The Return Of the Invincible Heiress
Chapter 184

Chapter 184: Chapter 184

Luna was shocked. "Someone actually gave up on Mr. Levine’s movie?"

"Tell me about it!" the cinematographer ranted. "According to the contract, that guy was supposed to be on set for two months, with one month dedicated to military training—but he quit after just a week, claiming he was ’unwell.’ The truth? He went to film a romance drama instead."

Avery’s curiosity was piqued. Quirky Steve real name Steve Levine—was a renowned director, famous for his action-packed films: self-defense, gunfights, police procedurals, and more. As a screenwriter, she couldn’t help but ask, "With Mr. Levine’s reputation, plenty of actors would jump at the chance. How can’t he find a replacement?"

The cinematographer explained that the role was a crucial supporting part—minimal screen time but demanding physical scenes. The actor had to perform intense combat sequences in harsh locations: deserts, mountains, forests, and snow-capped peaks.

"Regular actors can’t handle the training or the conditions," he said. "Plus, Steve’s standards are sky-high. He needs someone with a soldier’s physique, discipline, and photogenic appeal. With time, he might find the right person, but the dramatic scenes are already shot—only the action sequences remain. Every day of delay costs six to seven figures. He’s desperate."

Avery’s eyes lit up. ’Isn’t Zayn the perfect fit?’

Avery unlocked her phone and searched for the crew list of ’Boundary Strike’, Quirky Steve’s new film. She spotted a familiar name—Kevin Cohen, one of the assistant directors—in her iMessage contacts.

’Perfect.’

She posted a photo of Zayn hitting a punching bag on Facebook with the caption:

"A true tough soldier—still training every day after retiring from the army."

She set the visibility to ’"Only Kevin."’

When she returned to the villa that night, Kevin still hadn’t responded. So, she uploaded a video of Zayn training, this time with the caption:

"Looks even cooler and more photogenic in motion. Shame he’s not in movies."

Again, she restricted it to Kevin.

After showering, she returned to her room and found a message waiting:

[Kevin]: ’Samira, that veteran you posted looks incredible. The film I’m working on needs an action actor. Can you tell me more about him? We’d like to invite him for an audition.’

Avery grinned and typed back:

"He’s a real veteran—Hero’s Medal recipient. I’ve only known him a few days, so I’m not sure if he’s interested. Are you serious about this?"

[Kevin]: ’Dead serious. I showed Mr. Levine the photo and video. He thinks we should give it a shot.’

[Avery]: ’I’ll ask him. If he’s open to it, I’ll share his number.’

[Kevin]: ’Thanks, Samira. We’re on a tight schedule—please ask ASAP.’

[Avery]: ’How urgent is it? What’s the shoot duration, and what’s the pay range?’

Zayn had been "resting" the past few days, but Avery noticed him scrolling through job listings, start-up loans, and company registration guides. Sometimes, he even calculated figures on his phone—likely estimating business costs.

’He won’t settle for being a driver or security guard,’ she realized. ’He wants to build something of his own.’

[Kevin replied]: ’No military training needed—he can join immediately. Shoot duration: 1-2 months. Given the physical demands, pay starts at $100K+. Negotiable if he performs well.’

[Avery]: ’Got it. I’ll talk to him.’

At 9 PM, Josir was watching TV in the lobby while Zayn did flawless planks in the second-floor living room—so still he resembled a four-legged bench.

Hearing footsteps, Zayn opened his eyes. "Avery. You’re here."

"Good evening, Zayn." She clasped her hands behind her back. "I know a director filming a military action movie. They need someone who can fight, endure hardship, and handle firearms. Shoot’s 1-2 months. Interested?"

Zayn shook his head. "People should stick to their expertise. I’ve never acted—I won’t ruin the audience’s experience."

"The role’s only 10 minutes of screen time," Avery countered. "Just fighting and gunfights. You’d basically play yourself."

Another headshake. ’"Too specialized. I’m not confident."

Avery played her trump card: "Pay’s $100K minimum—and negotiable."

Zayn’s head snapped up. "Before or after tax?"

"Didn’t ask, but given the film’s budget, likely after tax."

"If it’s post-tax... I’ll consider it." In one fluid motion, he sprang to his feet. "How do I contact them?"

Avery forwarded Zayn’s number to Kevin, adding:

"His last name’s Carter."

Zayn’s phone rang instantly.

The siblings exchanged glances. ’That was fast.’

Zayn took the call on the balcony while Avery retreated to the study, confident he could handle the rest.

Over the next few days, Zayn studied relentlessly:

- Watched war/action films, pausing to take notes.

- Practiced lines, expressions, and fight choreography.

- Disappeared for hours—likely prepping in secret.

Finally, he announced at dinner:

"I signed on for ’Boundary Strike’. Playing a soldier. Shooting starts soon—will take about two months."

The family stared in shock.

Wesley: ’"Is this crew legitimate? No shady clauses?"’

Claire: ’"Will it be dangerous? Did you sign already?"’

Arthur: ’"Did a lawyer review the contract? We know a good one."’

Alaric (excited): ’"Zayn, a celebrity?! Watch out for industry ’unspoken rules’!"’

Zayn reassured them: "Reputable director, fair pay. I reviewed everything—it’s solid."

The news spread to the family group chat. Jaden called immediately:

"Isn’t this kind of filming dangerous?"

"I’m playing a special forces soldier—basically myself," Zayn said. "Compared to actual combat, this is nothing."

Jaden offered to assist, but Zayn refused: "The crew’s huge. I’ll manage. Focus on the restaurant."

Overhearing the call, Luna intervened:

"Your brother’s a first-time actor, right? I can coach him. My manager, Horace, can brief him on industry norms."

Jaden accepted gratefully. For the next three days, Luna and Horace drilled Zayn on acting basics—holding nothing back.

Zayn flew to an island to film prison-break scenes. Unbeknownst to him, Louis (Alexander’s aide) had "suggested" to the film’s investors that Zayn be treated well.

The main investor visited set, watching Zayn all day. Before leaving, he told Steve:

"That newcomer’s impressive. Nurture him—we may work together again."

He then added $4M to the budget, demanding top-tier action scenes.

Steve, catching the hint, agreed: "My thoughts exactly. He’s got potential."

Zayn, oblivious, just focused on his role.

On November 22, Alexander waited until 10 AM before texting Avery with feigned casualness:

[Alexander]: ’Miss Carter, today’s my birthday. Are you free tonight? I’d like to treat you to...’

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