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Becky was already married and even had kids. How could he dare to think about her in a way he shouldnât?
One might live without shame but not without principles. Malcolm would never dream of seducing a married woman.
âAt least youâre smart about it,â Charlie snorted.
Becky was the apple of the Cartersâ eye; someone they would always cherish and protect. If Malcolm could tag along with his sister, even if it was just as a minor companion, he would still benefit greatly.
However, the fact that Malcolm had the guts to confess his feelings to him spoke to his character. The entertainment industry was full of shady dealings, and it was better to have someone trustworthy like Malcolm around Becky than to risk unsavory characters getting close to her.
âAlright, but the best I can do is get you an audition. If you donât get the part, donât blame me,â Charlie laid it out plainly.
Malcolm was overjoyed and nodded eagerly. âI understand. Iâll do my best.â
âOne more thing,â Charlie added as a thought occurred.
âI canât be around Becky all the time. If you land the role, keep an eye on the people around her. If anyone has bad intentions, step in for her. You can send the bill for any protection costs.â Charlie proposed a new deal.
Malcolmâs eyes lit up, and he quickly agreed, âSure, no problem.â
These were golden opportunities and ways to make some extra cash.
âCan I take the contract home to review? Iâll bring it back signed in a couple of days,â Malcolm said.
Charlie nodded. âSure.â
me
Bursting with excitement, Malcolm repeatedly nodded like a pecking chicken. His luck had finally turned. Prom now on, heâd be riding the coattails of someone powerful, sailing smoothly toward wealth and success.
Having settled things with Malcolm, Charlie dusted off his hands and walked away,
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feeling quite pleased.
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Brimming with excitement, he returned to the hotel and shared the news about signing Malcolm with his sister.
Stacey was surprised. âYou signed a contract with Malcolm?â
âYeah, I did. His acting skills are decent, his character is good, and heâs willing to work hard to hone his craft. He just needed a bit of luck, so I signed him up. After all, we have plenty of resources,â Charlie said with a cheerful grin.
Stacey nodded. âYeah.â
While speaking, Charlie carefully observed his sisterâs expression. He was curious to see if she had any feelings for Malcolm.
However, seeing her calm demeanor, he realized she regarded Malcolm as just a friend. His worries were unfounded, and he felt relieved.
Stacey was too innocent. After finally getting rid of that scoundrel, he didnât want her to be easily deceived by another rogue, especially one from the showbiz.
âMalcolm also wants to join your new production. I agreed to get him an audition, but I wonât interfere beyond that. Itâs up to him to impress the director. If hist acting is good enough and he gets the role, I wonât stand in his way,â Charlie added.
Stacey was taken aback. âHe wants to join the The Empress production?â
Charlie shook his head, then nodded. âNot exactly, but sort of.â
Stacey looked puzzled.
Charlieâs smile faded as he explained earnestly, âHe just wants to follow you around. He wants to be part of any production you join.â
âMe?â Stacey was confused.
Charlie chuckled, unable to resist pinching his sisterâs cheek. âYes, you. Youâre now the darling of the Carters, my dear sister. Everyone knows youâre our princess. Weâll always cherish and protect you. Malcolm sees this as a golden opportunity. He wants to be your sidekick because he knows that being around you means a high chance of success and making a lot of money.â
Charlie laughed. âMalcolm is a smart guy with a decent character. Iâve looked into
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his past. He seems clean with some morals. Heâs just trying to make the most of his opportunities and ride on some coattails. Letting him stay around you isnât a big deal. Consider it his good luck.
âJust see him as a friend, nothing more,â Charlie continued. Suddenly
remembering something, he added, âOh, Iâve hired him to protect you. If you run into any trouble, you can go to him. Heâll keep you safe, and Iâll pay him for his services afterward.â
Stacey was speechless.
Rattling on, Charlieâs mouth was dry. He quickly took a big gulp of water.
He went on at length to remind his sister that if Malcolm treated her well, it was because he was being paid to do so. There was no need to be overly moved by it.
Stacey had a hard time shaking off Theodore. He didnât want her to be easily taken in by another untrustworthy man.
What if this guy had ulterior motives and just wanted to use her?
The entertainment industry was too messy, so he needed to give her a headsâup.
Unaware of Charlieâs thoughts, Stacey would have found it amusing if she knew.
After her experience with Theodore, she had no interest in romance or finding a partner. She just wanted to focus on herself, raising her two adorable babies, and living well with her parents and three brothers.
She only wanted to cherish the present and strive for a better future.
âGot it, thanks, Charlie,â Stacey said, feeling blessed as she looked at him.
Charlie smiled, lifting his hand to affectionately pinch her cheek again.
She had inherited their parentsâ excellent genes and was very beautiful. The more he looked at her, the more he adored her.
âCharlie!â Stacey couldnât help but pull away her brotherâs mischievous hand.
She noticed that he loved pinching her cheeks ever since they got closer. But she wasnât a child like Lily and Kev anymore.
Charlie quickly withdrew his hand, smiling, âBecky, do you have any plans for
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later? If not, how about I take you out for something delicious?â
âReally?â Staceyâs eyes.
lit up.
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Lynn, standing nearby, chimed in, âYouâre about to join the production. You need to watch your diet.â
âBecky is not fat at all,â Charlie retorted without a second thought.
Stacey chuckled and turned to Lynn. âDonât worry, Lynn. Iâll watch it.â
She was about to sign a contract with the production team, so she needed to manage her figure and not indulge recklessly. Otherwise, she would be irresponsible.
Her parents and brothers always doted on her, giving her anything she wanted and constantly finding ways to treat her to good food. If this continued, she would be spoiled.
âWe could go for something that doesnât make me gain weight so easily,â Stacey said.
Charlie looked at her, feeling a bit downcast. âWhat kind of food doesnât make you gain weight?â
Stacey cautiously answered, âVeggies?â
Charlie was dumbfounded, thinking, âDid Mom never mention that I donât eat veggies?â
Stacey knew Charlie disliked vegetables. When they ate together at home, their mom would often nag a bit about how Adrian liked this, and Bryce liked that, but Charlie was the pickiest, refusing to eat this or that. When he was younger, his finicky eating habits even led to malnutrition.
Because of this, she hoped Charlie would eat more vegetables for a balanced diet, which was good for his health.
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