Chapter 71
Blake named the place. “At the Century Cinema in Crescent Plaza. Remember, don’t be late.”
“Sure thing, you got it, Blake. Thanks!” After hanging up, Sherilyn couldn’t contain her excitement and did a little hop.
Sherilyn wondered, ‘This time, it’s different. It might be a play or a film. How much can l earn from it?‘
Last time, just a few minutes of her performance gave her four hundred bucks.
The next day, it was just past two in the afternoon. Crescent Plaza.
At Crescent Plaza, accompanied by Charles, Gilbert exited the parking garage and took the elevator up to Century Cinema for Caroline’s movie premiere.
Caroline was a star under the banner of Nexus Media Group, a company founded by Francis. Under Gilbert’s leadership, it was only natural for him to attend the premiere of the company’s shining star.
Arriving early for the 3 p.m. premiere was a sign of respect for Caroline, and it also served as a message to all the big names in the movie industry about the Johnson family’s support for Caroline, solidifying her status in the industry.
The cinema lobby buzzed as various industry giants scrambled to greet Gilbert, hoping for a chance to collaborate with the Johnson Group.
“Mr. Johnson, I have a script here that could catch Ms. Bennett’s interest. Do you think she could take a look?”
Gilbert deflected gracefully, “You should contact Caroline directly about scripts. That’s not my area of expertise.”
Whispers filled the air.
“Caroline’s so lucky. Even with Francis down, she’s got Gilbert doting on her. Talk about
devotion!”
“Shh, keep it down. Mr. Gilbert’s right here.”
“What’s there to fear? It’s hardly a secret. Isn’t Mr. Gilbert known as the eternal romantic? After all these years of silent devotion, one wonders if he’ll win her heart…”
Amid the hustle and bustle, arm in arm with director Caleb Marshall, Caroline approached Gilbert with a bright smile. “Gilbert, you made it.”
Caleb also greeted him. “Mr. Johnson.”
“Hmm.” Gilbert nodded, delivering good news. “The presale tickets went live, and we’ve hit
10:17
a hundred million.”
As an investor, his primary concern was the return, and naturally, he was among the first
to hear such news.
“Really?” All smiles, Caleb was a celebrated director, but what director wouldn’t dream of critical acclaim and box office success?
“That’s fantastic news, Mr. Johnson. Congratulations!”
“Congratulations to us all.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Caroline escorted Gilbert out. Gilbert was pressed for time, so him showing up already spoke volumes about his commitment.
They took the side exit to a quieter corridor.
“It
“I’m so happy today, Gilbert.” It was Caroline’s first big–screen project, stepping up from the small screen, and such success was indeed thrilling.
“Gilbert, thank you.” Her eyes reddened, and her voice choked up, “After Francis‘ accident, it felt like my world had collapsed. But there was you. Without your support all these years, I don’t know how I would’ve managed.”
Gilbert offered her a tissue. “Don’t say that. Looking out for you is the least I could do. Otherwise, Fran wouldn’t be able to rest easy.”
Caroline didn’t take the tissue, so Gilbert gently dabbed her eyes with it. “Stop crying. You’ll ruin your makeup.”
He gave her such care, such tenderness.
Caroline looked up at him, her eyes lingering as if waiting for something.
Fearing she might stumble, Gilbert steadied her. From a distance, they appeared to be at couple in a tender embrace.
Meanwhile, phone in hand, Sherilyn wandered closer, mumbling, “Here should be the place, but which door…”
Before she could finish her thought, her gaze locked with Gilbert’s from afar.