Chapter 188: Chapter 188: I’ve Already Found My Ideal Female Lead

Gabriel Sinclair looked as if he had just heard the most ridiculous joke.

His gaze turned guarded as he looked at Paul Lancaster, and he instinctively pulled Chloe Sinclair behind him.

Chloe was still completely baffled.

But seeing her brother’s reaction, she obediently took a step back.

"Gabriel Sinclair, what’s that supposed to mean?"

Paul Lancaster’s eyes darkened, and his voice took on a dangerous edge.

Gabriel scoffed. "Director Lancaster, don’t think for a second I don’t know what you’re up to. This is my treasured little sister. What am I supposed to do when you make her cry from yelling at her during filming?"

Neither he, his brothers, nor even his father had ever so much as spoken a harsh word to Chloe.

’As if I don’t know what Paul Lancaster is like?’

Sharon Thorne’s acting was more than decent, yet in Director Lancaster’s eyes, she was merely a last resort. It was normal for her to film three scenes a day and be berated to tears three times.

Gabriel wasn’t about to let his sister suffer through that.

"Let me make one thing clear: as long as I live, I will never let my sister shed a single tear. You want her to be in your movie? Dream on!"

Gabriel rejected him flat out, without a moment’s hesitation.

A wave of desperation hit Paul Lancaster. He quickly said, "I know she’s a newcomer. I promise I won’t get angry or yell at her during filming. Just tell me her university and her academic advisor’s name. I’ll go talk to them myself."

Gabriel’s back went ramrod straight when he heard that last part. "Then you’ve got no chance. Her advisor will never agree."

"What do you mean?"

"My sister was the nation’s top scorer on the college entrance exam this year. She got a perfect 750. Right now, she’s the prized possession of the Emberfall University School of Physics. You think they’ll let her go off to shoot a movie? They’ll be the first to shut you down."

Hearing this, the light in Paul Lancaster’s eyes dimmed by half.

He slowly sank into thought.

Hiding behind Gabriel, Chloe finally understood what Director Lancaster was getting at.

To be honest, she was a little surprised that Director Lancaster actually wanted her to act.

’After all, I’m just an outsider.’

’The only reason I came today was because the location is so remote I didn’t have to worry about paparazzi while visiting the set.’

"Director, I’m so sorry, but I’m very busy right now. I’m afraid I can’t accept your invitation."

She was met with only silence.

Chloe had never dealt with someone like Director Lancaster before. Unsure of what to do, she shot a pleading glance at her brother.

Sensing her gaze, Gabriel turned his head slightly and patted Chloe’s shoulder. His voice softened. "It’s fine. Just tell him clearly."

But then he felt he shouldn’t be making the decision for her. "Chloe, I’m not trying to hold you back," he said. "It’s just that filming is exhausting, and Director Lancaster is very demanding. When he yells at you until you’re crying, I won’t be the one wiping your tears."

At his words, Chloe’s gaze flickered back and forth between Gabriel and Director Lancaster.

"I’m sorry..."

Chloe was about to refuse when Director Lancaster cut her off. "Don’t be so quick to say no. Why don’t you watch your brother’s scene first?"

Chloe hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

In her previous life, she had never once visited Gabriel’s set. This being her first time, she found everything novel and fascinating.

Gabriel couldn’t object, so he went to get ready in makeup.

Sharon Thorne, who had been all but forgotten by the group, walked over, supported by her agent.

"Director Lancaster, I’m about to wrap up on my other project. If you’re still looking for a female lead, I can come back to shoot."

"There’s no need. I won’t hire a star I’ve already rejected."

Paul Lancaster certainly lived up to his reputation as the most venom-tongued director in the business.

He bit down hard on the word "star."

Sharon Thorne’s face instantly went white as a sheet.

Then, they heard Director Lancaster add slowly, "Besides, I’ve already found the leading lady I want."