Chapter 19: The Top-Tier Scriptwriter

Ethan's words had a deep impact on Stacey. She had been through a traumatic event, which frightened Ethan. She hadn't wanted him to know at the time, but there was no choice. The troublemaker had not only targeted her but Ethan as well. Thankfully, the issue was finally resolved. "Mommy, you go ahead," Ethan reassured her. "I'll tell them you're sleeping in. By noon, I'll think of another excuse. Granny trusts me completely. She won't doubt me." Patting his shoulder, Stacey said, "Thanks, honey." "Alright, Alright. Mommy. Be careful," Ethan advised. "Okay." In a flash, Stacey changed into her clothes and snuck out of the window. Jumping off the courtyard wall, she landed just as Sally's car pulled up. Stacey hopped in, put on the mask Sally gave her, and they drove off to meet the film's producer. The producer of this film was Minnie Burke. They had previously collaborated on three films, and the first catapulted them to fame as the Top-tier screenwriter and producer. Minnie often confessed that without Stacey's scripts, she could have never achieved her Top-tier producer status. This was their fourth collaboration, but unexpectedly, they encountered some problems. Thirty minutes later, Sally announced, "Miss, we've arrived." Coming back to reality, Stacey asked, "Where are we?" "We're at the Burton Group building," Sally replied. "Minnie gonna meet up here." Stacey was taken aback. Why the Burton Group? Was Minnie planning to introduce her to Conor? That seemed unlikely. The Burton Group had never been involved in the film. They must be going to another company. With these thoughts, Stacey stepped out of the car. Dressed in black jeans and a black coat, only her piercing black eyes visible, she radiated an aura of frosty elegance. But even with the mask, Minnie recognized her instantly. "Aurelia, our renowned screenwriter~ you always wear that mask. Ever since we met, I've been curious about your true face," Minnie Burke joked. Aurelia was the pseudonym Stacey used when she debuted as a screenwriter. She had never revealed her real identity. "Minnie, who are we meeting today?" Stacey asked, intrigued. "Conor." Minnie Burke flicked her wavy hair and grinned. "I've heard he's incredibly handsome. Can't wait to see him." Conor! "But isn't the Burton Group uninvolved in the film?" Stacey asked, puzzled. "Are you kidding? TV and film are like a gold mine these days, and no businessman would pass up an opportunity to make money," Minnie Burke murmured, "Plus, I've heard that Conor is investing in this film because he wants Ava Davis to be the lead actress." Ava Davis. Upon hearing the name, an unease flickered over Stacey's expression. "Let's go. Conor only gave us twenty minutes. We can't be late," Minnie Burke pulled her towards the building, urging her forward. Stacey's brows furrowed. By the time she snapped back to reality, they were already indoors. "Minnie, we need to change our clothes," Stacey abruptly said. "What?" Minnie looked taken aback. "Come." Stacey pulled her towards the restroom. She was wearing an exclusive designer outfit from the Burton family's collection and worried that Conor might become suspicious. Even though Minnie didn't wholly understand Stacey's intentions, she decided to go along. After swapping their clothes, they exited the restroom. While riding the elevator, Stacey rubbed her temples, indicating signs of stress or discomfort. She never engaged with the same individual while wearing different disguises, especially not on multiple occasions. However, now she had encountered Conor in three distinct roles, which was unprecedented for her. Given Conor's keen perceptiveness, there was no way he wouldn't notice. Stacey was well aware of the striking uniqueness of her eyes. She was sure that Conor would recognize her. And if he did, she would vehemently deny it. Yes, she would deny it without any hesitation! As they exited the elevator, they were greeted by Lennox, who was already waiting at the door. "Miss Burke, hello. Mr. Burton is expecting you. Please follow me," Lennox Robinson greeted them. He cast a puzzled glance at Stacey, his face reflecting confusion. However, Stacey was confident that he didn't recognize her. Perhaps he found her mask peculiar. Minnie guided Stacey towards Conor's office, sensing her apprehension. They reached the door of the office. Lennox swung the door open and gestured for them to enter. Inside, they were met with a spacious and brightly lit office. The interior was adorned with exquisite antiques and paintings, showcasing the owner's refined taste. "Mr. Burton, how do you do?" Minnie was the first to spot Conor and extended her hand for a greeting. Conor lifted his gaze, his deep, icy eyes meeting Stacey's. He paused for a moment. Then, without any change in his expression, he shifted his gaze elsewhere. He extended his hand and shook Minnie's, saying, "Hello." "This is Aurelia, a Top-tier scriptwriter," Minnie introduced, gently nudging Stacey forward. Feeling a bit awkward, Stacey reached out her hand towards Conor. Fear gripped Stacey, rendering her unable to speak, afraid that her voice would reveal her true identity. As Stacey, she had always used one voice, while as Charlotte or Aurelia, she had adopted another. This strict differentiation was crucial to ensure no one connected the two identities. However, now she felt on the brink of exposure. Observing Stacey's silence, Minnie intervened, explaining, "Please excuse Aurelia, Mr. Burton. She suffers from social anxiety. She'll adjust shortly." "Social anxiety?" Conor's gaze turned icy and penetrating. "Does the mask play a part in that as well?" Stacey nodded, acknowledging that it did. His eyes fixed on hers. Conor reached out and grasped her delicate hand. It was small and intricate, much like the hand he had held the previous night. Little imposter! Stacey felt a cold sweat creeping over her. With a slight tilt of his head, Conor held her hand and inquired, with a subtle smirk, "What's your name?" "Aurelia," Minnie answered on her behalf. "That's not your real name, is it?" Conor squinted at Stacey. Retracting her hand, Stacey gathered her courage and declared, "That's private." "Oh?" Conor's smirk widened upon hearing her voice. It was the same voice as Charlotte's. "Please have a seat," Conor said without exposing Stacey. Stacey was taken aback. Had he not recognized her voice? Yet, she couldn't let her guard down. They both took their seats. "Mr. Burton, we immensely appreciate your interest in our project. We eagerly anticipate a successful collaboration," said Minnie. "Let's not rush into thanking me, Ms. Burke. The success of this show ultimately depends on the talent of the scriptwriter," Conor replied, his voice deep and resonant. Minnie turned to Stacey, encouraging her to speak. With a flicker of determination in her bright eyes, Stacey ventured, "Before we proceed, may I make a request?" Conor regarded her with a hint of intrigue. "Go ahead." "I do not want Ava Davis to play the lead role," Stacey firmly stated. Minnie panicked instantly. What was she saying? Conor wouldn't invest in their play if it weren't for Ava Davis in the lead. Had Stacey lost her mind? "Mr. Burton, can you agree to this?" Stacey asked, her voice filled with quiet anticipation.