Chapter 430 - 426: Can You Say That?

Randall Jennings calmly explained, "She’s a friend I met last year on a business trip to Veridia. I accidentally ate some Chia Seeds and went into anaphylactic shock. Luckily, she was there and saved my life."

It wasn’t something he needed to hide; he’d occasionally bring it up as an anecdote with friends.

"So she saved your life!" someone exclaimed.

Randall Jennings nodded.

The friend beside him picked up on something and asked with a curious glint in his eye, "Hey, so you’re saying this Ms. Sterling saved you once, and now she’s secretly paid your bill today? Randall, this place isn’t cheap. You don’t think... she’s interested in you, do you?"

His words made everyone burst out laughing.

Randall Jennings had always been single, and his business partners sometimes teased him about it. He never minded, so he wasn’t offended.

"Alright, knock it off!" Randall Jennings cut in, stopping their thoughtless banter. It was one thing for them to joke about him, but he couldn’t let them drag an innocent Ms. Sterling into their ribbing.

But since Ms. Sterling had already paid and the charge couldn’t be reversed, he had no choice but to accept her kind gesture. He’d just have to find an opportunity to return the favor later.

’He immediately felt more at ease. This was just how friendships worked; reciprocating kindness was normal.’

After leaving Aetherium, the other bosses were picked up by their drivers one after another, until only Randall Jennings and one friend were left.

Seeing they were alone, the man leaned in conspiratorially. "Randall, I never see you spending time with women, let alone making female friends. You’re always complaining you don’t know any of the women the old man tries to set you up with. Well, doesn’t this seem like the perfect opportunity?"

Randall Jennings looked at him, his brow furrowed. "Who?"

"Ms. Sterling, of course! Think about it—she’s going out of her way to be nice, paying your bill for no reason. You really don’t think that means she’s interested?"

Seeing how serious he was, Randall Jennings sighed in exasperation. "What are you even talking about? I’ve barely met Ms. Sterling more than a handful of times. What could she possibly like about me?"

"Does she need a reason?" The man’s eyes widened. "Do you have any idea how many women in this world would kill to marry you?"

In the eyes of men their age, the thirty-seven-year-old Randall Jennings was the definition of a promising young talent. He was tall, handsome, and possessed a top-tier look and charisma.

Most importantly, he was the chairman of the Jandon Group, a multi-millionaire, and a true diamond bachelor. Who wouldn’t want to marry him?

"Stop playing matchmaker. Ms. Sterling has three children, and they’re all in college."

"Huh?" The man was taken aback and asked reflexively, "How old is she?"

Randall Jennings thought for a moment. He had looked up Ms. Sterling’s information before. "Forty-five, I believe..."

His friend immediately shook his head. "That’s a no-go. Forty-five with three kids? Definitely not. The old man would never approve."

Randall Jennings laughed. "Just drop it. There’s nothing going on between us. You’re just making up an entire drama in your head."

Just then, his car arrived. Randall Jennings waved. "I’m heading out. You should get some rest, too."

On the way back, Randall Jennings sat in the back seat and pulled out his phone. After a moment of searching, he found Jasmine Sterling’s number.

He hesitated for a moment before dialing.

The phone rang for a long time with no answer, eventually disconnecting automatically.

Randall Jennings didn’t try again. He silently rolled down the window and gazed out at the neon-lit cityscape.

Meanwhile, Jasmine Sterling, having had a few drinks that evening, had long since fallen into a deep sleep.

*

「On the film set.」

"Lily!"

The lounge door was pushed open, and a pretty actress peeked in, waving a lemon green tea. "Got you a drink! Thirty-percent sugar!"

Lily Sterling quickly stood up and welcomed her in. "Thanks, Susan!"

The actress’s name was Susan Mason. She was a new friend Lily had made since joining the cast. She was three years older than Lily and had been in the industry for five years.

Susan Mason had worked her way up from the bottom. She hadn’t graduated from a professional acting academy or received any formal training. She started as an extra in Starwood and slowly built her career to where it was today. The fact that she could land an important supporting role in a production with such a strong team spoke volumes about her exceptional talent.

She also had a wonderful personality. On her first day, she went out of her way to greet everyone, and with her amazing memory, she even remembered all their names.

She was especially fond of Lily Sterling because *Heavenly Destiny as Phoenix* was a massive hit right now. She had seen Lily’s portrayal of Flora and thought her performance was absolutely brilliant and a perfect match for the character in the novel.

"Black tea actually tastes better, but green tea is more refreshing for this heat. I saw the weather for the next few days—it’s going to be scorching." Susan Mason said as she handed two other cups to Yuna. "Yuna, there’s one for you and Finn, too. Full sugar for you guys!"

"Thank you, Ms. Mason!" Yuna said, accepting the drink with a delighted smile.

Lily Sterling was touched by Susan Mason’s thoughtfulness. "Susan, do you have any scenes today?"

"I do. Two scenes this afternoon. It’s my first time playing a villain, and I’m pretty excited," Susan Mason said, her eyes lighting up as she talked about the role.

Before Lily could respond, Susan seemed to remember something and continued, "But since this is my first time playing this type of role, my performance is a little stiff. Yesterday, Mr. George Lowe watched me and said my pacing was off. He told me to find him when I have some free time so he can give me a few pointers."

"Lily, I think this production is amazing. I love it so much. You’ve got the huge star Heather Keaton, the incredibly talented veteran Jett Hughes, and even Mr. George Lowe is willing to help out the younger actors. This is the most star-studded cast I’ve ever worked with. I’m sure I’m going to learn so much."

Lily Sterling’s expression shifted slightly as she listened to Susan Mason.

Seeing how earnest and sincere Susan was, it was clear she had no idea what kind of person George Lowe really was.

Regardless of whether his offer of "pointers" was genuine, a protective instinct toward Susan welled up inside Lily.

"Um, Susan..."

"Hmm?" Susan Mason blinked her expressive eyes at Lily.

Lily Sterling’s lips parted hesitantly as her mind raced, trying to find a tactful but effective way to warn her.

After a moment, she looked at Susan Mason seriously and said, "Susan, I think if you’re feeling lost with your acting and need help, you should go to Mr. Jett Hughes. He’d be a much better fit!"

"Huh?" Susan Mason’s pretty face showed a flicker of surprise, and she looked reluctant. "But Mr. Jett Hughes seems so serious... almost intimidating."

Jett Hughes was indeed an incredibly meticulous man. Combined with his status and gravitas in the industry, it was natural for younger actors to feel intimidated by him.

Lily Sterling immediately grabbed Susan Mason’s hand, her expression serious. "Mr. George Lowe is getting on in years. His acting style is very traditional and old-fashioned. I think Mr. Jett Hughes’s methods are much more modern."

Susan Mason: "Oh..."

’Can she really say that out loud?’