Chapter 80 If You Want Me to Marry William, Then Forget It
William's feelings for Thalia were as obvious as the sun in the sky.
He was caught off guard by Grace's blunt mention of a lover, his surprise evident on his face.
"I'm not into that kind of thing."
"So, Mr. Brown, does this mean you're serious about marrying Thalia?"
William rubbed his fingertips together, looking at Grace while she probed. His lips tightened slightly. "I need a suitable wife to fill the role. I don't want to be constantly targeted by people trying to trick me into marriage. Thalia is the only one who can help me out of this situation."
"A suitable wife?" Grace mused for a moment.
Then she shook her head. "Thalia isn't that. She can only be a dutiful daughter, not a suitable wife. If you're thinking of conquering her this way, I advise you to give up."
Thalia had been spoiled by Hayden since childhood. She would rather die than bow her head. Even with her spine broken, she would still stand tall in front of the world with a crown on her head.
"I never believed my daughter should be confined to marriage just to be a suitable wife."
William had expected Grace to have traditional views, but her words surprised him.
"My definition of 'suitable' might differ from yours."
"I need Thalia's knowledge, looks, and status."
Grace stared at William, trying to see what lay beneath his exterior.
"You two have no feelings for each other, and you're both proud individuals. It won't last."
"It doesn't need to last. Just two years."
"So, Mr. Brown, if Thalia stays married to you for two years, you'll take the Smith family case?"
"Yes."
"What are you plotting?" Grace thought. She had been with Hayden for over twenty years and considered herself shrewd. But standing before her, William was a mystery she couldn't unravel.
"Mrs. Smith, rest assured. After two years, if we part amicably, I will compensate Thalia with five billion dollars for her time."
Grace was stunned.
...
"What did you two talk about?" Thalia asked as she watched William drive away.
She entered the house and saw Grace deep in thought. "You didn't really sell me off, did you?"
"Can you earn five billion dollars in a year in the entertainment industry?" Grace suddenly asked, seemingly out of nowhere.
Thalia was taken aback. "What did William talk to you about? You're dreaming now."
"Can't you?"
"Sure, if I start a bank and rob it."
"I have a project that could earn you five billion dollars in a year. Interested?"
Grace steadied herself and looked at Thalia, trying to persuade her.
Thalia stared at Grace, tempted but still clear-headed. "If you're asking me to marry William, forget it."
"Why?"
"Have you ever thought that I might not even get the money? And even if I did, would I live to spend it?"
"William is a schemer. If you benefit from him, how many lives do you think you have?"
Thalia poured herself a glass of water and drank it.
She saw Grace contemplating her words and patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Mom. We'll figure something out."
"Forget it. Let's get ready to beg."
"Two years of marriage, ten billion dollars."
The glass slipped from Thalia's hand and shattered on the floor.
She looked at Grace in disbelief.
"Isn't it exciting?" Grace asked, seeing Thalia's stunned expression.
"He really is richer than my dad..."
...
Thalia had planned to stay home for lunch but got called to the office by Layla.
"The lead actress is gone."
"What do you mean?"
Layla sighed. "We took down Andrew, which killed their cash cow. Now that Linda heard you were up for the lead role in this drama, she pulled some strings and got you kicked off."
Thalia cursed under her breath. "Who got the role?"
"Nora."
Everyone in the entertainment industry knew Thalia and Nora didn't get along. When they first competed for the title of the purest actress, their fans even clashed.
And now Nora had stolen the lead role from her?
All the script meetings they had were for nothing?
"Who's the director?"
"Jeremy Wright."
"Can we arrange a meeting?" Thalia asked.
Layla thought for a moment. "Better not. When your dad was doing well, everyone respected him. But now, they're all waiting to step on you. Plus, Jeremy is notorious for being a lecher. I asked around, and everyone said Linda got Nora the role by sending her to his bed."
Thalia cursed again.
"No way. I need to meet him. Losing to Nora is a disgrace."
"Even if you get the role, Jeremy might make things difficult for you during filming. I advise you against it."
"You can't earn this money."
Thalia had always been proud. If she went up there and got stepped on, she wouldn't hold back from fighting.
"Forget it. If I don't get it, I don't get it. Good roles depend on luck. Just finish the drama you're working on now. I heard the male lead has been confirmed and will join the crew soon."
Before starting the drama, the team had a meal at Emerald City.
Thalia was surprised to find out the male lead was Gregory Lopez.
This big shot rarely took on roles. She hadn't expected...
In the private room, the director opened a few good bottles of wine to welcome Gregory. "Gregory, once you join the crew, it might be tough for a while. The initial scenes are all focused on Thalia, but we'll need to speed up later."
Gregory nodded. "That's fine."
"You two should have a drink and get to know each other."
Thalia had long admired Gregory. There weren't many in the industry who didn't know him.
Every one of Gregory's dramas was a hit.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Lopez."
"Ms. Smith, you're even more beautiful than the rumors."
Thalia smiled.
...
"You know, Thalia and Gregory actually look good together."
"Yeah! Handsome guy, beautiful girl. He's charming, and she's stunning. Much better than Andrew."
"What are you talking about? If you can't keep your mouth clean, go wipe it on the wall."
Two crew members chatted while taking a bathroom break, unaware they had been overheard...