"Sir Blackwood, Yvette's report suggests significant alterations to the script," the director's assistant had announced, her voice firm despite the tension thick in the air.
"And who exactly determined that these changes were necessary? We've already set our budget, and we can't afford any deviations at this stage," Ethan's retort was sharp, his frustration evident in every word.
"But Mr. Blackwood, Yvette's analysis indicates that sticking closely to the book's storyline is crucial. Deviating too much risks alienating our core audience, potentially leading to a backlash," the assistant countered, thrusting the survey results towards Ethan. "Moreover, her survey indicates that a staggering 90% of movie enthusiasts prefer adaptations that remain faithful to the original material."
Ethan's jaw clenched as he scanned the report, his mind racing with the implications. "Who is this Yvette?" he demanded, his voice tight with barely-contained fury. "I want to speak with her immediately."
As Ethan's gaze darted between the survey results and the assistant's unwavering stare, a surge of frustration coursed through him. The implication of his authority being challenged stirred a familiar sense of discomfort.
"Yvette," the assistant called, beckoning Rie forward with a pointed finger.
Rie approached, her heart pounding with trepidation. She had anticipated this moment, yet facing Ethan's intense scrutiny sent a wave of apprehension through her.
"Yes, sir?" Rie's voice was steady, though her nerves threatened to betray her composure.
"I'd like to hear more about your findings," Ethan's tone was measured, though the tension in the room was palpable.
Rie swallowed hard, summoning her courage. "The survey results indicate a clear preference among our target audience for adaptations that remain faithful to the source material," she began, her voice gaining strength with each word. "Deviation from the original storyline risks alienating viewers who have invested in the book series, potentially leading to negative reception and decreased box office performance."
Ethan's gaze bore into her, assessing every word she spoke. Rie held his gaze, determined not to falter under his scrutiny.
"Thank you, Yvette. Your insights are valuable," Ethan acknowledged, though his expression remained inscrutable.
As Rie retreated, a sense of relief washed over her. She had held her ground in the face of adversity, and for now, that was enough.
Seeking solace, she ducked into the nearest coffee shop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee offering a small comfort. Amethyst, her friend and confidante, sensed her distress immediately.
"Rie, what's wrong?" she asked, concern etched into her features as she bustled behind the counter.
Rie forced a weak smile, attempting to brush off her troubles. "Just another rejection," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Amethyst's eyes softened with sympathy as she handed Rie a steaming cup of coffee. "I'm so sorry, Rie. You deserve so much better than this."
Rie nodded, her throat tightening with emotion. It was moments like these that made her question whether pursuing her dreams was worth the constant heartache. But deep down, she knew she couldn't give up on her passion for writing, no matter how many setbacks she faced.
"Rie, are you holding up okay?" Dylan's voice cut through the clamor of the busy kitchen, concern etched in his furrowed brow as he bustled behind the bar.
Rie forced a tight-lipped smile, attempting to mask the disappointment gnawing at her insides. "I'll survive. Just another rejection to add to the pile, right?" She shrugged off her coat, the weight of Dylan's sympathetic pat on her back only serving to remind her of her recent setback.
Dylan's eyes softened with understanding, his voice gentle yet encouraging. "Their loss, Rie. Your talent deserves recognition, and it's only a matter of time before someone sees that."
Despite his words of encouragement, Rie couldn't shake the nagging doubt that lingered in the back of her mind. She knew all too well the harsh reality of the entertainment industry, where rejection was more common than acceptance.
But just as she was about to succumb to despair, Dylan's next words sparked a glimmer of hope within her. "Oh, and by the way, your professor mentioned something about a meeting with a producer for your internship."
Rie's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the meeting, her pulse quickening with anticipation. Could this be the opportunity she had been waiting for, the chance to finally prove herself in the fiercely competitive world of film production?
"Thank you, sir," she managed to reply, her voice tinged with gratitude as she clung to the prospect of a brighter future.
With renewed determination, Rie plunged into her work, the rhythmic clatter of dishes and the steady stream of orders providing a welcome distraction from her troubled thoughts. But as the hours ticked by, each minute felt like an eternity, her mind consumed with anticipation for the meeting that lay ahead.
As Rie bustled about her tasks, the tinkling bell announced the arrival of two new patrons. One exuded an air of elegance, with pale skin, platinum blonde locks, and piercing blue eyes that seemed to bore into her soul. He was clad in a sleek black suit, every inch the epitome of sophistication. Beside him stood a shorter man with a warmth in his brown eyes that contrasted sharply with his companion's icy gaze. His strawberry blonde hair and casual attire hinted at a more laid-back demeanor.
