Behind The Spotlight Chapter 105
Zara Lauren had light brown hair and brown eyes. Her figure was petite, with delicate shoulders and a slim waist. Still, she had a shapely ass that drew attention, perhaps that was why Lawrence liked her?
After his heartbreak with Ellie Bridget, Lawrence avoided blonde women. It was almost as if he had developed a quiet superstition against them. Even his interactions with Jennifer Randon, who was also blonde, dwindled after that incident with Ellie. Now their exchanges were limited to polite greetings and brief professional conversations.
"By the way, Collin, I remember Wyatt is going to film a new movie. Do you think Zara can star in it?" Lawrence asked, keeping his tone casual, though Collin could tell it was a favor.
Collin looked at Zara, who kept a demure smile despite being topless. Out of respect, he avoided looking at her breasts, focusing instead on her eyes. Zara's hopeful gaze showed she was waiting for his answer. They might not be close, but they were once coworkers.
"I can talk to Wyatt. You can also talk to him if you want to convince him. But Zara will still have to attend an audition. The best I can do is get her into the third round."
"Yeah, I can see that happening. That's still a lot of help." Lawrence nodded with genuine appreciation, his shoulders relaxing slightly.
"Zara, do you know how to act?"
"I've been going to acting school since last year, and I'm confident in my skills. We do improv sessions and even small stage plays."
"Then that's great to hear. I can get you into the third round so the panelists can personally watch your performance. The script is still incomplete, so you'll have to wait. You can contact Lawrence, and he'll contact me once everything is settled."
"Thank you, Collin." Zara smiled warmly, her cheeks slightly flushed with excitement. It seemed like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She felt her decision to seek this opportunity had been the right one.
In fact, Wyatt was still trying to pitch the project to Uni-versus Pictures. He and Henry had discussed it seriously and agreed they would work on another project, the Frightening Movie.
The limousine reached the venue, which looked like something straight out of a luxury lifestyle magazine. Chandeliers sparkled above, expensive dishes were served, and fine wines flowed freely. High society was on full display.
Collin hadn't expected to reach the point where he could attend a party like this. It felt worlds away from where he had started. Even Zara seemed shocked, her eyes darting around to take in the extravagance. Only Lawrence appeared comfortable, perhaps just acting to maintain composure in front of the crowd.
The host soon began a charity auction to sell artworks and antique collections. Many wealthy guests bid without hesitation at the staggering prices.
"$13 million! Sold!"
A vase from the 18th century had just been sold for $13 million, supposedly to help people in Africa who were in dire need of assistance. At least, that was the official story.
"Hehe, this money will make us rich. $13 million my ass! We'll pocket $10 million and only give $3 million to the Africans."
Collin overheard the remark and decided to move toward a quiet corner, away from the suffocating buzz.
"You're handsome. Are you a model or an actor? But I've never seen you before."
"Hm?"
Collin turned and saw a man in his 30s looking at him while biting his lip in a way that made his intentions clear.
"I'm Roger James, CEO of Expensive Medicine. I was invited to this charity event to help people in Africa. How about you?" Roger's tone was curious, his gaze appraising.
"Collin East. I'm a talent agent."
Collin handed over his business card smoothly, keeping professional composure despite the odd vibe. This was one of the reasons he attended such parties, to meet wealthy people who might create opportunities for his clients.
Lawrence and Zara were also mingling, smiling and laughing as they spoke with the rich guests, both clearly trying to find sponsors.
"Oh, you're a talent agent? I didn't expect that. You're too handsome, I thought you were an actor or a model."
"I was a model. Retired now."
"Well, that explains it."
Roger stepped closer until his shoulder touched Collin's.
"Say, Collin, I bought an old painting for $26 million. Want to see it? I can take you to the room where it's kept. Since you're an agent, I'm sure I can help your client get into a movie. I'm even willing to invest in one, if we can come to… an arrangement."
Roger licked his lips, staring at Collin like he was a prize on display.
"I'm sorry, Roger, but I have to decline. I'm just here to expand my network and meet people professionally."
This wasn't the first time Collin had experienced something like this in the industry's social circles. Most of the time, a simple "no" was enough to end the conversation. He had never been a fan of exchanging his body for opportunities, no matter how tempting they might look on paper.
Besides, his clients were talented, he had no reason to sell himself. And he didn't swing that way, making the offer even less appealing.
"Aww, what a waste. You seem like a nice guy. I'd like to get to know you better."
"I appreciate your honesty. You also seem to be a nice person."
Collin wasn't offended by Roger's intentions. He was numb to it by now. Earlier, an elderly woman in her 80s had expressed interest in him, and he'd politely declined as he always did.
In fact, this wasn't even close to his worst experience. He still remembered a truly awful incident in Paris during his modeling days, when a wealthy fashion designer mocked his status and kicked him off the runway because he refused to sell himself.
"Well then, if you change your mind, here's my business card. You can contact me. You seem like a great man who could entertain me, and spending a couple of million dollars on a movie is no problem."
"Thanks, Roger."
Collin accepted the card without comment, it might come in handy someday.
That was the truth about being an agent: you met all kinds of people, and you had to keep an open mind. There was a reason talent agents had a reputation for being shameless.
Roger bid farewell, and Collin stayed in the corner, slipping the card into his pocket.
After attending countless parties and meeting various people, Collin could confidently say he didn't enjoy them. The glamour, the gossip, the under-the-table dealings, it was all too much for him.
A few hours later, the charity event ended, and Collin left with the others.
He sighed as he watched Lawrence and Zara stumbling slightly toward the car, the night's indulgence written all over their faces.
Lawrence seemed rational enough, but his slightly glassy eyes gave him away.
'I reminded them not to take too many drugs before we arrived, but clearly they didn't listen.'
Zara, clearly high, was smiling foolishly and laughing at random moments. She approached Lawrence and cupped his face.
"Lawrence, have I ever told you that you have a beautiful face? You're so beautiful, I think you're more beautiful than me."
"That's sweet, Zara. How many kids do you want?"
"I want 11 kids. I want to build a football team. But my love, we have to wait a few years. I want to pursue acting first. Maybe we can start having kids when I'm 25, which is two years from now."
"25 years old? You'll already be an old hag by then."
Collin sighed as he listened to their nonsense, wondering if either of them would even remember the conversation tomorrow.
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