Chapter 132

The evening sun painted the clouds in shades of tangerine as Aria Bennett finished changing her clothes. Just then, her phone rang.

"Aria, Director Gideon changed the meeting time last minute. He wants to see us at seven tonight," Adrian Foster's voice came through the receiver. "I'm on my way to pick you up now."

Aria glanced out the window. "Alright, I'll be ready."

After hanging up, she adjusted the loose strands of hair near her ears in the mirror. The reflection showed a young woman with delicate features, rosy lips, and a pale blue dress that made her skin glow like snow.

Adrian's car arrived right on time. He rolled down the window, his gaze lingering on Aria for a moment. "You look stunning tonight."

"Thank you," she replied, sliding into the passenger seat. "Any idea why Director Gideon rescheduled so suddenly?"

Adrian turned the steering wheel. "Word is it was Malcolm Rhodes's doing—the investor."

Aria tapped her fingers lightly against the car window frame. Malcolm Rhodes—a name that carried weight in the industry. Logan Price's brother-in-law, notorious for his playboy reputation.

The restaurant was located atop a five-star hotel. As the elevator doors opened, the glittering city skyline stretched beyond floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Right this way, Miss Bennett," a waiter greeted respectfully.

Inside the private dining room, two men were already seated. Director Gideon stood immediately to welcome them, but the man at the head of the table remained motionless, his gaze appraising Aria with undisguised amusement.

"Mr. Rhodes," Aria greeted evenly.

Malcolm's lips curled. "Miss Bennett, you're even more captivating in person." His eyes roamed freely over her, his tone teasing. "No wonder you've charmed so many."

Adrian's expression darkened, but Aria subtly pressed a hand to his arm before he could speak.

"You flatter me," she said smoothly, taking her seat. "Though I assumed this was a business meeting."

Director Gideon cleared his throat awkwardly. "Right, right. Let's order first."

Throughout dinner, Malcolm's attention never wavered from Aria. When the final course was served, he abruptly set down his wineglass.

"Miss Bennett, I'll be blunt," he said, leaning forward. "I'm quite taken with you. If you're willing, the supporting female role is yours. I can offer you even more opportunities."

The air in the room turned icy. Adrian's fists clenched, while Director Gideon pretended to study the menu.

Aria swirled her wineglass, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Are you proposing... a sponsorship arrangement?"

"You could call it that," Malcolm said, spreading his hands. "I'm very generous with women."

"Pity," Aria set down her glass and met his gaze directly. "I have no interest in secondhand men."

Malcolm's expression darkened. "Excuse me?"

"I said," Aria enunciated each word, "I don't engage with married men. Especially..." She paused meaningfully. "...ones who are still virgins."

Clink. Malcolm's fork clattered onto his plate.

Director Gideon and Adrian both gaped at Malcolm, whose ears turned visibly red.

"Miss Bennett," Malcolm forced a composed tone, "that's not a joke to make lightly."

Aria tilted her head. "The tan line from your wedding ring is still on your left hand, but your right middle finger has a long-term indentation from wearing another ring. That means you're married but pretending to be single."

Her gaze dropped lower. "And also—"

"Enough!" Malcolm cut her off, his expression shifting unpredictably. After a beat, he suddenly chuckled. "Fascinating. Truly fascinating."

He downed his wine in one gulp. "I retract my earlier offer. However..." A sly glint entered his eyes. "I'll still block you from this role."

Unfazed, Aria pulled out her phone. "That's fine. I happen to know a few friends interested in film investments."

She scrolled through her contacts and tapped one name deliberately. "For example... Logan Price?"

Malcolm's face froze.