The assistant director leaned in to whisper, “He’s Austin Brooks, the son of the richest man in the country—and the main investor in this project.”
At the mention of Austin Brooks, Nora’s eyes lit up. Ignoring Asher entirely, she stepped forward with a coy smile and invited Austin to dinner in front of Asher.
But Austin didn’t even glance at her. Instead, he knelt down beside me as I coughed violently, gently patting my back. “Take it easy. Here, have some water.”
His voice was calm and soothing.
Asher stood rooted in place, his face darkening as he took in the scene. He knew precisely who Austin Brooks was—heir to the Brooks family fortune and someone the Monroe Family had desperately tried to align with, only to be repeatedly turned away.
Watching Austin’s gentle care for me, Asher could not hold back any longer. “Lily, what’s your relationship with him?”
I was physically and mentally exhausted and didn't want to answer Asher's words.
As a result, this look of mine became a weakness in his eyes and he sneered in anger, “So this is why you dared to bring up divorce. You have found yourself a better backer.”
He sneered, his words cutting. “Tell me, Austin, does someone like you really enjoy secondhand goods?”
Asher looked like a crazy dog that was really angry and anxious if anyone dared to bite.
“You ...... shut up, don't talk nonsense.” I forced myself to endure the pain and yelled at him.
Austin turned to the director, his tone indifferent but commanding.
Asher's face became even darker: “You are still protecting him! What exactly is his relationship with you?”
“Noisy.” Austin placed me lightly on the padded chair and directly slapped Asher on the spot.
Everyone was stunned, including me.
“I heard that the underwater scene was originally Nora’s responsibility. Film it again. One hundred takes. Send every single one to my phone.”
The director nodded frantically, his earlier bravado replaced with trembling obedience. “Yes, yes! One hundred takes, not a problem!”
Nora’s face turned ghostly pale. “Asher, I am afraid of water.”
Asher immediately stepped in front of her, shielding her protectively as his voice thundered, “I’d like to see anyone dare!”