Chapter 2
Olivia's POV
The next morning, while I was in my bedroom planning my next move, my phone suddenly rang. Seeing the caller ID, I froze.
Ryan Blackwood.
Why would he contact me first? In my past life, after our one-night stand, he was cold for days before reluctantly reaching out.
"Hello, Ryan." I answered.
"Olivia, I hope I'm not disturbing you." His voice was still deep and magnetic. "I think we need to talk. About yesterday."
Of course, he realizes how complicated this situation is too.
"About the media coverage?" I asked innocently.
"Not just that. I have a proposal. How about we meet? I'm at my Hollywood office, if you're available."
I checked the time—11 AM.
"Alright, I'll be there in an hour."
Ryan's production company occupied a modern building at the foot of the Hollywood Hills. His office was sleek and luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the spectacular Los Angeles skyline.
He wore a charcoal Armani suit, seated behind his desk, looking every inch the commanding business elite. Sunlight streamed from behind him, creating a golden halo effect.
I had to admit, this man possessed an undeniably captivating charm.
"Please, sit." He stood, gesturing toward the seating area. "Can I get you anything?"
"Black coffee's fine." I settled casually on the sofa.
Ryan pressed the intercom. "Sarah, please bring in two coffees."
My heart skipped. No sugar? How does he know my preference?
"You seem to know my tastes well." I probed.
Ryan turned back, shrugging. "Intuition. Don't all actresses have to watch their figures?"
The explanation sounded reasonable, but something felt off. This wasn't the time to dig deeper though.
Soon, his assistant brought the coffee. I lifted the cup for a sip—perfect bitterness, exactly how I liked it.
"So, Ryan. What did you want to discuss?" I cut straight to the point.
He sat across from me, leaning forward with hands clasped on his knees.
"Since the whole world thinks we're together, why not make it real?"
I almost laughed out loud. Make it real? Isn't this exactly like my past life?
"What do you want out of this?" I set down my cup, meeting his gaze directly.
"You're direct. I like dealing with smart people." Ryan's mouth curved into an appreciative smile.
He stood, walking to the windows.
"I have a project, 'Beneath the Truth'—a thriller about entertainment industry secrets. Investors have been hesitant, but with you on board..."
"With our romance generating buzz, the project gets funded." I finished his thought. "Media and audiences will buy it."
"Exactly." He turned to face me. "We transform scandal into business opportunity. You get a leading role, I get project financing. Win-win."
"Sounds good." I deliberately paused. "But I have one condition."
"Name it."
"I want to read the script. If the role isn't good enough, no deal."
Ryan laughed—a genuine, heartfelt laugh.
"Deal. The script's in my car, I'll give it to you later."
This man... why does he seem so much more interesting than in my past life?
At 3 PM, we appeared together at an upscale Beverly Hills café. The place was quiet and elegant, frequented by Hollywood elite.
Ryan had changed into casual clothes, looking less intimidating. We found a window table.
"What would you like?" He picked up the menu.
"Blueberry muffin." I said absently.
When the server approached, Ryan ordered without hesitation. "Two Americanos, both black. Plus a blueberry muffin and a slice of cheesecake."
The coffee and pastries arrived quickly. Ryan stirred his coffee elegantly, then began detailing the project.
"'Beneath the Truth' follows an actress investigating industry secrets. Your character Elena is smart, brave, with a strong sense of justice."
Elena... that name sounds familiar.
"What's she investigating?" I asked.
"Her friend's 'accidental' death, but she discovers a massive conspiracy behind it. Producers, investors, even family members could be the killer."
My hand trembled, spilling coffee drops on the table.
This script... how is it so similar to my reality?
"What's wrong?" Ryan asked with concern, immediately offering me napkins.
"Nothing, just find the story fascinating." I struggled to stay composed. "Did you write it?"
"No, a friend did. But I helped revise the script." His gaze deepened. "I always feel some stories MUST be told."
We spent two hours in the café, discussing every aspect of the project. Ryan displayed remarkable professional competence and business acumen, considering every detail thoroughly.
Though he was successful in my past life too, he never showed me this kind of professional charm.
That evening at home, dinner was already set in the dining room. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light, but the atmosphere was unusually tense.
Robert sat at the head of the table, his expression dark. Victoria sat elegantly beside him, appearing to cut her steak while actually eavesdropping on our conversation. Chloe openly glared at me, jealousy burning in her eyes.
"How was your day, darling?" Victoria asked sweetly.
Darling? You MURDERER dare call me darling?
"Fine." I said flatly. "Ryan and I discussed a collaboration."
"Collaboration?" Robert suddenly looked up, greed flashing in his eyes.
"Yes, a film collaboration." I deliberately paused, enjoying their changing expressions. "Ryan's investing in a big production, and I'm the female lead."
The dining room fell instantly silent. Even Chloe stopped chewing.
"Really?" Robert's tone completely changed from anger to excitement. "Ryan Blackwood is a top Hollywood producer! Olivia, you're so lucky!"
Look at that face-changing speed—absolutely disgusting.
"Yes," I looked coldly at Chloe, "unlike some people who only know how to be jealous."
Chloe flushed with anger. "Don't get cocky! Who knows what tricks you used to seduce him!"
"Chloe!" Robert scolded. "How can you talk about your sister like that?"
Robert never defended me in my past life. Money really can change everything.
"Dad's right." I elegantly cut my steak. "Besides, Ryan says he loves me."
Those words exploded like a bomb at the dinner table. Victoria's hand shook, her fork clattering against the plate.
"Loves... loves you?" she stammered.
"Yes." I savored the terror on her face. "He's completely smitten with me."
Victoria, your plan completely backfired. Not only didn't you destroy me, you gave me better opportunities.
Chloe finally couldn't contain herself, slamming the table as she stood.
"I don't believe it! You only slept together one night! How could he possibly love you!"
"Maybe that's just love." I said calmly. "Not everyone can experience it."
Chloe trembled with rage, tears nearly falling.
Seeing this scene, Robert quickly tried to smooth things over. "Alright, alright, we're family. Don't fight. Olivia, we all support you and Ryan."
Support? You were completely against it in my past life.
Victoria forced a smile. "Yes, as long as Olivia's happy."
But I could see the malice in her eyes. She was definitely plotting something new.
Come on, Victoria. Let me see what other tricks you have.