Chapter 4
I unexpectedly discovered a passion for screenwriting, and from there, it was a whirlwind. From knowing nothing to being able to write a decent script, I had carved out my own niche in the industry within five years.
A lot of people were curious about how a “latecomer” to screenwriting like me had managed to get so far.
Coincidentally, Oliver had a promising project in hand and reached out to me for a potential collaboration. Given the help he’d given me in the past, I didn’t hesitate to return to Ravenvale.
On the way to the welcome dinner, I couldn’t help but reflect as the streets. outside the window blurred by.
I had thought I would never return to this place, yet here I was again.
“How long are you planning to stay?” Oliver asked.
I answered without much thought, “I’ll leave once your film is done. The weather in Farham will be nice by then, so I might stick around for a bit and gather some inspiration.”
Oliver nodded in understanding, and we fell silent for the rest of the ride.
Soon, we arrived at the venue for the welcome dinner.
We walked up the stairs together.
As we opened the door to the private room, I was surprised to see Antonio among the familiar faces.
Chapter 4
“Let me introduce everyone. This is the famous screenwriter Dew Rose, also known as Grace Parrish,” Oliver announced.
The room erupted into applause.
People turned to look at me, whispering among themselves.
“I didn’t expect such a famous screenwriter to be so young. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was just a kid fresh out of school.”
“Don’t be like that. Her skills are well recognized in the industry.”
“I heard Mr. Brooks worked really hard to bring her here. Their relationship seems pretty special…”
I wasn’t bothered by their murmurs. I gave them a calm smile and said, “You can just call me Grace. I look forward to working with all of you.”
As Oliver gestured for me to take a seat, I immediately felt a piercing gaze on me. It was no surprise who it came from.
Oliver then introduced Antonio to me. “Grace, this is Mr. Antonio Kaufman, the main investor for the film,” he said, before turning to Antonio. “Mr. Kaufman, this is my friend, Grace.
Antonio’s voice was low and slightly bitter as he remarked.
“I don’t recall you mentioning this friend before.”
Oliver raised an eyebrow. “Well, not just any friend. Plus, Grace hasn’t been living in Ravenvale, so it’s understandable that you haven’t met her.”
“Not just any friend?” Antonio repeated slowly, his voice dripping with disdain as he smirked.
Seeing the tension rise, the others fell silent.
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Chapter 4
I quickly poured myself a full glass of liquor, stood up, and looked directly at Antonio. “Mr. Kaufman, thank you for investing in ‘Beyond the for investing in ‘Beyond the Mountains‘. I do have ties to Oliver, so I’m raising a toast in advance to wish the film great success,” I said, then tilted my head back, downing the entire glass.
Oliver and Antonio immediately stood up, both frowning at me as I drained the glass.
Before I could react, Oliver snatched the glass from my hand and, to everyone’s surprise, finished it in one go. He turned to me with a smile. “You can’t handle liquor like that, Grace. No need to show off
The familiar scene rushed into my mind.
Three years ago, when Oliver and I first met, it was a similar situation. At my first event, the director had insisted I finish an entire glass of strong liquor.
I hesitated, unsure of how to refuse, but finally decided to just go for it.
Just as I was about to take the drink, a hand with sharp knuckles snatched. it away from me. Before I knew what happened, Oliver had downed the drink.
He smiled at the director and said, “Don’t pressure the young lady.”
After a long stare between Oliver and me, I was the first to snap out of it. only to find myself face–to–face with Antonio. His expression was beyond words, dark and unreadable.
Ile let out a cold snort, clapping his hands slowly as he spoke with a mocking tone, “Looks like you and Ms. Parrish have quite the relationship, Mr. Brooks. Sharing a drink, huh?”
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Oliver was about to respond, but I cut him off.
“I just got off a ten–hour flight. I’m pretty tired. I can’t stay long tonight. but we’ll have plenty of chances to meet again.
“I’ll cover the bill tonight. Let’s all have fun.”
With that, I stood up to leave, not sparing Antonio even a glance.
Oliver looked at me with concern and moved closer. “Are you okay? I’ll take you back.”
I shook my head. “No need. I’ll head back on my own.”
“Are you sure you can find your way?” Oliver asked, smiling. “Come on. I have to handle some things anyway.”
I had originally planned to stay at a hotel during my short time in Ravenvale, but Oliver insisted. He said he had several vacant properties in his building and invited me to stay in one of them.
After politely declining a few times, I eventually agreed.
Oliver greeted everyone before we left.
But just as we reached the parking garage, Antonio called out behind me, “Grace, wait a second!”
Oliver and I both stopped. Without hesitation, he stepped in front of me, blocking Antonio’s path and smiling. “Mr. Kaufman, is there something you need to talk to Grace about? It’s getting late, so if it’s urgent, we can talk next time, right?”
Antonio ignored him and walked around Oliver, grabbing my arm. His voice, laced with something else, asked, “Where have you been these past five years?
Chapter 4
“Do you know…?”
“Mr. Kaufman, please show some respect.” I interrupted him, pulling my arm away and stepping back.
A flash of surprise and sadness crossed Antonio’s face. He repeated my words in a hushed tone, “Mr. Kaufman? Show some respect?
“Grace, you never called me that before.”
I looked at him with no expression, replying indifferently, “That was in the past. Things are different now.
“If there’s nothing else, I’m leaving. I need some rest.”
As I moved to leave, Antonio quickly grabbed my arm again, his voice now dripping with desperation. “Gracie, I don’t want you to go. There’s so much I need to say to you.”
Before I could respond, Oliver stepped forward, pulling Antonio’s hand off me.
“Mr. Kaufman, Grace is tired. Please don’t bother her anymore.”
“We’ll talk later, but we need to head home now,” Oliver said as he led
me away.
Antonio scoffed, glaring at us, “You’re going home? Are you two living together now?”
Chapter 5
