Evil MC's NTR Harem-Chapter 560 - Concept

Mr. Lancaster could hardly believe his eyes. The script in his hands was undeniably well-written—grammatically polished, with sharp dialogue and well-paced scenes. But the plot? It was as cliché as they came.

A poor girl falling in love with a rich man.

How many times had this same tired story been told? He had lost count. There was nothing fresh, nothing unique, nothing that would make this film stand out in an oversaturated market.

He had hoped for something innovative, something that could push boundaries and capture audiences in a new way. Instead, what he held was a recycled romance that had been done a thousand times before.

Lancaster sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. Disappointment settled in his chest like a heavy weight. He read the script again, scanning for anything—anything at all—that might redeem it. But after going through it a second time, then a third, his opinion remained unchanged.

He needed to make a decision.

With a quiet exhale, he picked up his phone and dialed a number. It barely rang three times before the person on the other end answered.

"Have you read the script, Mr. Lancaster?" a smooth, melodious female voice greeted him, as if she had been expecting his call.

Althea Oakley.

Lancaster straightened in his chair, instinctively adjusting his posture. Althea was not just some producer. She was a woman of influence, a name that carried weight in the industry—though, truthfully, not because of her filmmaking experience.

It was her wealth and status that commanded respect. She and her husband had the kind of money that could turn a passion project into a blockbuster overnight, regardless of quality.

"I did," he replied curtly, choosing his words carefully.

There was a brief pause. Then Althea spoke again, her voice carrying a knowing lilt. "And you didn't find it to your liking, I assume."

Lancaster pursed his lips. She was sharp. Too sharp. It was as if she had plucked the thought straight from his mind.

"Yes," he admitted. "I'm sorry to say this, Althea, but this movie won't get you the returns you're hoping for. It lacks originality. There's nothing here that will set it apart from the dozens of similar films flooding the market. If we proceed as is, I doubt it will sell well—if at all."

Althea remained silent for a beat. Then, in an even tone, she asked, "Are you suggesting we revise the script?"

Lancaster took a measured breath. "Yes. At least some revisions. Something to make it fresh, something to elevate it beyond the generic romance trope."

There was a brief chuckle on the other end of the line. It wasn't condescending, nor was it dismissive. Rather, it was amused.

"You don't have to worry about that, Mr. Lancaster," Althea said smoothly. "I'm confident people will enjoy the movie. And if they don't—" she let out a small, airy laugh, "—we simply don't care. This project isn't about money. My husband and I just want to have fun and indulge our creative minds."

Lancaster blinked. For a few moments, he said nothing.

It wasn't the first time he had encountered eccentric clients, but this was on another level. Most investors cared about profits, audience reception, and box office numbers. Yet here was Althea Oakley, casually admitting that financial success didn't matter to her in the slightest.

He couldn't help but grumble internally. The rich truly were something else—unpredictable, indulgent, and at times, utterly baffling. But at the end of the day, he was getting paid regardless of the film's success or failure. If they wanted to throw their money into a passion project, who was he to argue?

"I understand, Althea," he finally said. "Then we'll begin production next month."

"Make it sooner, Mr. Lancaster," she interjected. "My husband is incredibly excited about his first movie, and I don't want to disappoint him."

Lancaster rubbed his temples. It was clear there would be no changing her mind.

"Understood," he said, keeping his voice even.

The conversation wrapped up shortly after, and as he set the phone down, Lancaster leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply.

This was going to be an interesting project.

***

Fifteen days later, the crew gathered for their first day of shooting.

The set was buzzing with energy. Cameramen adjusted their equipment, lighting technicians made last-minute checks, and the sound team ensured everything was in order. Makeup artists and stylists stood by, ready to step in at a moment's notice. The film's production had officially begun.

Aside from Ross, every actor in the cast was a seasoned professional—A-list stars with years of experience and a string of successful films under their belts.

Getting such high-caliber talent had not been an issue; after all, Ross had practically tripled their standard salaries just for them to take part. It was an offer too good to refuse. Even the most skeptical among them had set aside their doubts in favor of a generous paycheck.

Much like Mr. Lancaster, they weren't about to turn down easy money, even if the project itself seemed doomed from the start.

Now, everything was set. The cameras were ready, the production team stood at attention, and the actors were already in their designated spots. But for now, they waited.

Because two crucial people had yet to arrive.

Ross and Althea.

Not only were they the film's lead actors, but they were also the ones bankrolling the entire project. Until they showed up, nothing could begin.

As the minutes dragged on, small pockets of conversation broke out among the actors. Some chatted about their upcoming schedules, others checked their scripts or scrolled through their phones to pass the time. In one corner, a quiet exchange took place between two of the most famous actors present.

"I have to say, I didn't expect to see you here, Cate."

The voice belonged to a tall, sharp-featured man with striking blue eyes and an easy charm about him. Richard was a well-established name in the industry, an actor who had led multiple blockbuster films and television dramas over the years. His presence alone could draw crowds, and he was no stranger to critical acclaim.

Standing beside him was Cate, a breathtakingly beautiful woman with an air of effortless elegance. Like Richard, she was a household name—a veteran actress whose performances had captivated audiences worldwide.

Cate gave him a knowing smirk. "Aren't we all here for the same reason, Richard? The paycheck." She crossed her arms. "I read the script, and let's be honest—it's going to be a complete train wreck."

Richard chuckled. "That bad, huh?"

Cate sighed dramatically. "A romance between a poor girl and a rich man? Please. It's the most overused trope in existence. I doubt even a miracle could save this film."

Richard, however, shook his head. "I guess but i have to disagree with you on your first point though." His expression turned thoughtful. "You might be here for the money, but I'm here for the chance to work with Althea Quinn. Or rather, Althea Oakley now. The money for me is only a secondary reason. A bonus you might say."

Cate raised an eyebrow. "You're actually excited about this?"

Updat𝒆d fr𝑜m freewebnøvel.com.

"Of course," Richard said without hesitation. "This is my first time working with her, and I don't intend to waste the opportunity. She's been called the best actress of the century for a reason. I'd be a fool not to take advantage of the chance to learn from her."

Cate rolled her eyes. "I highly doubt her husband would take kindly to you simping over his wife."

Richard scoffed. "What do you mean simp? I'm just here to work with a talented actress. Nothing more, nothing less."

Despite his protest, his eyes kept darting toward the entrance of the stadium, as if waiting for a glimpse of the woman in question.

Cate, on the other hand, had a different kind of interest. She had read about Ross Oakley, and while many dismissed him as just another rich man playing filmmaker, she found him intriguing.

He was an enigma—a lottery winner turned viral sensation, a man with an unpredictable streak, someone whose presence alone seemed to attract controversy and attention.

Unlike Richard, Cate wasn't as interested in Althea. No, her curiosity lay elsewhere.

Before she could dwell on it further, a shift in the atmosphere caught her attention.

The murmuring conversations around them quieted. Heads turned toward the entrance. A subtle but unmistakable tension filled the air.

They had arrived.

Ross and Althea entered the stadium together, and the effect was instantaneous.

All eyes were drawn to them.

It felt as if the space shrank the moment the two of them stepped into the spotlight.

Althea looked effortlessly stunning, her modest dress doing little to downplay her undeniable allure. Meanwhile, Ross, though not conventionally handsome, carried himself with an imposing presence.

His tall, broad frame exuded a quiet but unmistakable menace—an aura that warned others to tread carefully.

This was not just a man with wealth.

This was a man with power.