"Claire, meet my grandson," Richard announces. "Lucas Blackwood."
I tense.
I’ve heard that name before.
Lucas Blackwood. The youngest, most sought-after film director in the industry.
The man behind countless award-winning movies.
And Richard’s heir.
Lucas studies me for a moment before speaking. "So you’re the one my grandfather’s been obsessing over."
I blink. "I… what?"
Richard smirks, sipping his whiskey. "I don’t obsess."
Lucas scoffs but doesn’t argue. Instead, he turns back to me. "He says you’ve got potential."
I straighten. "Potential for what?"
He slides his hands into his pockets. "For something big."
I frown. "I don’t understand."
Lucas tilts his head. "You want to take Ethan down, right?"
I stiffen.
Richard leans forward, resting his elbows on the armrest. "Then you need influence. Power. Something that makes you untouchable."
I glance between them, my heart racing.
"And what exactly are you suggesting?"
Lucas smirks.
"How about becoming a star?"
I blink. "A… star?"
He nods. "The entertainment industry is ruthless. But it’s also the fastest way to rise to power. Become a name everyone knows, and suddenly, Ethan Caldwell won’t just see you as a bitter ex—he’ll see you as a threat."