Chapter 430

Vincent's presence radiated a sudden frost that weighed heavily in the air. He advanced a step, silently shielding Hannah behind him. Clearly, something was wrong with this film crew.

Hannah's chest tightened as she also perceived a powerful warning of looming danger. These people probably weren't up to any good-they had inevitably gotten into trouble.

Just as the unease reached its height, Vincent's fingers subtly contracted, prepared for any abrupt escalation.

The director broke into another laugh. Yet this time, his grin carried the sharp wit and shrewdness befitting a calculating merchant. Unhurried, he withdrew a finely designed business card from his coat and extended it to Vincent, remarking, "Calm down! Calm down! What I'm pointing out is that fate arranged our meetingat this place. What a striking gentleman, and what a beautiful lady! Would you consider joining my company as actors? If you're willing, I guarantee you both will be leading stars in our next film! How does that sound? It's a rare chance countless people would claw their way to obtain!"

Hearing such words, Tom and Nadia, who had been desperate for an opportunity like this, cast jealous glances toward Vincent and Hannah.

Vincent and Hannah traded a brief look, each recognizing in the other the same surprise and a slightly ridiculous sense of relief. They were invited to their film crew for their good looks. And the crew had no intention of detaining them.

Hannah let out an imperceptible breath and shook her head, declining politely. "Appreciate it, but that path isn't within my career plans."

The director, unbothered, shifted his focus toward Vincent with even brighter expectation. "And you? Young man,with your appearance and nice build, join us, and I assure you fame will follow!"

Vincent's expression stayed stone-like, his reply distant and cold. "Not interested." The actors nearby reacted with shock, especially Tom and Nadia.

The director's grin wavered faintly, yet he clearly wasn't ready to stop trying. Changing his approach, he continued, "How about doing me a small favor? Just a short scene for a few minutes! The script needs a loving pair, and you two seem like a couple. You could simply act as you normally do."

"You're mistaken. He and I are not a couple," Hannah corrected immediately. "We can't help."

But Vincent changed his mind and suddenly said, "Why not? We had been husband and wife for five years,hadn't we?"

That statement stirred the quiet crew into murmurs, gasps, and teasing laughter. Their gazes filled with gossip and curiosity.

Hannah knit her brows, confused at Vincent's abrupt willingness to cooperate with the film crew.

The director, sensing Vincent's potential consent, lit up with excitement and turned pleading eyes to Hannah. "See, he's agreed! Could you do me a favor? I'll arrange a car to send you back immediately after shooting! How does that sound? Out here, there's no taxi to be found, correct?"

Hannah met Vincent's gaze and replied firmly, "If he's set on acting, find him another actress. Count me out."

Vincent reached out and clasped Hannah's wrist. "The only one I want is you."

"Yes, yes!" the director chimed in quickly, face brimming with mirth and tone edged with playful teasing.

"Only you can embody his wife's role. No one else can deliver that feeling!"

Hannah flashed the director an annoyed look.

Sensing her displeasure at being paired with Vincent, the director hurriedly clarified, "I meant only for the role on screen! When it's done, I'll have a car ready to send you back immediately! You have my word!"

Hannah exhaled.Dragging it out longer was pointless. They did need a ride back at that moment.

At last, Hannah relented. "Wonderful!" the director exclaimed with delight, instantly instructing the crew assistant. "Quickly! Get them into the wardrobe and apply light makeup!"

The short script portrayed Vincent and Hannah as a couple married for a year, college friends of the film's main leads.

Their scenes together carried sweetness, yet the filming process proved difficult. Hannah stumbled repeatedly, as the director noted her eyes lacked affection.

As exhaustion grew, the director adjusted the plan, switching focus to close shots of Vincent.

The sequence closed with Hannah resting lightly against Vincent.

Crew members laughed, remarking how naturally suited they looked as partners.

When the director finally called the shoot to a close, Hannah instantly sprang from Vincent's arms as if burned by sudden flame. The gentle smile disappeared, replaced with her usual aloofness.

Vincent observed her rapid shift, sorrow flickering briefly in his gaze before he composed himself again.

A producer watching the monitor repeated her comments about how perfect Vincent and Hannah seemed together. She even asked Hannah, "Your husband isremarkably handsome. Why did you get divorced? Such a waste!"