An unspoken invitation

Their acting skills were evenly matched, each feeding off the other seamlessly, but it was Isabella’s performance in particular that had completely pulled everyone into the scene, washing away much of the bias that had clung stubbornly to her.

At the beginning, the fans had been practically praying that she wouldn’t dare touch their beloved Jason.

Now?

They were on the verge of screaming at her to just do it already.

Every small movement, every inch of closeness had them holding their breath, their excitement so intense it almost felt personal.

Of course, the moment the director called cut and reality snapped back into place, their attitudes shifted just as quickly.

They rushed toward Jason again, surrounding him like moths to a flame—praising him, fussing over him, asking if he was tired, if he needed water, if the ropes had been too tight.

As for Isabella?

She was conveniently forgotten.

…Or rather, ignored.

Theo, who had once been the center of attention on set, now sat off to the side with a dark expression. The shift in atmosphere was impossible to miss. The warmth that had once been directed at him had been completely stolen away.

And he did not look pleased about it.

Meanwhile, the happiest person on set was undoubtedly the director.

“Good! Very good!” Director Phil clapped his hands excitedly, practically glowing. “This is exactly the kind of chemistry I wanted! You two—don’t lose this momentum!”

Jason stretched lazily, flashing a grin. “Director, with a partner like this, how could I?”

Isabella shot him a look but didn’t respond.

Today’s filming had gone far more smoothly than she expected. Not only had she survived Jason’s chaos, she had actually… enjoyed the process.

That alone was surprising.

As evening approached, the crew began to wrap up.

Jason was immediately surrounded again, this time by people eagerly inviting him out for dinner, drinks, or anything that would allow them to stay in his presence a little longer.

“Jace, there’s this great steakhouse downtown—”

“No, no, come to my place instead—private, no reporters—”

“Let’s celebrate your return properly—”

He leaned back casually, hands in his pockets, clearly enjoying the attention but not committing to anything.

Through the noise, his gaze flicked toward Isabella.

She, on the other hand, was already packing her bag quietly, completely detached from the lively crowd.

No hesitation. No lingering.

Just… ready to leave.

Jason narrowed his eyes slightly.

Then, with a lazy smile, he slipped out of the crowd.

“Leaving already?” he asked, falling into step beside her.

“I have work tomorrow,” she replied, adjusting the strap of her bag. “Unlike you, some people actually value their sleep. He clicked his tongue. “Cold. After everything we went through today?”

“We acted.”

“And it was beautiful.”

“You’re delusional.”

“I prefer confident.”

They walked side by side toward the parking area, the noise of the set fading behind them.

The air outside was cooler, quieter.

Then—

Isabella slowed.

Her steps came to a stop.

Jason took one more step before noticing. “What—”

He followed her line of sight.

“…Oh.”

A black car was parked a short distance away.

Nothing flashy.

But it didn’t need to be.

Standing beside it, calm and composed as ever, was Alexander.

He didn’t move immediately.

His gaze settled on Isabella the moment she appeared.

Steady. Unhurried.

As if he had been waiting.

Jason let out a soft breath, the corner of his lips lifting.

“Well… this is interesting.”

Isabella’s fingers tightened slightly around her bag.

“…Mr. Sterling.”

Alexander inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment.

“Miss Hartley.”

Silence lingered for a moment.

Not awkward.

But… deliberate.

Jason glanced between them, then leaned slightly closer to Isabella, voice low.

“You didn’t tell me he was coming.”

“How am I suppose to know?,” she replied quietly.

Alexander stepped forward, closing the distance just enough.

“I came to pick Saviee up,” he said.

A brief pause.

Then—

“He’s been asking about you.”

That was all it took.

The faint tension in Isabella’s shoulders shifted.

“…Is he okay?” she asked.

“He is.”

Another pause.

“He misses you.”

Jason watched the exchange, eyes narrowing slightly, with hostility, and interest.

Isabella looked away for a second.

Thinking.

Hesitating.

“…You didn’t have to come here,” she said.

“I was nearby.” He said plainly

Silence fell again.

“…What do you need?” she asked finally.

“To take you to see him,” Alexander replied.

Then, more quietly—

“If you’re available.”

No pressure.

No insistence.

Just a choice.

Isabella didn’t answer immediately.

Her grip tightened around her bag as thoughts ran quickly through her mind.

The set.

The rumors.

The eyes always watching.

“…I shouldn’t,” she murmured under her breath.

Jason’s expression shifted slightly.

He said nothing this time.

Just watched.

“I have an early call tomorrow,” she added.

“I’ll have you back in time,” Alexander said without hesitation.

She exhaled slowly.

Still unsure.

Still weighing it.

“…Just for a while,” she said at last.

Jason let out a quiet scoff.

“Well. That was quick.”

Isabella shot him a look. “Don’t you have people waiting for you?”

“They can wait,” he replied lazily, then added with a grin, “Besides… I’m curious.”

Alexander’s gaze flicked toward him briefly.

Calm.

Unreadable.

“Another time,” he said.

Jason raised a brow, amused. “You’re kicking me out already?”

“I’m taking her to see my son.”

That landed.

Clean. Final.

Jason held his gaze for a second longer—

Then chuckled and lifted his hands.

“Alright, alright. I get it.”

But his eyes lingered on Isabella for a moment longer than necessary.

“…Don’t stay out too late,” he added lightly.

Isabella ignored him.

Alexander opened the car door.

No extra words.

No unnecessary gestures.

Isabella hesitated for one last second—

Then walked over and got in.

The door closed.

Jason remained where he was, watching as the car pulled away.

The faint smile on his lips didn’t disappear.

But his eyes had changed.

“…Yeah,” he murmured to himself, slipping his hands into his pockets.

“This just got interesting.”

In the driveway, Vivienne finally found an opportunity to fawn upon Jason. What made it even more perfect was that Isabella wasn’t around. Thus, she moved close to him with a shy expression, “Jace, where should we go to eat? Would you like to go to Maple rivers Hotel for seafood? My father’s a member there, we can use the VIP room there!” 

Jason stretched lazily with waning enthusiasm, “No, thank you, I’m not going. I’m too tired today!” 

She was anxious upon hearing so, “Ah? But today’s your first day on set, you should have this welcome feast no matter what!” 

Jason’s expression sank when he heard this, “Who made the rule that there has to be a welcome feast on the first day? If you want it so badly, go eat it yourself!” 

Everyone knew that Jason had a very bad temper. 

He would be easy to get along with when he was in a good mood. If he wasn’t in a good mood, then…

And right now, this guy was obviously in a bad mood. 

Having been scolded, Vivienne’s eyes immediately turned red, “I just thought that this was proper etiquette. Jace, why did you have to say it like that…” 

Damn it, what is wrong with this lady? 

With the frustration in his heart, Jason was about to explode. To the side, Phil saw that the situation didn’t look good, so he tried to smooth over the situation and said, “Let’s postpone it to some other day then. Jace seems to be very tired today. We should have let him rest and get used to the environment on the first day since we didn’t think that we would immediately shoot a few scenes. Everyone, let’s go back early and rest today. We have plenty of chances for a welcome feast later on!” 

“Alright then…” After she was able to get out of the sticky situation, Vivienne unwillingly nodded. At the same time, her hatred towards Isabella surged. It was all because she was hogging Jason for the entire day, that he was tired to the point that he didn’t even want to eat dinner! 

She lowered her head and secretly flipped through the few photos in her phone, and a malevolent smile rose on her lips. 

Isabella, just you wait, I’m going to make you pay the price!.