Day Forty-Three…
~~*****~~
Alexander stood up from his seat when he saw the presence of both Abigail and Richard. They were walking toward the balcony.
Alexander immediately picked up the bouquet of flowers and handed it over to Abigail.
"Flowers for you, Miss Abi." He said suavely while flashing his smile.
Abigail paused for a moment when she recognized that voice. She gazed at him intently and recalled that she had seen him before.
'He is the guy whom I met in front of Ethan's school… the one who protected me from being hit by a motorcycle.'
Abigail was surprised to see Alexander again. She didn't expect that she would meet him again, especially under these circumstances.
"It's you!" Abigail pointed her finger at him instead of accepting the bouquet of flowers.
"Do you know each other?" Richard couldn't help but ask them.
Alexander just let out a husky laugh. "You have a good memory, Miss Scarlett. I'm glad you remember me." Then he turned to Richard, explaining things to him.
"We didn't know each other personally. We just met a few days ago. And I didn't know that she is an actress," Alexander lied. He already knew Abigail's profession and he intentionally approached her that day.
Richard just bobbed his head. "By the way, I am here to finally introduce the both of you. This is Alexander, one of our investors. He is planning to sponsor a movie with us and I recommended you to be the main lead!"
"Again, this is Miss Abigail Scarlett… our most hardworking and versatile actress. I hope we can work well with this upcoming project." Richard signaled Abigail to accept the flower. Alexander was still holding it since Abigail ignored the bouquet.
Abigail just smiled awkwardly before accepting the flowers. Then Alexander pulled the chair for her, acting like a gentleman.
Richard sat on the opposite chair, facing Alexander. "Now, let's discuss this project."
"How much is my commission on this?" Abigail bluntly asked them. She shut her mouth almost immediately after asking them about her commission. She was used to asking for the price of her target's head before accepting the mission.
Alexander and Richard were caught by surprise. Both men didn't expect that Abigail would directly ask for her salary for this project. But they understood that most artists would want to know their salary first.
After a while, Abigail cleared her throat and spoke once again. "I'm just kidding. I mean… What is my role in this movie?" Abigail took her words back as she scolded herself inwardly.
'I should appear to be professional, not someone who is just after money!'
Richard let out a soft chuckle and responded, "Don't worry. I will give you the script along with the story plot."
"When it comes to your salary, I'll give you 20 million dollars as long as you complete this movie. You can't back down once you accept the contract. Then I will also give your team twenty percent of the movie earnings." Alexander gave her a good offer. Even Richard was overwhelmed by Alexander's offer. He was so generous toward Abigail.
"Okay. Can you give me an action film? Not a romantic movie." Abigail made another demand.
Richard blinked his eyes in amusement. Abigail had never asked for this kind of role. She always accepted whatever role the management would give her.
And she always got the role of being the sweet and kindhearted lady. Sometimes, she had a supporting role as a witty friend or a nerd lady.
On the other hand, Alexander gave Abigail a meaningful glance. "Don't worry, Miss Abi. This movie is action-packed. I wrote the ploy myself. It's about a strong lady who falls in love with a Mafia Leader."
Abigail's eyes lit up when she heard that. 'Hmm. An interesting movie.'
"But this is not a happy ending. The story is tragic. Will you still accept it?" Alexander asked her.
Abigail glanced at Alexander. She found him weird. He wrote a story plot with a tragic ending. He was not a typical movie producer.
"Why does the story have a tragic ending?" She asked him curiously. "Did the mafia leader die?"
Alexander shook his head. "No. Because the woman dies. You will die in this movie. Is it okay for you?"
Abigail was taken aback for a moment. 'What a coincidence… I am also dying in this movie project. Is this what will happen to me in real life too?'
Abigail shook her head, pushing the negative thoughts to the back of her mind. She disregarded that idea. She would never die. She had to survive. She still had so many things to do… things she had to fix, especially regarding her relationship with Nathan.
"Okay. I am accepting this movie." Abigail finally agreed to his offer.
Richard clapped his hands, rejoicing. Meanwhile, Alexander immediately laid the contract on the vacant surface of the table. He gave Richard a signal, telling him to explain the content.
"You can check the contract with your manager before signing it. But I know Ana will be happy to see this contract." Richard confidently said. Alexander had a great offer that someone couldn't refuse. It would be a waste if Abigail would reject it.
"Yeah. I will find some time to read the contract after the party," Abigail reassured him.
"Abi… There is something I want to give you. This is my welcome gift to you… for your Comeback. Congratulations. I will be looking forward to this collaboration." Alexander handed a jewelry box over to Abigail.
Abigail shifted her gaze to the jewelry box in front of her. Richard and Alexander urged her to open and accept the jewelry box. But Abigail was still contemplating whether to open it or accept it without opening it.
She opened the jewelry box only to see a diamond necklace. If she was the real Abigail, she would surely refuse this. But Phantomflake is Phantomflake.
She wouldn't refuse this offer just simply because she needed money for her mission. She needed to buy her equipment and weapons. Nathan and the Syphiruz Mafia destroyed all her hideouts and resources.
"Okay. Thank you for this," Abigail took the jewelry box while giving them a mischievous smile.
Richard: "..."
Alexander: "..."
Both men were caught off guard once again. They expected her to refuse the gift first.
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m