Chapter 794

Natalie raised her glass toward Hamilton. "Mr. Amos, thank you for providing the venue for our shoot. A toast to you."

With that, she downed the wine in a single gulp.

Hamilton's lips twitched slightly before he slowly lifted his gaze to meet hers. His eyes were dark and freezing. Even with the faint smirk playing on his lips, the expression only made his handsome features look that much more sinister.

"I'm the one who should be toasting you."

"You're too kind, Mr. Amos."

"To your happy marriage."

Natalie's lips tightened. "Thank you."

Hamilton actually lifted his glass high in the air before downing it completely.

"This is your first lead role since your comeback, isn't it?"

Natalie stared back at him, already guessing what game he was playing.

"But I don't think you're qualified to be the lead."

With a soft scoff, Hamilton turned his attention to Benson.

"Benson, let me recommend someone to you."

"Huh?"

Before Benson could process the sudden shift, Maria stepped out of the car and glided toward their table. She wore a perfectly poised, elegant smile the exact persona she meticulously maintained—but as her eyes flicked to Natalie, a flash of smug provocation betrayed her.

She walked right up to Hamilton's side, poured herself a glass of wine, and raised it toward Benson.

"Hold on," Benson said, raising a hand to stop Maria before she could drink. "Mr. Amos, what exactly are you implying?"

Hamilton raised an eyebrow. "Was I not clear enough?"

Benson shook his head. "I didn't understand a single word."

"Then I'll be blunt." Hamilton took a blunt.

slow sip of his wine. "I don't believe Ms. Tayloris fit to carry the female lead. She's a massive liability, just like she was six years ago. To ensure your hard work doesn't go up infames ighly recommend Maria step in and take over the role."

Natalie clenched her fists. This was exactly what had happened six years ago. He paraded Maria around, snatching away her rotes one by one. He was her husband back then, yet he constantly stood by another woman, acting as her ultimate

backer while crushing his own wife's career.

That familiar surge of fury flooded her veins again. But this time, it was entirely devoid of the crushing disappointment and heartbreak she had felt back then. He was no longer her husband.

"So this dinner is a setup," Benson said, clicking his tongue and shaking his head.

"In that case, there's no reason for us to keep eating."

With that, Benson stood up from the table.

"Benson, you're still not getting it. What I'm saying is that I will finance this movie. However much backing you need, just name your price."

"I think you're the one not getting it, Mr. Amos. Let me be blunt: we are not recasting the lead. Ms. Taylor is the only person for this role."

Hamilton's brow furrowed, shooting a lethal glare at the director. "I said I would fund

it."

"We don't need your money. You might not know this, but Penelope Laurier already gave us all the financial backing we need."

Hamilton ground his teeth. "Have you considered that even if you burn through all your money and effort shooting this film, it might never see the light of day?"

"Are you threatening to sabotage our release?"

"Hmph!"

"Then I definitely have to stick with Ms. Taylor. I absolutely despise industry bullies.

I'll fight this alongside her until the very end."

Without missing a beat, Benson turned and shouted to the entire crew: "Alright, everyone, dinner's over! Pack up the gear! We're being kicked out!"