Escape the Billionaire's Grasp

Chapter 48-- Starlight in the Shadows

As night fell, Natalie Sinclair stood on the set, the war scenery before her appearing particularly solemn in the evening light. She was clad in battle armour, her face still bearing the disheveled makeup from the intense scene she had just finished filming. Yet, her heart was more turbulent than the scene itself.

"Natalie," Sebastian murmured, a trace of barely perceptible melancholy in his voice, "Is there anything else you want to say to me?"

"Mr. Wellington, thank you for letting me continue filming The Strategist."

Natalie stood in front of him, forcing herself to look into his eyes. She knew how much emotion was hidden behind his cold demeanour.

"It wasn't my decision alone." Sebastian replied impassively, his gaze lingering on her face as if searching for something.

Natalie smiled faintly, with a hint of sincerity. "I heard that you orchestrated Laura Taylor's scandal just to help me?"

Sebastian's eyes turned cold, revealing no other emotion on Natalie's face.

This woman, ever since she had suggested they break up, showed no sign of the disappointment, regret, or apology he had expected. What did she take him for? A benefactor? A toy? Was her previous gentleness and obedience all just a deceit?

A mocking smile tugged at his lips, unwilling to admit his concern for her. "You overestimate your importance." His words, like a cold blade, severed the tension in the air.

With that, he turned and left, leaving Natalie standing there, her emotions in turmoil. She gripped the script in her hand tightly, a look of helplessness and pain in her eyes.

Their identities were worlds apart, and their clandestine relationship over the past two years was seen by everyone as nothing more than an exchange of power and beauty. She had always been in a passive, weak position in their interactions, and the reason he chose her was never about who she was but rather her resemblance to Elise Johnson.

For the past two years, she had been cautious and obedient, trying to please him.

Love? It was always an elusive thing, wasn't it? Only her career was something she could truly hold onto.

She had thought that by not getting emotionally involved, she would be able to leave easily and freely when the time came. Yet, his words still pained her.

"You overestimate your importance."

Indeed. I am nothing but a pet he kept, meant to please and entertain him whenever he needed. That was my only purpose. But now, it's all over!

At that moment, Ethan Kingsley walked over, having quietly observed the dynamics between Natalie and the Sebastian.

"Did Mr. Wellington say something to you?" he asked with concern.

Natalie shook her head, trying to remain composed. "Nothing really.."

Ethan did not press further, merely patting her shoulder lightly and giving her a comforting smile.

Natalie lowered her eyes, took a deep breath, and silently cheered herself on. The future would definitely be better!

---

On the other side of the set, James Smith sat next to the coffee cart, waiting for Natalie's arrival. When she approached, he stood up, his face showing concern.

"I know you don't intend to renew your contract with Starry Entertainment," James said bluntly. "Have you decided on your next agency?"

Natalie shook her head. "Not yet. I want to find a company that truly supports me, one that gives me more choice and freedom in script selection."

She looked at James, her eyes sparkling with determination. "If you're willing to leave Starry Entertainment, we can work together."

James's gaze was firm. "I've always been by your side, Natalie. We'll go forward together. Although it won't be easy for me to terminate my contract with Starry Entertainment, I'll try my best."

At the same time, in the CEO's office at Wellington Group, the general manager of Starry Entertainment, David Wright, was reporting the year-end financials of Starry Entertainment to Sebastian. "Natalie Sinclair has brought significant profits to the company. We hope to retain her."

Sebastian asked thoughtfully, "Why doesn't she want to renew?"

David recalled the recent rumors about Natalie Sinclair and Sebastian Wellington's breakup. He couldn't gauge his boss's attitude towards Natalie—was it disdain or lingering affection?

However, the boss was handsome and wealthy, and despite his somewhat cold personality, just being the heir to the Wellington Group made him the target of every socialite in the city. Let alone an ordinary actress with no background. Which woman with a functioning brain would initiate a breakup with such a 'diamond bachelor'? If the breakup rumors were true, it must be because this man had grown tired of the actress who had been by his side for two years.

David Wright hesitated only for a moment before saying in a low voice, "We have some dirt on her. If necessary, we can use it to force her to renew the contract."

Sebastian looked at David Wright coldly, a trace of disgust in his eyes. "There's no need to threaten her with such tactics. She has the right to choose."

David said no more, just nodded, inwardly pondering Sebastian's change in attitude.

After David Wright left, Sebastian called in his assistant Brooks and asked, "What dirt do we have on Natalie?"