Chapter 69
Three days after filming "Prosperous Age" began, Scarlett's condition took a turn for the worse.
Moira cornered her at the hospital, demanding that Tammy halt all tasks requiring Scarlett's attention to ensure she could rest.
Tammy stood firm, "Don't worry, Moira. With me here, Scarlett's not going anywhere!"
She kept her promise.
So much so that when Scarlett returned to the set, she faced a big problem.
Once filming started, the daily expenses were substantial. Given the project's massive investment, SM's cash flow couldn't sustain it for long. This was why Scarlett had been tirelessly seeking investments early on.
It wasn't that she lacked confidence in "Prosperous Age," but SM's current scale simply didn't qualify them to participate.
But Sebastian had assured her that the funds were secured. So why, three days into filming, had the money still not arrived?
Scarlett frowned as she listened to Tammy's report, then immediately dialed Sebastian's number.
Sebastian sounded groggy, as if he had just woken up, and there was a woman's voice in the background.
Scarlett didn't bother with pleasantries and got straight to the point, "Mr. Black, do you have time now? I need to discuss something urgent with you."
There was a pause, likely as he checked the time, "Sure, come to the Black Group at 10:30. I'll be waiting in my office."
Scarlett, feeling frustrated, replied, "Alright."
Just before hanging up, she heard Emma's sweet voice, "Sebastian."
Scarlett closed her eyes briefly.
She couldn't help but remind him, "Mr. Black, you won't be late, right?"
Sebastian hesitated before laughing, "Don't worry."
After hanging up, Scarlett's mind was a mess.
Since starting her career, she had always prepared a plan B.
But the "Prosperous Age" project was too unique—a small company with a big production, without deliberately casting popular stars.
Although the director and screenwriter were top-notch, this production model wasn't mainstream in the current market.
In the current economic climate, no one was willing to take such a gamble.
Relying entirely on the Black Group was a last resort for her.
Even though Sebastian hadn't said anything, she was starting to worry unnecessarily.
If... if something really went wrong, what would she do?
How could she find another willing investor without affecting the filming schedule?
Such questions couldn't be answered quickly.
Scarlett checked the time. It was almost time to leave for the Black Group from SM.
She had to set the issue aside for now.
When she arrived at the Black Group, Sebastian had already arranged for his secretary to meet her downstairs.
The secretary, Layla Scott, was a talkative beauty.
Though it was their first meeting, Layla seemed very interested in her, chatting non-stop in the elevator—from curiosity about her relationship with Sebastian to admiration, covering a wide range.
Scarlett thought it might be because Emma visited Sebastian so frequently that Layla felt compelled to cover for him.
Sebastian was making coffee in his office.
He seemed quite relaxed, not even looking up when he heard her enter.
Only when Scarlett sat across from him did he push a cup of coffee towards her, "Try this. It's new Ethiopian beans, with hints of citrus and vanilla."
Scarlett picked up the coffee and downed it in one gulp.
Sebastian chuckled, "That's not how you drink coffee."
It was clear she wasn't here for a casual chat.
"I came here today to ask you something important," Scarlett said, cutting to the chase. "It's been three days since 'Prosperous Age' started filming, and the initial funds we agreed on haven't arrived. What's the plan?"
Sebastian leisurely took a sip, savoring the coffee, "It's really good coffee. Too bad you didn't appreciate it."
Scarlett didn't respond, her eyes locked on Sebastian, waiting for a straight answer.
Feeling the pressure of her gaze, Sebastian put down his coffee cup.
He looked up, still smiling, and asked, "I wanted to ask you the same thing. Did you upset Uncle Alexander again?"
Scarlett was taken aback, "What?"
She was genuinely puzzled.
Given her recent interactions with Alexander, they hadn't had any contact. Even with Sebastian's question, she couldn't figure out how she could have upset Alexander.
"What do you mean? What does this have to do with Alexander?"
Sebastian's initial certainty wavered upon seeing her confusion.
He sighed, "I told you before, the process is complete. We're just waiting for Uncle Alexander to sign off, and the funds can be released. But my documents have been there for a while now, and there's been no movement."
Sebastian glanced at Scarlett with a complex expression, "This situation is rare. Are you sure you didn't upset him?"
Scarlett shook her head lightly, "I don't know."
She didn't know how to define Sebastian's "upset."
At Evan's show that night, she might have provoked Alexander.
But after their encounter at the hospital, Alexander's words clearly... clearly reached an agreement.
How could he be pulling something behind the scenes?
Sebastian sighed, took out a cigarette, and politely gestured to Scarlett. After she nodded, he lit it, inhaling deeply and exhaling smoke.
Scarlett frowned, clearly uncomfortable.
Sebastian looked away.
He was genuinely optimistic about "Prosperous Age." If it turned a significant profit, he could gain more influence within the Black family.
With several family branches competing, he needed to achieve results quickly to maintain his succession advantage.
As for Alexander, who was currently favored by Jay, he might not even care about the Black family's business.
Even if Alexander did want the Black family's assets, Sebastian's success would help him gain more benefits under Alexander.
So he didn't want to hold up the funds for "Prosperous Age."
He didn't know why Alexander was delaying the funds.
But knowing Alexander, this delay was intentional.
Sebastian didn't want to upset Alexander.
He extinguished his cigarette and reminded Scarlett, "Ms. Collins, if you can't stand the smell of smoke, don't force yourself."
Scarlett nodded reluctantly, but her mind was elsewhere.
Her thoughts were a tangled mess.
Sebastian leaned back on the sofa, looking relaxed, and tapped the table twice.
He smiled gently, "I have an idea. Since you're now my fiancée, the investment is a family matter. Why don't you go ask him directly and see what the issue is?"