Richest Mogul

A thought flashed through Harlan’s mind. Since they were in the room together at this time, maybe…

Harlan quickly dismissed that thought. Austin and Natalie would never get involved like that. It had to be because Hank was drinking, so Austin came to rehearse lines with Natalie.

Meanwhile, inside the room, Austin turned to face Natalie after closing the door.

Natalie had just regained her composure. Her face remained flushed as she looked at him. She opened her mouth to speak, but she hesitated. After what had just happened, the words wouldn’t come easily.

“Earlier…” Austin began to speak.

Natalie quickly cut him off. “What happened earlier was just you getting into the character. I understand, Mr. Powell.”

So that was what it felt like to really embody a role. For a moment, it felt like she was the character in that scene, with Austin as her partner. Even though she told herself it was just acting, the memory of the kiss made her heart race.

After all, Austin was just too captivating. During that scene, she almost believed he had feelings for her. But she knew better. It was just acting. Whatever flicker of emotion she thought she saw in his eyes had already faded.

After a long pause, he said, “Yes, it was just me getting into character.”

Skylar had just come down from the hill when she saw Natalie’s message. She settled into the car and replied to her message.

“Be sure to use sunscreen.”

“Skylar, you won’t believe what happened! Mr. Powell asked me to help with a scene, and it was an intimate one between the leads. We both got so into character. Then, he kissed me, and for a moment, really felt like the female lead.

*

“I can’t believe it. During the scene, I almost thought Mr. Powell actually liked me. Thankfully, I’m not a professional actress. Even though I got into character for a moment, I snapped out of it quickly.

I

“I know better, though. Mr. Powell’s acting is just that good–it pulled me right in, even though I’m not an actress.”

Skylar read Natalie’s lengthy message, sensing the whirlwind of emotions in her words. A part of her wondered if the kiss had really been just part of the rehearsal.

Skylar suddenly thought that Austin might have real feelings for Natalie. Could a professional actor like him really get so wrapped up in character during a private rehearsal?

Maybe her understanding of acting wasn’t deep enough.

“Are you sure he hasn’t developed real feelings for you?” she texted back.

Natalie’s response was quick. “No way! Even if I got carried away, Mr. Powell definitely wouldn’t. I’m realistic. The actress he’s working with is a superstar in Fachington. She’s stunning, the kind of person even I’d be jealous of. I’m too exhausted, so I’m heading to bed now.”

Skylar couldn’t help but smile and shake her head at Natalie’s response.

Joe, who was beside her, noticed Skylar’s bright smile and asked, “What’s making you so happy?”

“Natalie was just sharing some of her adventures in Fachington. It’s quite the story,” Skylar replied.

When the car stopped at a red light, Joe glanced at her and asked, “Would you like to visit Fachington ?” “Maybe, if the opportunity arises.”

Joe drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “I’ll be going there on business in about a month. Would you like to come along?”

Skylar was tempted. She had some work to finish, but she could likely wrap it up within the next few days and take some time off from Alexander, so she asked, “When exactly?”

“In about two weeks.”

Skylar made up her mind immediately. “Alright, I should be able to finish my work by then.”

Joe smiled. “Do you want to have dinner at home or eat out?”

“Let’s eat at home.” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Okay.”