Chapter 27 Deal with the devil

The morning sun was merciless as Hazel rushed into the office, her head still slightly aching from the previous night's drinking. She barely managed to pull herself together, but as she stepped out of the elevator, a sight stopped her dead in her tracks.

Zamiel.

He was stepping out of his sleek black car, dressed in his usual refined yet effortless style. His tall frame exuded calm authority as he adjusted his suit jacket before shutting the car door. Hazel could not look away. And then—like a floodgate bursting open—all the memories from last night came crashing into her mind.

Her teasing, her laughing, poking his cheek—her drunken foolishness.

Oh no… I am dead, Hazel thought, panic settling in her chest.

Before she could even consider making a run for it, Zamiel's gaze lifted and landed directly on her. Hazel stiffened. He took a few steps forward, his expression unreadable.

"Good morning," he greeted, his tone calm but carrying a hint of something else.

Hazel quickly plastered on a formal smile, determined to act like nothing had happened. "Good morning."

Zamiel's eyes lingered on her a second longer before he walked past her, heading inside. Hazel released the breath she had been holding.

Does he remember? she wondered. Or is he just pretending nothing happened?

Shaking her head, she hurried to her office, determined to push the thoughts away.

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Amanda sat in her sleek dressing room, her eyes gleaming with determination. With a confident air, she turned to her assistant.

"Set up a private meeting with the director of the new movie production project at Star Entertainment," she instructed. "I need to discuss my role—make sure he's available tonight."

Her assistant, unaware that the actual director was Hazel, quickly typed out the message. It read:

"Actress Amanda would like to schedule a private meeting with the director regarding the new movie production. Please advise on a suitable time."

Hazel, sitting at her office desk reviewing project details, received the message with a small, knowing smile. Without revealing any secret, she replied, Today evening works . Send me the details location.

Amanda, convinced she would be meeting a man who could be easily manipulated, began plotting her next move. She imagined that by seducing this "director," she would secure the coveted lead role.

Later That Evening – The Hotel Suite

Amanda arrived at the luxurious hotel room, she had booked for the meeting. The soft lighting and plush surroundings matched her mood perfectly as she slipped into a stylish, form-fitting dress and waited expectantly. A few moments later, a firm knock at the door echoed through the quiet suite.

With a swift motion, Amanda opened the door. Standing there was a well-dressed man, his presence both professional and composed.

"Good evening," he said with a courteous smile. "My name is Jace, the director in charge of the new movie production at Star Entertainment." He extended his hand for a handshake.

Amanda's eyes sparkled with mischief as she quickly grasped his hand, holding it a moment longer than necessary. "It's a pleasure to meet you, mr Jace," she purred. "Let's get straight to business—I want the lead role in your new production."

Jace raised an eyebrow, his expression calm yet curious. "And what will you offer in return?" he asked.

Before he could finish, Amanda closed the distance between them. With a boldness that brooked no argument, she pressed her lips to his in a swift, provocative kiss. As she gently pushed him onto the neatly made bed, she murmured, "What did you think I was offering?"

Jace opened his mouth to speak, but Amanda's hand quickly came to rest over his lips. "Hush," she whispered seductively, before deepening the kiss. Their passion ignited in the dim light as Amanda took control of the encounter, leaving little room for negotiation.

Meanwhile…

In a separate suite at the hotel ,Hazel sat alone by a large window, a glass of wine cradled in her hand. The soft clink of ice and the muted hum of the city below provided a contemplative backdrop as she watched the night unfold from a distance.

A wry smile tugged at her lips as she murmured softly to herself, "Amanda… this is just the beginning."

Hazel knew all too well the games people played in this industry—and she intended to ensure that the real work, and real talent, would ultimately prevail.

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