Chapter 37

Jace's POV

There was a brief pause before Serena replied, her voice firm. "I prefer to handle business matters through proper channels, Jace. I believe that's the most professional approach."

I felt my respect for her tick up a notch. No wonder Lucas was so intrigued. "Of course. Let me check Eleanor's schedule and get back to you."

After ending the call, I immediately dialed Lucas. This was too good an opportunity to pass up.

"Harrington speaking," his deep voice came through, all business as usual.

"Hey," I drawled, already anticipating his reaction. "Just had an interesting call from Serena Sinclair. Seems she's interested in working with Eleanor."

The silence on the other end was deafening. I could practically hear him tensing up.

"Oh?" His attempt at casual interest failed miserably. "And what did you tell her?"

"Well, as her *passing acquaintance*," I emphasized the words deliberately, "I told her I'd check Eleanor's schedule."

"Passing acquaintance?" The edge in his voice was exactly what I'd been fishing for. "Since when do you-"

"Got to go, Lucas. Some of us have actual work to do." I hung up, chuckling at his predictable reaction. For someone so composed in business, he was hilariously transparent when it came to Serena.

At the film set later that afternoon, I spotted Eleanor walking past, her usual cool demeanor firmly in place. The way she deliberately avoided looking in my direction.

"Eleanor," I called out, keeping my voice professional. "Got a minute?"

She paused, turning slowly. "What is it?"

"You should be able to wrap by four today," I said, watching her expression carefully. "Serena Sinclair would like to discuss a potential endorsement."

The slight widening of her eyes at Serena's name didn't escape my notice. "Serena? Who? That woman Lucas jumped in to help at the last dinner?"

"The very same." I maintained my casual tone. "I can skip the dinner meeting if you'd prefer to meet with her privately."

Eleanor studied me for a moment, probably trying to decode my motives. Finally, she nodded. "That would be... acceptable."

As I watched her walk away, I pulled out my phone to text Serena the details. Her reply came quickly - a polite request to visit the set beforehand. Another point in her favor; she understood the value of personal touches in business.

Smart woman, I thought, sending her the address. No wonder Lucas is so smitten.

Serena's POV

The buzz of my phone drew my attention away from the reports. Jace had already sent over the film set's location and schedule - his efficiency was a pleasant surprise.

"Vincent," I called through the intercom. "Please arrange for Le Jardin's signature dessert box to be delivered to the film set this afternoon. Have it sent under Eleanor Yates's name."

"Of course, Ms. Sinclair. What time should we plan to leave for the set visit?"

"Three o'clock. Make sure the car's ready." I turned back to my laptop, determined to clear my schedule before the visit.

The drive to Weehawken took longer than expected. I used the time to review quarterly projections, occasionally glancing out at the changing landscape as we left the city behind. The film studio complex emerged gradually - a sprawling collection of buildings and outdoor sets that looked like pieces from different time periods cobbled together.

When we arrived, filming was already in progress. Jace stood behind the monitors, his presence commanding even in casual attire. He acknowledged me with a slight nod - the kind of professional courtesy I appreciated. No need for small talk when work was in progress.

I found myself unexpectedly drawn into the scene unfolding before the cameras. Eleanor Yates stood in period costume, her character caught in what appeared to be an emotional confrontation. The way she conveyed internal struggle through subtle changes in expression was masterful.

Then came the kiss scene. I watched as her co-star leaned in, noted the flicker of hesitation in Eleanor's eyes before she closed them. A single tear traced down her cheek - and then she turned away, breaking character.

"Cut!" Jace called out, his voice firm but not unkind.

"I'm sorry," Eleanor said, quickly wiping away the tear as she addressed the crew. The vulnerability in her voice vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

Jace announced a brief break, and the set burst into organized chaos as crews began resetting for a different scene. That's when Eleanor noticed me.

"Ms. Sinclair," she said, approaching with a warm smile that seemed genuine despite her obvious fatigue. "You're even more striking in person than in the business magazines."

"You're too kind," I replied, matching her tone. "Though I must say, your performance just now was incredible. The emotional depth you brought to that scene..."

She laughed softly. "Are you sure you've never acted? You have the presence for it."

"Trust me, I'll stick to what I know. Speaking of which, regarding the endorsement discussion-"

"Over dinner?" she suggested, dabbing at her face with a tissue. "I actually have a friend joining us - I hope that's not an issue?"

"Not at all."

"And thank you for the desserts," she added. "That was thoughtful."

"Just a small gesture of appreciation for your time."

As I watched her return to her position, I found myself pleasantly surprised. I'd expected more resistance, perhaps even hostility, given the complicated dynamics of the industry. Instead, Eleanor Yates seemed refreshingly straightforward.