Chapter 151

Nolan Reed was currently the hottest name in Hollywood.

With two blockbuster films and a hit reality show under his belt, his star power had skyrocketed, and scripts were flooding in.

Yet he turned them all down.

Only one thought consumed him—winning Aria Bennett back.

His phone pinged with a new message from his agent.

"Director Alistair Grant's new film has a compelling supporting male role. Interested?"

Nolan skimmed the script, his expression darkening with each page.

"What kind of garbage role is this? Pining for the female lead till death? No way."

He dialed Director Grant immediately, ready to deliver a scathing rejection.

"Director, do you really think I'd play some—"

Before he could finish, the director cut in, "Aria's been cast as the female lead."

Nolan swallowed his sarcastic remark.

"Can I audition for the male lead?" he asked urgently.

"Lead's already cast. Confidential." The director's tone brooked no argument.

Hanging up, Nolan immediately called Aria.

"Heard you landed Director Grant's new project?" His voice betrayed his eagerness.

Aria, mid-face-mask, raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, won it fair and square."

"Do you think... I'd fit the supporting male role?" he ventured cautiously.

Aria burst out laughing. "Perfect fit. Basically playing yourself."

"How so?" Nolan bristled.

"Bad temper, stubborn, and ridiculously prideful," she counted off on her fingers.

"I've changed," he muttered petulantly.

"So, are you taking it or not?" Aria wasn't in the mood for his dramatics.

Nolan leaned closer to the phone. "I'd rather play the male lead."

"Dream on," Aria peeled off her mask. "Damian Cross's got that locked."

"What?!" Nolan's voice shot up an octave.

His fists clenched. Damian had the audacity to make this move?

"He recommended me for the audition," Aria added.

Nolan forced a smile. "With your talent, you'll nail it."

"Did hell freeze over?" Aria sounded genuinely surprised. "You're complimenting me?"

Jealousy gnawed at him. "Did... he recommend me for the supporting role too?"

"Yep." Aria's tone was matter-of-fact.

Nolan narrowed his eyes.

What was Damian playing at? Hand-delivering him a chance to get close to Aria?

This had to be a trap.

"I'll do it!" he ground out through clenched teeth.

Even if it was a pit, he'd jump in. No way was he letting Damian have solo access to Aria.

Hanging up, Nolan punched the couch.

"Damian Cross, just you wait!"

Meanwhile, at Aria's home...

Theo Bennett dutifully cleared the dinner table while Evelyn Bennett took her daughter's hand.

"I'm thinking of opening a farmstay," she said softly.

Aria instantly understood her mother's intention, her eyes growing moist.

"I'll help set up the wards," she said, leaning into her mother's embrace.

Evelyn gently stroked her daughter's hair, her gaze resolute.

This time, she would protect her children at all costs.