The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 422

Nikolai senses that Director Alford's sudden shift in enthusiasm hides a massive trap, but there is no escaping it now. Getting Jade onto the cast is already set in stone. Jake is genuinely too busy to babysit, and while Alec has the most experience dealing with the entertainment industry, this show is meant to highlight the Dennis Group's core botanical research. Alec isn't the right fit. By default, the burden falls entirely on Nikolai's shoulders.

"Alright, I'll do it. With me there, I promise Jade won't cause any more trouble. You have my word, Director Alford," Nikolai says, fully confident in his ability to keep things under control. Besides, he can use the screen time to aggressively promote the Dennis Group and do his part for the family empire.

"Excellent! With you on board, my mind is completely at ease," Director Alford says with a bright smile.

Internally, the director is thinking the exact opposite: If there's no trouble, there's no ratings.

With the deal secured, Director Alford practically sprints out of the room, thrilled with his finalized cast. Half the roster consists of industry outsiders, but they aren't just any regular people—they are the elite. The public is obsessed with the glamorous, everyday lives of wealthy heirs, especially when they are this ridiculously good-looking. Throwing Danny into the mix guarantees an astronomical viewership. Alford can already picture the explosive social media reactions.

He has always been incredibly meticulous about his casting, aiming for a mix of star power and actual expertise. Tara's flawless performance on her last survival show originally caught his eye, and her new role as the Dennis Group's brand ambassador makes her the perfect anchor for this botanical-themed season. Now, with the Dennis brothers, Evan, and Danny joining the fray, the show is stacked with billionaires and apex socialites. Alford himself is dying to see how these titans clash in the dirt.

During the pre-production phase, Alford and his team went all out. They secured a massive sponsorship deal with the Dennis Group, who agreed to provide actual scientists and botanists to guide the celebrities through the grueling realities of agricultural research. The producers designed a series of intense physical challenges that will completely shatter the tired, repetitive formulas of standard reality television.

As soon as the director leaves, Jake stands up to head over to the cultivation labs. As he walks past Nikolai, he claps him on the shoulder with a deeply meaningful smirk. "Do a good job, Nikolai. With you looking after Jade, I'm sure it'll be a breeze. I'll be glued to my screen for every single episode."

And he means it. Jake wouldn't miss this impending trainwreck for the world.