"Valkyrie, attend to those gentlemen, won't you? They're VIPs," her manager instructed, beckoning her over to the new arrivals.
With a nod of understanding, Rie approached the table, offering a warm smile and a tray of complimentary treats. She refrained from prying into their business, knowing all too well the importance of discretion in her line of work.
"Good morning, gentlemen. What can I get for you today?" Rie greeted with a warm smile, placing the complimentary cookies and water on the table.
"Ethan, my friend, what's your poison today?" Ross glanced at Ethan before turning his attention back to Rie. "Miss... Valkyrie, was it? I'll take a galão, please, with soy milk if you have it."
"Absolutely, sir," Rie acknowledged with a nod, jotting down the order.
"I'll have an Irish," Ethan chimed in, his piercing blue eyes fixed on Rie as she scribbled on her notepad.
As Rie noted the order, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Unbeknownst to her, Ethan's gaze lingered on her, intrigued by her composure and lack of awe in his presence.
"Interesting choice," Ross remarked, nudging Ethan with a playful grin. "Looks like someone's caught your eye."
"Evidently," Ethan replied, his gaze still fixed on Rie as she bustled about behind the counter.
"Remember that girl from earlier? The one serving us? Ask Josh to look into her," Ethan directed, his gaze lingering on Rie as she moved about the cafe.
"Ah, the lovely Valkyrie," Ross remarked with a smirk. "What's the plan, Ethan? Going to charm her into securing your inheritance?"
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "No, nothing so mundane. I'm merely curious about her. There's something intriguing about her."
Ross nudged Ethan, a sly grin playing on his lips.
"Ethan, my man, are you planning to woo her to secure your inheritance?" Ross teased, eyebrows raised in mock seriousness.
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Not exactly. I'm just curious to get to know her," he admitted, his eyes scanning the bustling coffee shop.
As Rie approached with their order, Ethan's gaze followed her every move. When she set the drinks down with a smile, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment at her apparent indifference.
"Galão with extra soy milk for Mr. Ross and an Irish for Mr. Ethan," Rie announced, her tone polite but neutral. Ethan met her gaze with a smile, hoping to elicit a response, but she merely nodded before moving on to serve other customers.
"Looks like someone's got their work cut out for them," Ross remarked, a mischievous glint in his eye as he sipped his drink.
Ethan chuckled, swirling the remnants of his Irish around in his glass. "Well, if anyone's up for the challenge, it's me," he replied confidently, his gaze lingering on Rie as she worked.
Meanwhile, Ross peered over Ethan's shoulder, curiosity piqued by the sight of Rie's name on his friend's screen. "So, what's the plan, Ethan? You going to sweep her off her feet or what?" he teased, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
Ethan chuckled, pocketing his phone. "I'll figure something out," he replied cryptically, his mind already spinning with ideas on how to approach Rie.
"Ethan, she's the Yvette girl who made you look like a fool last week during the meeting. Remember when the assistant director backed her report?" Ross's words sliced through the air, punctuated by the intensity in his voice. Ethan's jaw clenched as he remembered the embarrassment of that moment vividly.
"Ethan, you're not replying to the message. What's going on?" Ross's tone held a note of concern, a reflection of the urgency weighing heavy on Ethan's mind.
Turning to face his friend, Ethan's expression was a mask of determination, tinged with a hint of intrigue. "I want to dig deeper into that girl's background, her family history, and assess whether she'd be a valuable addition to a marriage," he declared, his words laced with a quiet intensity.
Ross regarded Ethan with a mixture of understanding and caution. "Josh is already running a background check on her. Let's be patient," he advised, his voice a steady reassurance amidst the storm of Ethan's thoughts. He knew all too well the weight of expectation bearing down on his friend's shoulders, the looming pressure of familial obligation threatening to suffocate any chance of true freedom.
As the evening wore on, Rie found herself standing outside the office of Mr. Blackwood, her heart pounding with anticipation. She knew little about the man behind the name, except for the rumors of his formidable presence and the weight of his expectations.
With a deep breath, she knocked on the door, the sound echoing through the silent hallway. A moment later, the door swung open, revealing a figure seated behind a grand oak desk.
"Miss Carter, please, come in," the voice was firm yet welcoming, beckoning her into the room.
Stepping inside, Rie found herself face to face with the enigmatic Mr. Blackwood. His piercing gaze seemed to bore into her soul, assessing her with a keen intensity that sent shivers down her spine.
"Thank you, sir," Rie replied, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her chest.
"We've reviewed your report. Thank you for your excellent work over the past year and a half. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation," Mr. Blackwood spoke, his words carrying the weight of authority and expectation.