The Moment I Realized I Can't Lose You novel Chapter 52

"Sir." Inside the Judd Group headquarters, Chase kept his voice low as he watched Joaquin stare blankly at his phone.

Joaquin blinked, finally dragging his gaze away from his text thread with Audrey. "Go on."

"Right," Chase nodded, resuming the itinerary rundown. "There's a major contract signing at the South City branch today. The general manager emailed to request your presence. Will you be attending?"

"It's for the two-billion-dollar project?"

Chase nodded. "Yes, it is the focus this year."

Joaquin narrowed his eyes. "Tell him I'll be there."

Chase noted it on his tablet and continued, "Also, Drowning in the Deep Blue begins production today at Silveridge Movie World. The director extended an invitation for you, as the lead investor, to attend the kickoff. The time conflicts with the project. Shall I decline it for you?"

An image of Audrey curled up in their bedroom, entirely engrossed in the Drowning in the Deep Blue script, flashed through Joaquin's mind. He frowned slightly. "Has the entire cast been finalized?"

"Yes." Chase paused, a little surprised that his boss was taking an active interest in the production, before offering a serious response. "Director Julian Chandler and the head writer, Quill, were incredibly efficient. They locked down the main cast in a week."

He handed his tablet over. "Here's the cast list."

Joaquin scanned the names, finding none familiar. His eyes stopped at the very bottom. "What is this 'Sickly Beauty' role, and why is the actress's name blank?"

Chase paused for a moment. "Rainey mentioned recently that her condition is worsening, and she fears she might not survive the bone marrow transplant. She wanted to leave a legacy on screen before the surgery. You gave her permission to choose any project we're backing. She picked Drowning in the Deep Blue. The screenwriter, Quill, actually custom-wrote this role for her."

The memory clicked into place. Joaquin remembered the conversation. However, he hadn't realized Rainey had chosen the exact same script Audrey was obsessed with. He glanced at the list again. "Are there any other unfilled roles?"

Chase looked perplexed. Judd Group funded dozens of films, and Joaquin never meddled in the casting. Why was he suddenly taking an active interest in the cast for Drowning in the Deep Blue? Was he unhappy with the role Quill had written for Rainey?

Lowering his voice, Chase offered, "There are a few minor speaking parts left. If you have someone in mind, I can reach out to the director..."

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