CHAPTER 125: HOW TO REJECT A BRIXTON POLITELY

"We’ve met once before, but I don’t think we’ve ever been properly introduced," he said, stepping closer and offering his hand. "Nice to meet you, Helcia."

I looked at his hand for a few seconds before returning the gesture. I lifted the corner of my mouth and gave him a polite smile. "Nice to meet you too, Mr. Brixton."

Kai let out a soft chuckle. "Why are you still calling me that? We’re outside now, no need to be so formal," he said casually. "You can call me Kai, or whatever you like."

If I could really call him whatever I wanted, I’d go with bastard, but I wasn’t about to start that fight today. I had just passed the audition, and picking a fight with the CEO of Brix Entertainment would be the fastest way to ruin my future.

Sometimes, I miss the days when I could just punch people who annoyed me. Now, I had to think about the consequences—about politics and public image—before I even opened my mouth.

"I don’t think that’s a good idea, Mr. Brixton," I said calmly. "I’d rather not give people the wrong idea about our relationship. You understand what I mean, right?"

Kai’s smile didn’t fade. In fact, it grew even more irritating. And then—just when I thought this conversation couldn’t get any worse—I felt his thumb lightly brush the back of my hand.

What the hell was he doing? Didn’t he already have a wife?!

"Right. I’m sorry, I didn’t think that through," Kai said smoothly. "But I suppose having coffee with your husband’s brother is still considered normal, isn’t it?"

I slowly pulled my hand back, keeping my expression neutral. The last thing I needed was another scandal about a married woman getting too close to someone she shouldn’t.

"I’d love to, but unfortunately, I already have plans with my husband after this," I said, keeping my tone light but firm.

"Can’t he wait?" Kai asked. "Or does he forbid you from meeting me?"

I let out a small laugh and waved my hand dismissively. "Of course not. Why would he stop me from seeing his own brother?" I replied. "We just haven’t spent much time together lately, so I don’t want to keep him waiting. Maybe next time we can have that coffee with my husband or maybe with your wife."

I deliberately emphasized the last part, hoping he’d get the message. We were both married. He had no business trying to flirt with his brother’s young wife.

However, it didn’t seem like he cared much about what I’d just said. At the very least, he didn’t try to push me or insist that I go with him.

"I see," he said with an easy smile. "Then maybe we can have that coffee during our next meeting."

I smiled politely, even though every cell in my body wanted to roll my eyes. "Sure," I replied, my tone light but distant. "We’ll see."

Kai gave a small nod, his gaze lingering on me a little too long before he finally turned away. "I’ll be looking forward to it, Helcia."

The way he said my name sent a chill down my spine. There was something in his voice—something calm, charming, and yet quietly predatory—that made my stomach twist.

As soon as he walked away, I exhaled slowly, finally releasing the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

"God..." I muttered, rubbing my temple. "That man’s smile should come with a warning label."

I hurried to the canteen, not wanting to keep Marissa waiting any longer. On the way, I quickly texted Lando to tell him what had just happened.

But since he’d mentioned earlier that he had back-to-back meetings all day, I didn’t expect him to see my message anytime soon.

"Helcia!" Marissa waved the moment I walked in. She was sitting by the window, a bit away from the crowd. "What took you so long?"

I smiled as I joined her. "Someone stopped me for a quick chat earlier. Anyway, about the contract for the drama, they want me to come back tomorrow morning to sign everything."

Marissa nodded and opened her tablet, immediately diving into work even while we were ordering lunch. We spent most of the meal talking about contracts, schedules, and shooting plans.

"I’ve estimated that filming for Love Beneath the White Umbrella will take about three to four months," she said between bites of her salad. "As for My Boss’ Obsession, that one should only take around two months since your role doesn’t appear in every episode. But I need to warn you, both shoots will take a lot of time and energy. Still, if they do well, every bit of it will pay off."

I nodded, listening to her carefully. I already knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but honestly, I’d rather be overworked than jobless because of a scandal.

"I’ll talk to the producers about your schedule," Marissa continued, scrolling through her notes. "Hopefully, we can adjust things in your favor, but don’t expect too much. Usually, it’s the newcomers who have to follow the production schedule, not the other way around."

I chuckled softly. "Don’t worry, Marissa. I’ll follow the schedule, even if it kills me."

She gave me a small smile. "Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that."

After sorting everything out, we finally left the Green Leaf building and went our separate ways.

I let out a long groan and stretched as soon as I got into the car. Mr. Silo didn’t say a word, but he quietly played a soft classical song, probably to help me relax.

All that constant staring from the judges had completely drained my energy, especially Kai Brixton’s gaze.

Just as I was about to lean back against the seat, my phone rang. It was my husband, and I could tell right away he must’ve just read my message.

I picked it up and greeted him cheerfully, "Husband! I—"

"Are you still with Kai?" Lando cut me off before I could even finish my sentence.

I blinked, a little surprised by how nervous he sounded through the phone. At that moment, I knew he wasn’t joking, so I quickly said, "No, I’m not with him anymore."