Forbidden Passion

Phoebe plopped down at her desk, but before she could even get comfy, the door swung open. She looked up, eyebrows furrowed, to see Lori rushing in.

"Ms. Ziegler, Diego's role went to Finnegan from Queen Entertainment. Wesley didn't make it," Lori blurted out, clearly anxious.

"Take a breath, Lori," Phoebe said, trying to calm her down.

Since it was an audition, it was a fair competition, so even if Finnegan won, they should accept their loss.

"Alfonso said Wesley nailed his audition, and Hank was really impressed. But somehow, they still picked Finnegan," Lori added.

Phoebe pressed her lips together. This kind of stuff happened all the time in showbiz. People would do anything to get ahead. If the straight path didn't work, they'd find a crooked one. "Lori, tell Wesley to hang in there. Patience pays off," Phoebe said.

Lori seemed to relax a bit. "I'm sorry, Ms. Ziegler. I got a little carried away."

"It's okay," Phoebe said, pausing for a moment. "But remember, in this industry, whether you're an artist or behind the scenes, you need to stay steady. Don't let it get to you." "Got it," Lori nodded.

Phoebe sighed. "Find out how Queen Entertainment snagged that role."

If they lost, they needed to know why.

Lori's eyes lit up. "Yes."

She had thought Phoebe would just let it slide, but it turned out Phoebe still had her artists' backs.

After Lori left, Phoebe called Hank. After some small talk, she cut to the chase. "Hank, I've been meaning to invite you to dinner. When are you free?"

Hank chuckled. "Ms. Ziegler, no need for formalities. I know about your actor's audition. I liked his performance, but we found someone better."

"My invite isn't about the role. Just want to catch up. When are you free?" Phoebe insisted.

They set a date, and after hanging up, Phoebe hit the intercom. "Lori, tell Wesley to get ready. He's coming to dinner with me tonight."

Vanessa thought she had outsmarted Phoebe by securing Diego's role. But Phoebe had her sights set on something bigger the dual male lead, Nicholas Ramsey. She'd heard that the other lead in "Ice and Fire", Nicholas, was still up for grabs. That afternoon, Lori took Wesley to get suited up. By evening, Phoebe and Wesley were heading to a hotel.

In the elevator, Wesley fidgeted with the snake-shaped collar chain around his neck. He wasn't a fan of jewelry and felt awkward.

Phoebe slapped his hand away. "Wesley, have you read the script for "Ice and Fire"?"

"Yeah, I've been reading it non-stop. I could probably recite it backwards," Wesley said, curling his fingers. Phoebe's slap felt like a teacher scolding a restless kid.

As the elevator stopped at the third floor, Phoebe said, "From now on, you are Nicholas. Whether you get the role depends on how you do tonight."

Wesley was momentarily stunned.

The elevator doors slid open, and Phoebe snapped her fingers in front of Wesley to snap him out of his daze. "You ready?"

Wesley nervously licked his lips. "Yeah, I'm ready."

Phoebe grabbed his hand and placed it on her waist, her tone icy. "Start acting now. Let's go."

Wesley was a bit thrown off.

He quickly recalled the scene in his mind. Nicholas's cover had been blown by the undercover Diego, who tipped off the gang leader. The gang leader set up a trap disguised as a banquet for Nicholas. Nicholas knew it was a setup and might not make it out, but he still brought his date. This scene was packed with complex emotions.

That waswhy Phoebe brought Wesley to this dinner-to have him perform on the spot.

They reached the private room door. Wesley was already in character. He held Phoebe close and pushed the door open. Inside, Hank and Theodore looked up simultaneously.

Wesley, still holding Phoebe, sat next to Hank. He crossed his legs and leaned back in the chair, exuding a laid-back vibe. "Boss, I wasn't even awake yet. Why'd you call me here?"

Hank scrutinized Wesley. He was wearing a tank top and shorts, giving off a roguish aura, just like Nicholas. Hank reacted quickly, slamming the table. "Nicholas, don't you know why I called you here?" Wesley was about to kiss his date. Hearing this, he lifted his eyelids. "What's the matter now? Did I screw something up?"

Hank picked up a napkin and threw it at Wesley, angrily saying, "Look for yourself."

What hit Wesley was actually a stack of photos, pictures of him meeting with the police, secretly taken. Wesley looked at the scattered photos on the ground, his pupils slightly contracting. Wesley slowly raised his head, looking at Hank, and asked a particularly heartbreaking question, "You had me followed? You don't trust me?" Hank said nothing.

Wesley suddenly stood up, his back stiffening as the bodyguard by the door rushed over and pointed a gun at his temple.

Wesley ignored it. He tore off his tank top, revealing his scarred body. Pointing at his wounds, he stared unblinkingly at Hank.

"These are the evidence of my loyalty to you. You suspect I'm a cop? Have you forgotten that my parents and lover were all killed by the police?"

This scene was highly emotional. Phoebe, standing nearby, could feel the immense anger emanating from Wesley. He performed exceptionally well.

Hank was stunned for a long time before suddenly standing up and clapping vigorously. "What an amazing impromptu performance. Ms. Ziegler, you really caught us off guard with this entrance, right, Mr. Reynolds?" When Wesley held Phoebe's waist as they entered, she had noticed Theodore.

Phoebe hadn't expected Hank to bring Theodore to the dinner. She had feared Wesley might get stage fright because of Theodore's presence.

But Wesley performed admirably. Graduating as the top of his class, he lived up to his professional training.

Theodore's gaze swept over Phoebe's waist, where Wesley had held her, but he didn't react on the spot. He said calmly, "This recklessness shows Ms. Ziegler's influence. Weren't you afraid Hank wouldn't cooperate and ruin the performance?" He directed this question at Phoebe.

Phoebe replied calmly, "I did my homework. During Hank's first film casting, an unknown Patrick performed an impromptu scene at a dinner, and Hank cast him on the spot. That's why he has the fame he does today."