Forbidden Passion
Chapter 668 I'm Pursuing You

Phoebe glanced up at Lori and said, "Hand me the character profiles for the audition. I want to check them out first."

"Got 'em right here, along with the audition scenes." Lori quickly passed over the documents and stood by, waiting for further instructions.

As Phoebe flipped through the files, she said, "You can go now. I'll call you when I'm done."

"Okay." Once Lori left the office, Phoebe continued to go through the character profiles. Hank's film was a cop-and-robber flick with not much for female roles.

After finishing the profiles, Phoebe focused on Diego Ortega, the fourth male lead. Diego was an undercover agent sent by a gang leader to infiltrate the police. He faced a bunch of dangers and got saved by the protagonist multiple times. The gang leader started doubting Diego's loyalty and ordered him to kill the protagonist.

But by then, Diego had formed a deep friendship with the protagonist. Even though he had several chances to kill him, Diego chose to betray the gang. In the end, he took a bullet for the protagonist and died.

Diego's role wasn't huge, but his final line, "Loyalty and righteousness can't coexist," nailed his character's essence.

Even though Diego was a ruthless killer before going undercover, by the end, the audience would only remember his tragic and pitiable nature.

Phoebe pressed the intercom and said, "Lori, get Wesley Emerson in here."

Wesley had been with Superstar Entertainment for six months, mostly hanging out in the break room watching the water cooler. He had a rugged look and had played roles like bodyguards before. Hearing that Phoebe wanted to see him, Wesley rushed into her office, not even bothering to wipe the sweat from changing the water cooler.

"Ms. Ziegler, you needed me?" Wesley stood before Phoebe, panting. He was in a black tank top, showing off his muscular chest and abs, oozing raw masculinity.

Phoebe looked at Wesley and saw Diego. She nodded in satisfaction and said, "Sunday afternoon at three, have Alfonso take you to Golden Harvest Diner for the audition."

Wesley's eyes lit up, "Ms. Ziegler, does this mean I don't have to watch the water cooler anymore?"

Phoebe couldn't help but laugh, finding Wesley's straightforwardness charming. "I didn't sign you to the company to watch the water cooler. You're way overqualified for that."

Wesley scratched his head, flashing a bright smile. "I've been here for six months, watching the water cooler every day. I almost thought I'd be doing it forever."

Phoebe handed him the character profile, "You graduated from a top school just to watch a water cooler forever. Doesn't that feel stifling?"

"Very stifling." Wesley took the profile, grinning, "But I know you value talent. If there's a good opportunity, you'll definitely give it to me."

"Alright, enough flattery. Go get familiar with the character and the audition scenes. If you don't get this role, you'll be back to watching the water cooler forever." Phoebe's smile faded as she spoke seriously. Wesley also got serious, "I understand."

Phoebe waved him off to prepare. "Go on, and have Lori come in."

Shortly after Wesley left, Lori knocked and entered, smiling, "Ms. Ziegler, I heard you sent Wesley to audition for Diego. I glanced at the profile while printing it; it's a tragic role." Everyone knew Hank was great at directing tragic scenes. Last time, Luna's sacrifice for her country made Claire famous. This time, Diego would surely make Wesley famous. Phoebe said seriously, "Make sure Alfonso goes with Wesley to the audition. Tell him that if Wesley lands the role of Diego, he needs to mentor him and take it seriously." Lori nodded eagerly, "Got it. I'll call Alfonso right away."

"Perfect."

The buzz about Hank's new film was all over the industry, and Queen Entertainment had caught wind of it too, snagging the script through some inside connections.

Vanessa spent an entire day reading the script. The dual male leads were out of the question since Hank had probably already cast those roles. They needed a supporting character with some serious emotional depth. In the end, Vanessa zeroed in on Diego.

Diego's role wasn't huge, but every scene was gut-wrenching, especially his final act of taking a bullet for the protagonist, which really elevated his character.

Vanessa said, "Madison, get Finnegan Vargas to audition for Diego."

Madison had read the script and was puzzled by Vanessa's choice. "I think the third male lead suits Finnegan better. Diego has fewer scenes than the third male lead."

"Diego's character is more compelling, especially his friendship with the protagonist. With the right marketing, this film alone could keep him in the spotlight for a long time," Vanessa explained. Madison immediately got Vanessa's point, "Got it. I'll go find Finnegan."

Watching Madison rush off, Vanessa rubbed her temples and stared at the script, lost in thought.

Such a good opportunity, Phoebe wouldn't miss it either. It seemed they were destined to clash again. This time, she wouldn't let Phoebe take the chance.

In the afternoon, Phoebe held a department meeting. By the time it wrapped up, it was already time to leave. She packed her things and headed out. Taking the elevator downstairs, Phoebe walked out of the building.

Outside, Theodore was leaning casually against a sleek car, dressed in a black shirt with his hands in his pockets. He looked up as she approached.

Phoebe squinted, instantly recalling the bouquet of red roses and the card with a love poem from that morning. She walked over slowly. "Mr. Reynolds, what are you doing here?" Theodore remained relaxed, a stark contrast to his despondency the previous night. He smiled thinly, "Can't you tell, Ms. Ziegler? I'm here to pick you up."

Phoebe glanced at the driver's seat but saw no driver. She raised an eyebrow, "Having the president of the Reynolds Group as my driver? I'm not sure I can handle that."

"Is that so?" Theodore stepped aside and opened the passenger door, "Ms. Ziegler, you're a fortunate person. Trust me, I'll get you home safely."

Phoebe bit her lower lip, unsure of Theodore's intentions.

"Mr. Reynolds, what exactly are you trying to do?"

Theodore, still holding the car door, looked at her with deep, focused eyes and laughed softly, "Can't you tell, Ms. Ziegler? I'm pursuing you." Theodore's words hit Phoebe like a bolt of lightning. Her ears buzzed, and she felt a sense of disbelief looking at him.

The high-and-mighty Theodore, saying 'pursuing,' was truly absurd!

Phoebe chuckled, "Since it's a pursuit, I have the right to refuse, don't I?"

Theodore's gaze faltered, seemingly not expecting rejection as an option. He looked at her, "Yes."

Phoebe stared at him and said with a blank expression, "Then I refuse!"