Desire Investment System

The veranda doors opened, and two women stepped into the garden.

The first was Juliana Everen. Age had softened her into grace instead of stealing from her. Short, wavy auburn hair framed her pale face, and red eyes glowed with warmth behind a smile that carried decades of stage experience.

She wore a cream silk shirt with buttoned sleeves and a long red skirt. Subtle jewelry at her ears and wrist added to the look. It was modest but unmistakably expensive, quiet luxury that whispered instead of shouted.

The second woman didn't whisper anything. Elaria Allen walked beside her like she owned the air.

Honey-blonde hair was held back by a pair of oversized sunglasses pushed into it. A gold chain sat heavy at her neck. Diamond earrings glittered in her lobes.

Her dress was tight, crimson, cut to show her curves. Her heels were sharp enough to stab the marble tiles if she wanted. Every piece screamed wealth, power, and the need for attention.

Jace rose to his feet. His white shirt was crisp against black slacks, blazer draped carelessly over the chair behind him.

Beside him, Elizabeth stood reluctantly. Her fitted navy dress was neat, posture stiff. She whispered, "We could have stood later. Now it'll look like we're desperate."

Jace didn't answer. The instant his eyes found Elaria, his jaw clenched. A vein stood hard at his temple. His hands curled into fists before he forced them to relax against the table.

Heat coursed through him. The woman who had destroyed Camila's life was standing a few feet away, smiling arrogantly.

Elaria's lips twisted into a smug curve. "You didn't have to stand. We're not royalty."

Elizabeth gave a small, awkward laugh. Her hand tightened into a fist under the tablecloth.

Juliana stepped forward, voice soft, steady. "Ms. Elizabeth, it's been too long." Her smile was genuine, a simple kindness in her tone.

Elizabeth's anger thinned a little. "Yes, it has. I hope you've been well."

Juliana only smiled again, leaving the words to hang.

Elaria tilted her head, eyes glittering. "Oh, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth's brows drew tight, but she kept her tone polite. "Yes?"

Elaria smirked. "Who's this man?"

Elizabeth glanced at Jace, lips parting to answer, but he stepped in smoothly.

His tone carried polite charm. "Forgive me. I was a bit dazed meeting the actress my late mother admired so much."

Juliana's smile softened. "I'm sorry to hear that. She must have been a remarkable woman."

Jace gave a small smile.

Elaria cut in, sharp as a blade. "Pretty boy, enough flattery. You still haven't introduced yourself. And…" Her gaze narrowed, lips still in a smug curl. "Something about you feels familiar."

Jace's jaw tightened. His rage coiled but he held it steady. "Sorry I forgot. I'm Jace Cromwell. CEO of the company that launched the Miracle face cream. And lead actor of A Dark Destiny."

Juliana's eyes lit with recognition. "Ah, that explains it. My husband and I watched the series. He really enjoyed the twist."

"I'm glad you liked it," Jace answered simply.

Elaria's eyes narrowed. "But I think we have met bef—"

Elizabeth cut her off sharply. "Ms. Juliana, why don't you sit down?"

The edge in her tone landed. Elaria's eyes flickered, irritation clear, but she didn't argue. She dropped into the chair, and crossed her leg.

Juliana sat as well, her posture composed. "Ms. Elizabeth, please tell us, why did you call for this meeting?"

Elizabeth hesitated, glancing at Jace, from her chair.

He leaned forward. "I wanted to present you with a role, Ms. Juliana. As the lead actress in my upcoming project."

He reached into the leather bag at his side and placed the script on the table.

Juliana took it silently, eyes lowering to the pages. Elaria leaned closer and began reading as well.

For ten long minutes, the garden was quiet except for the occasional turn of paper.

At last, Juliana's eyes lifted, her voice touched with quiet astonishment. "This is extraordinary. The characters are well written, and the emotions carry weight."

Even Elaria, reluctant, admitted, "This could bring hundreds of millions. Maybe even billions."

Elizabeth's brow creased, curious at what Jace had handed them.

Jace spoke again, voice calm, confident. "There's also a proposal. How about we make this a joint production between K.F. and L.V. Entertainment?"

Elizabeth's head snapped toward him, voice dropping to a harsh whisper. "What?"

He ignored her, gaze steady on Juliana. "And if you accept, Ms. Juliana, I'd like you as the female lead. And I'll take the male lead role myself."

Juliana faltered. "But… it's a romance piece, with explicit scenes. My husband would—"

Elaria cut her off with a sharp laugh. "Oh please. I'll handle him. Jully, you have to do this."

Then her eyes slid toward Elizabeth, sharp and gloating. "I admit, I was jealous of your last successful webseries. But who would've thought I'd end up with the very writer for my next one?"

Elizabeth's lips curved in a forced smile. "Is that so…" Her fingers dug into her skirt beneath the table.

Jace stood smoothly, extending his hand toward Elaria. "Then, I take it the deal is sealed?"

Elaria didn't rise. Her gaze swept over him slowly before she placed her hand in his with deliberate laziness. "No one's cocky enough to shake hands with me. You better work hard, and don't drag my name down."

Jace met her arrogance with polite calm. "I'll try my best."

'I hope you enjoy what I'll be preparing for you.' His crimson eyes flickered, cruel amusement hidden behind them.

Moments later, Juliana and Elaria left, their heels clicking against the marble as the doors shut behind them.

Elizabeth snatched up the script. Her eyes darted through the pages, and fury flared across her face.

She suddenly grabbed Jace by the collar. "You didn't mention anything about production! Do you think I can authorize this? I'm a figurehead with no power!"

Jace's smile cooled. "Ms. Elizabeth." For a moment his expression darkened.

She flinched.

Then his hand gripped her wrists tight. His voice turned sharp, cold.

"REMOVE YOUR HANDS."

A chill ran down her spine, her body betraying her even as she tried to stand firm. Her grip weakened and slipped away.

He shoved her hands away, straightening his shirt with unhurried calm.

"We'll match their investment," he said flatly.

Elizabeth's eyes widened. "You're insane. However talented you are, my father will never let someone with barely a year's experience handle a Two Hundred Million dollar project."

Jace's hand rose to her shoulder. He leaned in, his breath brushing her ear.

Elizabeth stiffened, startled.

Jace smirked, his tone low and dark. "Don't worry about the money. Just do one last thing. Fix a meeting with your father."

Her throat tightened. She swallowed hard, caught between anger and unease as his gaze held her, unwavering.