When Love Breaks (Josephine)

Matthew seemed to pick up on Josephine's hesitation. His gaze darkened slightly, and his tone took on a subtle shift. "As long as you agree, Ms. Dunn, I'll make sure your film gets the best screening slots and the highest number of showings once it's released. We can even discuss a better profit share. But if you don't agree, I'll have to find someone else.

"It'd be a shame if the screenings went to someone else, don't you think?"

That was a threat, plain and simple. If she didn't cooperate, it would be nearly impossible for her to secure good screening slots. Matthew controlled a massive share of the theater market—almost a third of all cinemas. He wasn't someone she could afford to cross.

Suppressing a sigh, Josephine plastered a smile on her face. "Alright. I'll arrange an important role for her."

"Now that's what I like to hear!" Matthew let out a hearty laugh. "Jasmine, what are you waiting for? Thank Ms. Dunn."

"Thank you, Ms. Dunn," Jasmine mumbled. When she looked up, there was a little bit of admiration in her eyes as she glanced at Josephine.

With business settled, the dinner gradually wound down. After a few more polite toasts, everyone got up and excused themselves, each claiming to have other matters to attend to. They said goodbye to Josephine and Ethan before slipping out of the private room.

Josephine messaged Mason and Simon about Jasmine. "Mason, see if there's any role that suits her. Once you've decided, let Simon know so he can tweak the script—add a couple of scenes and maybe five lines for her."

Adding an extra character last minute was bound to throw off the film's pacing. But what choice did she have? If she wanted to stay in the industry, she couldn't completely ignore these unwritten rules.

After hitting send, she let out a quiet sigh. Maybe she should consider shooting her next movie abroad. These things weren't entirely avoidable overseas, but at least there, the screenwriter was king, and the director had ultimate creative control.

A faint groan beside her pulled her out of her thoughts. Josephine turned and saw Ethan slouched

against his chair, his face flushed et

He was definitely drunk. Setting her phone down, she slid her chair closer to him. "Ethan, are you allergic texalcohol? Your face is sered."

"No." Ethan squinted at her, his voice low and slightly slurred. "I just had too much

to drink. I've always been a fast learner, and I've trained hard in everything I do,

but my alcohol tolerance... still needs work."

"Everything? What exactly have you been training in?"

"Calligraphy, painting, music, fitness, swimming... Well, swimming is part of fitness, I suppose. But the most important thing is taking care of my skin and body-my hair, nails..." He let out a quiet sigh. "I put more effort into self-care than most women." noveldrama

Josephine nearly burst out laughing. "What, are you trying to be Mr. World or something?"

"Of course not I did all this so that

when I finally see the girl I love again, she'll still find me attractive. She's a self-proclaimed

looks-absessed person. Back when we first met, she'd stare at any good-looking guy who walked past us."

"No way! That's a bit much." Josephine covered her mouth in disbelief. "She

sounds even worse than me."

Ethan cocked his brow. "Does she?"

"Yeah!" Josephine nodded confidently. "I love looking at handsome guys too, but I'm really subtle about it. I'd never openly stare at them."

"Is that so?" He chuckled. "Then, why do I catch you staring at me all the time?"

"I do not―" The denial was instinctive, but the second the words left her mouth, she realized she probably had been staring at him a lot.