Joel returned to his modest apartment after the audition, exhausted but exhilarated. After taking a moment to process the day, he collapsed onto his worn-out couch, allowing himself to relax for the first time in what felt like weeks.
The next morning, he woke up refreshed and ready to tackle the next step. He had arranged to meet the lawyer his mother recommended at a nearby coffee shop.
As he walked into the small but cozy café, he spotted a middle-aged man sitting at a corner table. The man had a sharp, professional look, with a clean-cut suit and an air of quiet confidence. Joel approached him, and the man immediately stood up, extending his hand with a warm smile.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Dawson. My name is Mitchell Lyon."
Joel shook his hand, offering a natural smile. "Yeah, I know. My mom mentioned a lot about you."
Not a single word, Joel thought secretly, but his expression betrayed none of it.
They both sat down, and after a few minutes of small talk, Mitchell leaned forward slightly, his tone professional yet friendly.
"Your mom told me everything. I'll be your legal lawyer from now on. Anytime you need to sign documents, contracts, or deal with any legal matters, you can call me."
Joel nodded, appreciating the straightforwardness. "Thanks. That means a lot."
Mitchell leaned back, studying Joel for a moment. "It's a little surprising," he said with a chuckle, "that the only heir of the Dawson family is chasing a career in acting."
Joel smiled faintly and replied, "There's nothing wrong with pursuing your own dreams."
Mitchell laughed lightly, nodding in agreement. "I know, and I appreciate that. It's not easy to go against expectations."
Joel shrugged, feeling both flattered and slightly uncomfortable with the comment. "Thanks, I guess."
Mitchell paused for a moment, hesitating before asking, "Do you have an agent?"
"Not yet," Joel admitted. "I'm not big enough for that just yet."
Mitchell looked like he wanted to say something else but held back, nodding instead. Joel took the hint and finished his coffee, standing up to excuse himself.
"It was nice meeting you, Mitchell, but I need to head back and prepare for my role."
Mitchell stood as well, shaking Joel's hand again. "Of course. I'll see you tomorrow. We can go over the contract together before you sign it."
Joel nodded and turned to leave. As he stepped out of the coffee shop, he glanced back, watching Mitchell walk in the opposite direction.
It seems like Dad couldn't hold back anymore, Joel thought with a bitter smile. Even after disowning him, his father was helping him in subtle ways—like hiring a top-notch lawyer to look out for him.
He shook his head, his smile fading as a cold expression overtook his face. He threw me out to appease Grandfather, and now he's playing the savior behind the scenes. It doesn't sit well with me. Don't think I'll ever return.
With those icy thoughts lingering in his mind, Joel stuffed his hands into his pockets and walked toward his apartment, determination burning in his heart.