"We're getting double cheeseburgers, boss, and you're saying chili dogs, eight dollars a pound," Melissa Hart said with a charming smile as she argued with the street vendor at the Riverside Hills open-air market.
The man, a fifty-something with a greasy cap and a sauce-stained apron, was stunned. He looked at Melissa as if she were talking nonsense. He seemed incredulous, his eyes wide.
It took him a moment to compose himself and he muttered:
—Girl, with that pretty face you want to scam me… ten dollars a pound.
Melissa raised her eyebrow defiantly:
-Eight.
—Nine and a half, and I'm already regretting it.
"Eight and a half, and that's it!" Melissa replied, handing him the bill with a triumphant smile.
The man hesitated, but finally agreed with a snort.
—Okay, deal… even though I'm losing money.
"Thanks, boss. I'll be back for more," she replied sweetly.
—Please don't come back.
They both laughed, and Adrian Foster watched the scene without intervening. He wasn't used to such bargaining games; he'd always paid what was asked, without thinking about saving a few dollars. He had too much money to waste time arguing over crumbs.
Still, he was surprised to see how smoothly Melissa negotiated. It was as if she enjoyed the game.
In the end, they spent over $300 on fresh fruit, including a huge watermelon that they carried laughingly to Adrian's sports car.
Once in the car, with the air conditioning blasting, the simple act of eating cold watermelon became an absolute pleasure. Melissa, holding half a watermelon in her hands, ate it with a spoon as if it were an elegant dessert. Her lips glistened with juice, and her casual expression contrasted with her natural beauty.
Adrian barely took a couple of bites, but he couldn't help but smile at her enjoying herself so much.
"Hey, do you know what 'grits' means?" he asked as he drove toward the outskirts of Manhattan.
Melissa swallowed a piece of watermelon and replied laughing:
—Sure, it's that Southern hominy they eat for breakfast. I had a roommate from Georgia in college, and she was always saying "grits this, grits that," so I ended up learning.
—Well, being a lifelong New Yorker, I've never tried them. And you, Miss California, come to me with the idea that you know all about it. How silly of you.
"You're the fool!" she retorted, nudging him gently.
They both laughed, and Adrian felt the tension of the day slowly disappear.
The journey to their destination took over an hour. When they arrived, they found themselves in front ofAshford Manor, a historic mansion on the outskirts of New York City, surrounded by gardens covered in autumn leaves. Two white lion sculptures guarded the entrance, and a small brook babbled at its side, giving the place a timeless feel.
Sarah Collins and the other two team members were already there, waiting at the door.
"Are they going to film a period drama here?" Adrián asked, looking at the antique details on the façade.
"Exactly," Melissa agreed. "Ashford Manor was the set of one of the most popular series of recent years,Crown & DesireNow we're going to use it to shoot a TikTok short that takes advantage of its fame.
Adrian raised an eyebrow. He wasn't a fan of period dramas, preferring sitcoms likeFriendstheHow I Met Your Mother, but he didn't comment. He just thought Melissa was right: leveraging what was already viral was a smart strategy.
"By the way," Sarah Collins said, taking the watermelon Melissa offered her, "thanks for this, Mr. Foster."
Adrian waved his hand, downplaying it.
The group entered the mansion. Inside, the hallways were cool and quiet, as if time had stood still. The dark wood furniture, antique mirrors, and crystal chandeliers seemed straight out of another era.
Melissa immediately became serious, transforming into a calculating professional. She organized the team, giving instructions about cameras, angles, and lighting. Her firm tone and confident demeanor surprised Adrián: the woman who, minutes before, had looked like a child eating watermelon, was now a leader.
Sarah, noticing Adrian's curious gaze, leaned closer and whispered to him while chewing a piece of fruit:
"Tingting," he quickly corrected, "I mean, Melissa, she graduated from the Los Angeles Film School and has won several awards. She's not just any pretty girl, you know."
Adrian smiled, although he couldn't help but ask in a low voice:
—A woman like that must have a thousand admirers. How come I've never seen her out with anyone? Is what they say true?
Sarah rolled her eyes.
—Office rumors. Don't believe everything you hear.
Adrian chuckled, satisfied with the answer, although inside he was still intrigued.