Heaven or Hell: Loving My Twisted Billionaire novel Chapter 116

Chapter 116

Hannah’s POV

I stared at Finn, bewildered by his command to accept Sophia’s recommendation. Finn’s face remained impassive as b walked past me and settled into the CEO’s chair with casual authority.

“But what about Noah Lawrence?” I asked, struggling to keep my voice level. “We just had an incredible meeting with and Eliza. His vision for ‘Between the Veils’ is exactly what we need.”

Finn’s lips curled into a slight smile. “Close the door, Hannah.”

Once Amy and I had complied, Finn leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “Have you heard the phrase the obvious attack is easier to dodge than the hidden strike”?”

I shook my head, still confused.

“It’s an old strategy,” he continued. “When your opponent expects you to move in one direction, you appear to do exactly that while actually advancing elsewhere.” His eyes gleamed with calculated intelligence. “We’re going to accept Michael

Brown’s direction for a project-any project-very publicly.”

Understanding began to dawn on me. “While secretly moving forward with Noah and Eliza’s project?”

Finn nodded, looking pleased with my quick comprehension. “Sophia will focus all her attention on influencing and

monitoring the Michael Brown production. She’ll believe she’s maintaining control.”

“Meanwhile, we’ll be developing ‘Between the Veils’ with Noah and Eliza under the radar,” I finished, excitement building

in my chest. “That’s brilliant, Finn.”

“It’s just business,” he replied, but I caught the flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. “Two separate production teams, twe separate budgets, two separate timelines. The public one gets regular updates and visits from Sophia. The real one-

“Gets our actual attention and resources,” I said, feeling like I’d just received a master class in corporate strategy.

Amy looked between us, eyes wide. “So we’re running two productions simultaneously? Isn’t that complicated.”

Extraordinarily. Finn confirmed without concern. “Which is why Hannah will oversee both projects.

The Sterling Entertainment headquarters buzzed with activity. Actors, agents, and production staff filled the main lobby, Creating a vibrant bunt of conversation punctuated by occasional laughter. Through the floor to ceiling windows of the executive office, I watched the scene untold below-a sea of beautiful faces and designer vutfits, all hoping for a chance at

16:22 Fri, May 22 d

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stardom in our new television series, “The Girls.”

“Wow, every model and actor in Manhattan must be down there,” I said, turning to Eliza. “That’s quite a turnout.”

Everyone knew I’d brought Eliza on as our screenwriter, and her involvement had generated considerable buzz in the industry. To make our fake project “The Girls” seem more authentic, she was also playing the role of screenwriter for this

decoy production.

Eliza didn’t look up from her casting notes. “A third of them are probably planted by Sophia to sabotage the project.”

“Speaking of which, is Michael making progress with the male lead auditions?” I asked, referring to our newly appointed

director.

Eliza nodded. “He’s in the east wing studio. We agreed to divide and conquer since we’re on such a tight schedule. Since ‘The Girls’ primarily focuses on female characters anyway, I insisted on handling these auditions myself. I don’t trust

anyone else to get it right.”

I smiled, leaning against the window frame. “Well then, I trust your judgment to sort through the genuine talent from the

saboteurs.”

The casting room was set up with a long table where Eliza and I would sit, facing a small area where actors would perform their scenes. Amy, now in a sleek black blazer instead of her former housekeeping uniform, organized headshots and resumes with surprising efficiency.

“Amy, you’re a natural at this,” I said as she handed me a perfectly organized binder of the day’s schedule.

She blushed. “It’s just like organizing the cleaning supplies, except these folders don’t smell like bleach.”

The first few hours of auditions proceeded smoothly. Most of the actors were professional and well-prepared, though Eliza occasionally caught my eye when someone seemed a little too polished or a little too eager to push the boundaries of the scene in provocative directions.

“Plant,” she’d whisper, making a small mark on her notes.

By mid-afternoon, we’d seen nearly thirty actors for various roles. Amy brought us fresh coffee and water as the next actress was called in.

“Alicia White, Amy announced.

A young woman of about twenty two walked in, wearing a vintage-inspired dress that somehow managed to look both quirky and elegant. Unlike the parade of standard beauty we’d seen all day. Alicia had a distinctive look-her auburn hair fell in natural waves, and her makeup was minimal, highlighting her expressive eyes.

Chapter 116

*She dresses a bit like you,” Eliza whispered to me. “A little unconventional, but tasteful.”

I smiled, appreciating the observation. ‘Let’s see what she can do.”

Alicia’s performance was captivating. She embodied the character with subtle emotional shifts, never overplaying dramatic moments. When she finished the scene, I glanced at Eliza, who was already writing extensive notes.

“That was excellent, Ms. White,” Eliza said. “Could you wait outside for a moment? We might want to have you read another character as well.”

ter Alicia left, Eliza turned to me. “She’s my top choice for Claire. Her emotional control was the best we’ve seen

ery good,” I nodded

t, then let’s use her.”

Eliza smiled

I retur

qua

taking this project seriously, aren’t we?”

Actually, it helps our cover. We can point to her casting as evidence we’re serious about

e a short break. I need to review my not

slightly. “I’ll grab some water. Do you

et to think,” she replied, already abso

oom was mercifully empty. I filled

tention. As I turned to leave, I

spinning to a stop against

bout that,” a deep voi

ed up to see a m

ine covers

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