****"Derek, you're not the first to offer their daughter," Damon said icily, his gaze piercing Derek's with a chilling intensity. As he spoke, his lips curled into a menacing smirk, sending shivers down Derek's spine."Mr. Colley, I'm exceptionally adept with children, and I truly believe your son would benefit greatly from having a mother figure in his life. If you're uncertain, I'm willing to prove myself over months or even years. You'll witness the progress firsthand," Bailey pleaded, feeling a sting of rejection as Damon Colley openly dismissed her. Failing to make a difference would mean missing out on a significant opportunity for advancement."Wow!! you would make a fantastic nanny. Your father must be beaming with pride," Damon remarked, casting a subtle glance toward Derek, who went red in embarrassment. Then, turning his attention back to Bailey, he added, "You do not fit the bill as my wife in terms of beauty, nor possess the strength to conceal your intentions from me.""
*****"Whoa," Ceece exclaimed from the balcony, her eyes widening with surprise as she watched the Bentley pull up and Jasmine step out of the car. Meanwhile, Payne was engrossed in her iPad, but her ears perked up at Ceece's remark. "Did Mom land a big movie deal or something? Where'd she get such a fancy car?""I don't know," Ceece answered Payne with her brows raised with contemplation."You're the manager, how could you not know if Mom landed a major film role or scored a big brand endorsement?" Payne asked incredulously, casting a glance at Ceece, who was responsible for managing her mother's job."As a manager, I can assure you that your mother hasn't landed any major film or brand endorsement recently, so this car has us both puzzled. How about we just ask your mother directly?" Ceece replied, offering a practical solution."Hmm, let's go. I wish Mom owned this car," Payne said, turning away from the balcony. Ceece followed her, cautioning, "You know, greed isn't a good thing!"
*****Damon's eyes remained fixed on the portrait of a woman. The silhouette was etched in detail, but her visage remained a void because he had no recollection of that face. He spoke, "The picture still holds my interest, despite its incompleteness, Mandy," he stated firmly. "Unfortunately, my interest in you has diminished. It's time for you to seek alternative accommodations, and I'll see to it that you're provided for. Don't worry." His posture remained composed, revealing no hint of emotion in his voice.Mandy's senses jolted abruptly, fear tingling beneath her skin, but she swiftly cloaked it with a smile. Stepping before Damon, clad in lingerie, she had been discreetly enticing him towards the bed.Mandy grabbed Damon's hand that was holding the brush and used it to paint on her chest as she seductively moved closer to kiss Damon, "I know how to soothe away that tension," Mandy breathed, her touch electric as she leaned closer. "But I need your cooperation. Why don't we lose ou
*****"Are you sure you want to call her at this hour?" Damon's gentle tone carried a note of caution as he sat across from Dante, the phone poised in his hand. "She could be fast asleep," he reiterated, emphasizing the potential disruption."I just need a quick chat, Dad," Dante replied, a spark of enthusiasm igniting in his eyes. Determination laced his voice as he reassured his father of his intentions. "I won't keep her long," he added firmly, his eagerness to connect evident in his words.Damon sensed that his son, Dante, was determined not to rest until he heard her voice. With a heavy sigh, he dialed the number, the phone ringing persistently. Damon activated the speakerphone, allowing Dante to listen in. Despite the ongoing ringing, there was no answer, causing a deep frown on Dante's face. His entire focus remained on the phone, his concentration unbroken.Just as Damon was about to end the call, it was picked up, and he said, "Hello!""Hi, sir. You have a very hero-type voice
****Jasmine drove her car for almost thirty minutes, her mind filled with anticipation and worry, until she finally reached the studio. As she pulled up, she spotted Ceece standing outside, her face etched with tension as she paced back and forth."Oh God, Jas!" Ceece exclaimed, her face contorted with worry as she hurriedly approached Jasmine. "I was fearing that you wouldn't arrive on time," she continued, her words tumbling out in a single breath. "The director and producer announced that they won't gonna take a person's interview if she doesn't appear on time," she emphasized, her hands gesturing wildly. "And for your information, today almost 500 professional actresses have arrived to give the interview," she added, her voice rising with urgency as they rushed towards the studio."What to do, I've been a nervous wreck since morning," Jas admitted with a sheepish grin, her face contorted into an expression of mild panic. "And on top of that, I can't seem to figure out how to navi
*****"Payne sweetheart, did your mom forget her phone in the house?" Nadia questioned Payne, who was in her room, and when she heard Nadia's voice, she came out with a phone in hand. As soon as Nadia saw Jas's phone in Payne's hand, she understood everything."Naughty girl, so you're the one texting me for treats. Urgh!" Nadia exclaimed, sprinting towards Payne and scooping her up in a bear hug before unleashing a tickle attack on her stomach. "You're so sneaky! You were messaging me to cook noodles, and I assumed it was your mother!""Aunt Nadia, stop! I was just pulling your legs!" Payne giggled, trying to catch her breath as Nadia released her grip. "Then I'll have to call Ceece to find out what happened because it's been ages since she went for an interview," Nadia said with a playful grin."Yes, Ceece can fill you in!" Payne replied mischievously, gliding over to the painting she'd been meticulously crafting. With a dramatic flourish, she unveiled her creation, leaving Nadia utte
*****"Wait, what? Are you saying there won't be another interview after that utterly expressionless woman?" Ceece exclaimed, only to be floored when a lady swooped in to inform us there'd be no interview at all. Apparently, the director and producer have already snagged their leading lady."You are disrespectful, and I feel what you receive is what you deserve," the lady said to Ceece in a nasty tone before storming out. At the time, Jasmine approached Ceece as she listened to everything, saying, "Why are you down in the dumps like this? I've got my hands full with work, that's why I'm here. Sure, this film could've been a huge break, but chin up! Opportunities will always come knocking, don't be so disheartened.""Absolutely outrageous! If this is truly their intention, why on earth would they announce the audition in such a manner? It's a bloomin' disgrace! You know full well it's not just you affected by this nonsense. There's a whole queue of talented actresses ready to give their
*****"What are you doing?" Jasmine queried coldly, her gaze piercing as she lifted her eyes to meet Paul's."You can't just leave without giving me an answer!" Paul exclaimed though he found himself unsure of the words that had escaped his lips."I can't begin to fathom what's going through your mind, but there's nothing for me to answer," Jasmine retorted with annoyance, her frustration evident in her tone. "She's gone inside, so why don't you just accompany her there instead of wasting my time? Perhaps she needs something," she added sharply, unable to grasp the intentions of the two individuals before her."Move!" Jasmine spat, attempting to leave, but her arm was grasped once more by him. "Why don't you plead with me? I'll grant you the lead role in replacing Layla. Just ask," Paul urged, his eyes bloodshot with the relentless image of her potentially being pregnant with someone else's child refusing to dissipate from his mind."Have you lost your mind? You're causing me distress