CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREE – CASTING ISSUES

The sleek town car idled at the private entrance to Eleven Madison Park, one of Manhattan's most exclusive dining destinations. As Kayla and Lance emerged, they were immediately swarmed by a flurry of activity - production assistants barking orders, camera crews hastily setting up equipment, and a man with an unmistakable air of bombastic energy presiding over the chaos. "Ah, the stars of the evening have arrived!" The man swept towards them, a wide grin splitting his deeply tanned features. He was impeccably attired in a tailored burgundy suit, a shock of steel-gray hair swept dramatically across his forehead. "Kayla, Lance - it is an absolute honor." Maverick Stone extended his hand, grasping Kayla's with both of his in an exuberant shake. "I cannot tell you how elated I am to have you aboard for what is surely going to be my magnum opus documentary." Kayla arched an eyebrow, her free hand unconsciously smoothing the folds of her silk sheath dress. "I'm still not fully committed