Scene 1
Location: Adrian's Office, Early Morning
(Adrian sits at his expansive desk, his polished appearance contrasting with the storm of thoughts behind his composed exterior. The large window behind him offers a breathtaking view of the city waking up, the golden sunlight casting sharp angles across his office. On his desk lies the freshly prepared contract for Kai, and beside it, a pen he hasn't yet capped. His fingers tap rhythmically on the desk as he re-reads the agreement for what seems like the tenth time.)
Adrian: (to himself, leaning back) Why does he intrigue me this much? There's something about him… a spark that can't be ignored. But at what cost?
(He exhales sharply, snapping himself out of his thoughts. Just then, Claire enters, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. She's carrying a slim tablet and a folder of papers.)
Claire: "Good morning, Adrian. Your 10 a.m. meeting with the overseas investors has been rescheduled to next Tuesday. I've also spoken to the contractor for the Westwood expansion—they'll send over revised plans by the end of the week."
Adrian: (nodding, his tone distracted) "Efficient as always. Thank you, Claire. There's one more thing I need you to handle today."
(He picks up the contract and slides it across the desk to her.)
Adrian: "Have this delivered to Kai by tomorrow. Add a substantial advance—enough to clear his rent and cover his expenses for the next six months. I want no room for hesitation on his part."
Claire: (raising an eyebrow as she picks up the papers) "Six months? That's… generous. I assume this is the same young man you couldn't stop glaring at during the gallery event?"
Adrian: (shooting her a sharp look) "This is business, Claire. Nothing more, nothing less."
Claire: (with a knowing smirk) "If you say so. But I'll need to remind you—people who come from nothing often fear gifts like these. It might make him question your motives."
Adrian: (quietly) "Let him question. He'll sign regardless."
(Claire doesn't press further and leaves with the contract, her smirk lingering as she closes the door behind her.)
Scene 2
Location: Kai's Apartment, Afternoon
(Kai's apartment is a cramped yet lived-in space, a reflection of his chaotic life. Art supplies are scattered across the floor, unfinished sketches cover the small table, and empty coffee cups are stacked near the sink. Kai paces restlessly, glancing every so often at the envelope Adrian had given him. The envelope lies unopened on the table, its crisp edges standing out starkly against the clutter. On the couch, Marcus, Kai's roommate, is scrolling through his phone, only half paying attention to Kai's anxious pacing.)
Marcus: "You've been eyeing that thing for hours. Just open it already."
Kai: (pausing mid-step) "What if it's a trap? Guys like Adrian don't just hand out deals like this. There's always a catch."
Marcus: "Or maybe it's exactly what it looks like—a golden opportunity. You're the one who said you were tired of being stuck. Maybe this is your way out."
Kai: (running a hand through his hair) "I don't trust him. People like him… they never do anything without expecting something in return."
Marcus: (sighing) "And you're still broke, Kai. Rent's due in two weeks, and I'm not exactly swimming in cash, either. You don't have the luxury to overthink this."
(After a long pause, Kai finally grabs the envelope and rips it open. His eyes widen as he pulls out the contract and the attached check.)
Kai: (stunned) "This can't be real. This… this is enough to pay rent for months."
Marcus: (leaning over to look) "Told you! Dude, this is the kind of deal people dream about. What's the problem?"
Kai: (frowning) "The problem is that nobody hands out money like this without strings attached. What does he really want from me?"
Marcus: (shrugging) "Maybe he sees potential. Or maybe he just likes you. Either way, you'll never know unless you show up and ask."
Kai: (sitting heavily on the couch) "I don't know, Marcus. This feels too good to be true."
Marcus: "Maybe. Or maybe it's your big break."
Scene 3
Location: Adrian's Office, Next Day
(Kai strides into Adrian's office, the contract in hand. His expression is a mix of determination and unease. Adrian is seated behind his desk, impeccably dressed as always, and he looks up with an air of calm authority. The tension in the room is palpable as Kai places the contract on the desk.)
Kai: "I'll sign this, but we need to set some ground rules first."
Adrian: (leaning back in his chair, intrigued) "Ground rules? I'm listening."
Kai: "I'm not a pawn, and I'm not a charity case. If you think this money gives you the right to control me, think again. I'll do the work, but I'm keeping my independence."
Adrian: (smiling faintly) "Bold words. But let me remind you—everything comes with a price, Kai. Even independence."
Kai: "I'm not afraid to pay the price, as long as it doesn't include my dignity."
(The two men lock eyes, a silent battle of wills. After a moment, Adrian nods, his smile softening.)
Adrian: "Very well. Welcome to my world."
Scene 4
Location: Rooftop of Adrian's Office Building, Evening
(The city glitters below as Adrian stands alone on the rooftop, the cool evening air ruffling his perfectly styled hair. He lights a cigarette, his usually guarded expression giving way to something more contemplative. Claire steps out, tablet in hand, breaking the moment.)
Claire: "So, he signed. I didn't think you'd pull it off."
Adrian: (taking a drag from his cigarette) "People are predictable, Claire. Everyone has a breaking point. You just have to find it."
Claire: (eyeing him curiously) "And what's his? Money? Freedom? Or is it something else entirely?"
Adrian: (smirking slightly) "That's what I intend to find out."
(They stand in silence for a moment, the hum of the city below filling the air. Claire glances at Adrian, her expression softening.)
Claire: "You've never done this before—taken such an interest in someone. What's different about him?"
Adrian: (flicking the cigarette away) "He's… unexpected."
Scene 5
Location: Kai's Apartment, Night
(Kai sits on his bed, staring at the signed contract as if it's a ticking time bomb. The room is quiet except for the faint sound of Marcus humming from the kitchen. Kai's thoughts are a storm of doubts and fears.)
Kai: (muttering to himself) "What have I gotten myself into?"
(Marcus enters, holding two mugs of coffee. He hands one to Kai and sits beside him.)
Marcus: "So, you're officially part of the big leagues now. How does it feel?"
Kai: (shrugging) "Like I just made a deal with the devil."
Marcus: (grinning) "Maybe. But hey, at least this devil's got deep pockets."
Kai: (smiling faintly) "That's what scares me."
(The camera pans to the window, where the city lights twinkle against the dark sky. The scene ends with Kai looking out at the world beyond, a mix of hope and trepidation in his eyes.)
End of Episode 3