Chapter 110 Ella as the Protagonist

James shook his head, brushing off the idea. It wasn't that he didn't want to spend the money, but he remembered that Emily's studio and the Azure Palace Hotel still had unpaid bills. He couldn't just let go of that leverage.

'If I can't give her the Azure Palace Hotel, maybe I should get her a car,' James mused. 'She doesn't like driving much, so I'll throw in a driver too. But the driver can't be a man; it has to be a woman!'

James made up his mind. Once they wrapped up shooting on location, he'd get Emily a car with a female driver. He didn't trust a male driver.

Aurora's situation was sorted out, but Emily and the others still had to continue their script meeting. Aurora, feeling left out, decided to leave. Since she was suddenly replaced, she didn't want anyone to know. She quietly packed her things, hoping someone would at least see her off. She slowed down her packing, hoping for a tearful farewell that could serve as an excuse when the news of her replacement broke.

Emily: [Do you think I'll give you that chance? Our script meeting will end when you leave.]

Emily glanced at the departing Aurora. She could easily guess Aurora's little scheme without any help. Aurora hoped for a dramatic farewell, maybe even some photos showing how much everyone would miss her. Then, when the news broke, she could claim she left for health reasons or something. Emily wasn't about to give her that opportunity.

During the script meeting, Ella was wide-eyed, pointing at herself in disbelief.

"Me, the lead?" Ella shook her head vigorously. "I can't do it, Emily. I really can't."

Ella had originally joined the crew for a cameo role, only to find out she was actually the second female lead. She couldn't leave the crew as quickly as she had planned. She had wanted to try something new and different, so she didn't mind too much. She enjoyed her time on set, seeing the world from another person's perspective.

But being the second lead was already challenging for her. The idea of being the main lead was unimaginable.

Emily: [Why not? Didn't you once dream of being the lead? And you even wanted to write, direct, and star in your own script. That's ambitious, Ella.]

David, hearing Emily's thoughts, was thrilled. Saving money was the right move; he could invest in Ella's future projects. The idea of becoming a power couple in the entertainment industry made him very happy.

"I'm the boss, so it's settled. Ella, I'm broke. I can't afford another actor. Please, just do me this favor," Emily said, holding Ella's hand with a pleading look, as if she would cry if Ella refused.

"Alright, I'll give it a shot. But if it doesn't work out, you'll have to find someone else," Ella reluctantly agreed, fearing Emily might burst into tears if she said no.

Emily perked up immediately, snapping her fingers at Charlotte. "Alright, Charlotte, bring the script."

Charlotte nodded, handing out the revised script to everyone. "The script has been significantly altered. Aurora's scenes will be split and reinserted into the new script. Ella's character will now be the lead. After the hotel incident, she decides to stay and discovers that Luna is an imposter."

The plot was cliché, but everyone was satisfied. They could use all the footage they had already shot, making the script changes seamless. Emily had a knack for this.

"Didn't know you had a talent for screenwriting," James said with a smile.

"Not really. Charlotte did most of the work. I just provided the idea," Emily quickly gave credit to Charlotte. Charlotte was about to explain that Emily had done all the work, but Emily's look told her to stay quiet.

James found it odd that Emily wouldn't take credit, but then he realized why.

Emily: [Admitting this would mean Mr. Smith would make me write scripts for him. I can't charge family, can I?]

"You never hesitate to accept money when I transfer it to you!" James teased.

David and Sophia chuckled quietly, but stopped when James gave them a look.

The main plot changes were fine, but they still needed to discuss some details. The meeting dragged on, and by the time it ended, Aurora had already left. Rumors about her departure were spreading, but nothing was confirmed yet.

"She left so quickly. I was hoping we could see her off after the meeting. Oh well," Emily said, pretending to be disappointed. In reality, she had prolonged the meeting to ensure Aurora left.

Emily: [Finally, she's gone. I'm exhausted.]

Yawning, Emily said, "Thanks for your hard work, everyone. Get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll start shooting according to the new script. Brian, you've been working hard adjusting the schedule. I'll ask Mr. Smith to give you a raise."

"Thank you, Mr. Smith. Thank you, Ms. Johnson," Brian said gratefully.

James felt the need to remind Emily, "Emily, the studio is yours. Brian's salary comes from you."

"Oh, I forgot. James, don't be so formal. We're family. Whether you give Brian a raise or I do, it's the same," Emily said, wrapping her arm around James's and playfully coaxing him.