Chapter 198

Susan Thompson performed the staged kissing scene effortlessly before the camera.

Having decided to enter the entertainment industry, she understood the need to follow its rules.

Kissing scenes were fundamental for actors. If she couldn't handle this, she might as well quit now.

Alexander Grant's lips merely brushed her cheek—less intimate than a European air kiss.

Yet that fleeting contact sent his heart racing wildly.

His palm rested on her slender waist, fingertips burning. Only his ironclad self-control kept him from crushing her against him.

"Cut!"

Director Cyrus's call eased the tension in Andrew Lucas's rigid posture. His knuckles whitened as he glared at the set.

"Miss Thompson, excellent performance," Director Cyrus rubbed his hands. "But something's missing."

Patrick Pope chimed in, "Authenticity. The fake kiss looks staged."

"Exactly!" The director's eyes lit up. "Lu Bu and Diao Chan's passion should be more intense. This kiss..."

He glanced at Alexander, hesitating.

"Should I demonstrate?" The director immediately regretted his offer and turned to Patrick.

"I'm allergic to pollen!" Patrick covered his mouth, backing away. "Contagious!"

An awkward silence fell.

Patrick pulled the director aside. "Haven't you noticed Mr. Grant's special interest in Miss Thompson?"

The director's eyes widened in realization.

"Then..." he ventured cautiously, "should we switch to a real kiss?"

Alexander remained impassive. "Sacrificing for art is an actor's duty."

Andrew's gaze turned glacial.

"I..." Susan hesitated.

"Any objections, Miss Thompson?" The director leaned forward eagerly.

Andrew stared at her with murderous intensity.

"No problem." Susan took a deep breath. "I have the professionalism expected of any actor."

Those words ignited Andrew's fury completely.