Chapter 23

Nadine was already soaked from head to toe, but she didn't seem to care. With a graceful motion, she flipped her wet hair back and gave Arthur a sultry smile. "Arthur, is this the effect you were going for?" Arthur burst into laughter, his eyes lighting up with excitement. He strolled over to the edge of the pool, his gaze filled with encouragement. "You're a bold and free-spirited girl. I admire that. What's your name?" Nadine's face lit up with delight. "I'm Nadine Sommers, an actress." "Nice to meet you, Nadine," he said, extending his hand. Without hesitation, Nadine placed her hand in his, and Arthur leaned down to kiss it lightly. Her cheeks flushed red with excitement. "Arthur, I really admire you. Your cinematography, your sense of humor, your character—I love it all." "Thank you." Arthur straightened up and turned to address the rest of the crowd. "What about the rest of you? Too scared? I've heard Alantian women are notoriously timid, looks like that might be true.