Chapter 720 - 720: [THE SHADOW WITHIN] SCRIPT READING (I)

ASTRID got into Ellis’ car and closed the door behind him. He’d just finished his afternoon class, and Ellis was picking him up because today was the script reading for [The Shadow Within]. Filming would start next week, so they needed to do the read-through while everyone was available. After days of coordinating, this was finally the day all the cast members’ schedules lined up.

Since Director McCann didn’t have his own office yet, Ellis suggested holding the script reading at Polaris instead. That’s where they were headed now.

Astrid felt a quiet thrill as they drove to the script reading. He’d chosen this role carefully after reading the script for the first time. [The Shadow Within] was exactly the kind of story he loved, and now he couldn’t wait to bring it to life. The excitement hummed under his skin, the good kind that reminded him why he loved acting.

He and Ellis filled the drive with easy conversation—his upcoming schedule, what people were saying about him online, the steady success of [Serendipitous Summer]. Between the talk, the trip passed quickly, and soon they were pulling up to the Polaris building.

They stepped out of the car and into the Polaris building, the familiar lobby buzzing with quiet activity. The elevator ride up was smooth, Astrid leaning slightly against the wall as the floors ticked by. When the doors opened, they followed the hallway to one of the conference rooms—its glass door already slightly ajar, with voices coming from inside.

Ellis pushed the door open, and they stepped inside. Director McCann sat at the table, his hair just as messy and clothes just as rumpled as usual. Beside him stood Rhett Archer – tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp cheekbones and a piercing stare that made him look like a gangster. When Ellis and Astrid entered, both men rose from their seats, McCann offering a tired smile, while Rhett broke into an easy grin that softened his intimidating features.

Director McCann pushed himself up from his chair. “Miss Payne, Astrid, it’s good to see you again,” he said, scratching at his stubble. “I heard about [Serendipitous Summer] still doing well in theaters. Congratulations.”

Astrid gave the director a smile. “Thank you.”

The director turned slightly and motioned toward the tall man standing beside him. “Let me introduce you two properly. Astrid, this is Rhett Archer – he’ll be playing Detective Lewis. Rhett, this is Astrid Townsend, our Dr. Stevens.”

Rhett stepped forward with that easy grin of his and extended his hand. “It’s great to finally meet you,” he said. “And congratulations on your movie’s success – I caught it last week, and you were fantastic.”

Astrid accepted the handshake. “That’s very kind of you to say,” he answered. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”

“Me as well.”

And Rhett meant every word. He genuinely admired the young man standing in front of him. Astrid hadn’t even been in the industry a full year, yet he’d already made it to the top 100 of the [Star List]. He’d landed a lead role, too, and while the movie wasn’t some big-budget blockbuster, its steady success at the box office proved Astrid had real star power.

Sure, his looks helped. But what he’d achieved in such a short time? That only happened if you had talent. Because let’s be honest, a pretty face could only take you so far.

And with this new movie, even though Rhett was the lead, he wasn’t fooling himself—he knew he wouldn’t be the main draw for audiences. The more popular Astrid became, the better it was for the film. At the end of the day, that’s what would help guarantee the movie’s success.

When Rhett first read the script for [The Shadow Within], he could tell right away it had potential. With the right studio, a skilled director, and a solid cast, it could be something special. But when he learned it would be an independent film, that hope for success nearly disappeared. Still, he auditioned anyway—because he knew this might be his last real shot at making a name for himself. All he could do then was hope it would turn out better than he expected.

And it did. In the form of one Astrid Townsend.

Finding out Astrid would play one of the movie’s most important supporting roles felt like being thrown a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean—like suddenly being saved from drowning.

With Astrid’s current popularity, having him in the movie would instantly grab people’s attention. And that first bit of notice was all this project needed to succeed—it would give the film a real chance. As long as the whole cast gave it their best, there was no way this movie would fail. And Rhett would be damned if he didn’t pull his own weight to make sure of that.

***

Once all the cast members had arrived and exchanged introductions, they took their seats around the table. After a few minutes of casual chatter and flipping through scripts, the director cleared his throat, and they started the script reading.

“Let’s start with Scene 5,” Director McCann announced from his seat at the head of the table.

In the script, Scene 5 depicted Detective Lewis visiting Dr. Stevens’ hospital office to question him about the first victim, who had been the doctor’s patient. The scene showed the detective arriving unannounced, demanding answers, while Dr. Stevens remained professionally cooperative—calm, composed, and transparent in his responses.

Rhett straightened in his chair, his voice dropping lower as he read his lines. “Dr. Stevens?” he said, sounding every bit the rough detective. “I’m Detective Lewis. Did you know a Miranda Kessler?”

Astrid’s expression shifted slightly from the initial annoyance of having someone suddenly barging into his office at the mention of the familiar name. “Yes,” he said, his usual calm voice now carrying a quiet tension. “She was my patient.” A faint crease appeared between his eyebrows as he waited for what came next.

Rhett paused just long enough to let the words settle before continuing, his tone grim. “Then I’m sorry to tell you she was found dead this morning.”

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