navigating a patriarchal society, overcoming obstacles to claim the throne.

The political intrigue was meticulously crafted, each of the protagonist's decisions fraught with tension.

Lucas's eyes brightened with growing excitement.

"Miss Laurent, who wrote this masterpiece?"

His voice vibrated with barely contained enthusiasm.

Sophia avoided answering directly.

"What do you think?"

"Brilliant!"

The word burst from him, nearly causing him to drop the phone.

"Political dramas of this caliber are rare these days."

He gestured animatedly.

"Audiences are tired of those romance stories masquerading as political intrigue."

A faint smile touched Sophia's lips.

"Then what do you think it's worth?"

Lucas considered for a moment.

"At least—"

"Ten million."

Sophia stated the figure outright.

"What?"

Lucas shot to his feet, his knee colliding with the table.

Ignoring the pain, he leaned forward urgently.

"You can secure that price?"

Sophia nodded.

"Yes."

Her fingertip tapped the table lightly.

"But there's one condition."

"Name it!"

"I'll be playing the female lead."

Lucas blinked, then laughed heartily.

"That goes without saying!"

He sat back down, lowering his voice.

"Actually, I was about to ask—this script..."

"I wrote it."

Sophia admitted calmly.

Lucas gaped at her, speechless.

The waiter chose that moment to arrive with her steak.

The silver knife gleamed coldly under the lights.

Sophia cut a small piece of meat and glanced up at Lucas, who still looked stunned.

"So... do we have a deal?"