From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots novel Chapter 82

82 Full–Blown Fallout

“Mr. Stanley, it had to be you after all.

“Looks like she really changed her mind.

Stanley let out a cold laugh, his expression full of smug certainty as he reached into his bag for his phone.

Luke snorted. “Why’s she calling instead of showing up? Must’ve run off too fast and got all sweaty and embarrassed. Doesn’t want you to see her like that.”

He glanced around.

Stanley pulled out his phone, but when he saw the caller ID, his expression froze.

It was Mr. Raymond.

“Luke, it’s Mr. Raymond! What do I do?”

Luke rushed over. “Let me see–holy shit, it really is!”

“Scarlett must’ve seen you were mad and took the script to the director herself. Now Mr. Raymond’s calling to beg you to take the lead role.”

Stanley couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face.

Mr. Raymond was second only to Mr. Grayson, who had ties to the Lane family. If Stanley had his backing, his career was still set to soar.

“Guess she has a shred of conscience left.”

“Hmph. But if she thinks this is enough to make me forgive her, she’s got another thing coming. She really thinks my temper is that easy to cool?”

“Save it for later,” Luke said, pointing at the phone. “Answer it. Let’s hear if he’s giving you the lead or second lead.”

Stanley pursed his lips, still annoyed. “If it’s not the lead, I’m not interested.”

Luke said nothing. Who the hell still picked and chose like that at a time like this?

Then again, with a sister like Scarlett, maybe he really could afford to be picky.

To show off his influence, Stanley turned on the speaker and answered.

“Mr. Raymond, hello.”

“Stanley, right?”

Stanley nodded instinctively, then quickly realized the other party couldn’t see him. “Yes, yes, that’s me. You

“I’m calling to inform you that your previously scheduled cameo is no longer needed.”

Stanley was confused.

G

Chapter 82 Full Blown Fallout.

What?

Did he hear that right?

There was a one–episode cameo he’d agreed to, only because the leads were major stars. Luke had talker him into it as a chance to network. He’d reluctantly agreed. The schedule had been delayed due to one of the leads having family issues, and the contract hadn’t been signed yet.

It wasn’t even a real paycheck–barely one or two grand. He hadn’t cared.

Now

that Mr. Raymond was bringing it up, was it because Scarlett gave him a new script and requested Stanley for the lead, creating a scheduling conflict?

If that were the case…

Of course he’d drop the cameo and focus on the lead role.

“Mr. Raymond, whatever you decide–I’ll go with it.”

Mr. Raymond chuckled coldly.

“Good. Saves me from wasting more breath.”

Stanley felt the tone shift and quickly asked, “Mr. Raymond, so what role will I be playing?”

Mr. Raymond–sounded annoyed. “How the hell would I know?”

Stanley blinked. “I’m sorry… Mr. Raymond, are you joking?”

“You think I have time for jokes?” Mr. Raymond swore under his breath.

“Mr. Raymond, wait–didn’t The Dreamer send you a script? It’s me, Stanley. Didn’t she request me for the lead or second lead?”

Mr. Raymond nearly exploded.

“And who the hell do you think you are? You think The Dreamer would waste her time on someone like you?”

He paused, as if putting things together.

“No wonder The Dreamer suddenly pulled out of our collaboration. It was because I’d cast a Joyner with a garbage reputation.”

“So I’m cutting ties with every Joyner on the spot.”

“And what do you know, the first call I make hits the root of the problem.”

“You pissed off The Dreamer. As far as I’m concerned, you’re blacklisted. Don’t even let me see your face- I’d consider it bad luck.”

Click.

He hung up before Stanley could get in a single word.

Stanley stood frozen, clutching the phone, stunned. It took him a long moment to process what had just,

Chapter 82 Full Blown Fallout

happened.

Luke was too shocked to speak.

Before he could ask what happened, his own phone started blowing up with messages.

He scrolled through them–calls, texts, and emails from their company executives, one after another

The gist was clear, cut ties with Stanley immediately. The company would eat the penalty fee.

Even an idiot could see what had happened.

Everything Scarlett said outside Darian Hall had been real.

She really meant to sever ties with the Joyner family.

And since neither of them took the hint, she sent a very direct warning.

It was brutal.

Another buzz.

Luke checked the message. It was from a colleague he was fairly close to.

“Luke, you better get back here now. The boss is pissed. Of all the people to piss off, you just had to pick someone with real power. But The Dreamer said your mistake wasn’t too big. If you hurry back and apologize, they might still give you a chance.”

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