The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

Astrid immediately saw the man, who quickly stood up after seeing them enter. He appeared to be in his mid-20s, with shaggy brown hair that partially covered his eyes. His clothes hung loosely on his thin frame, giving him a somewhat disheveled appearance.

His hands fidgeted at his sides as he attempted to maintain a composed demeanor. Despite his visible nervousness, he made an effort to stand tall and meet their gaze, revealing a brave attempt to appear confident in the face of his anxiety.

So, this was Jimmy McCann.

Although he looked quite young, from what Astrid had heard from Ellis, the new director was actually in his late 30s already. But considering the life span in this era was, that was still on the younger side.

Anyway, considering his age, one would think that he shouldn't be just a fresh graduate director. However, Ellis explained that he initially pursued scriptwriting before transitioning into directing.

Based on the script Astrid read, Jimmy McCann clearly had a talent for writing. He could definitely make a living just from that. Considering she had never heard his name before, it meant that he hadn't tried to sell his scripts to any film studios. Given the quality of his work, he would likely have already been popular if he had.

The fact that he didn't and continued to study filmmaking instead showed great dedication.

It meant that he wanted to adapt the script he wrote himself.

When Astrid found out about that, the image he had of the new director was that of someone who was a bit proud and very confident. But the person he's looking at now didn't have that image at all. Instead, it was the complete opposite.

"Hello, Director McCann. Sorry we're late," Ellis said, walking towards the other, offering her hand. "I'm Ellis Payne."

"Oh, it's fine. I didn't wait that long," Jimmy said, quickly accepting Ellis' hand and shaking it. "Nice to meet you, Miss Payne."

Astrid heard the other's voice shake a bit, clearly showing his nervousness. But the fact that he managed to speak without stuttering showed a commendable level of composure and determination. It was evident that, despite his anxiety, he was striving to present himself confidently.

That's very commendable in Astrid's opinion.

He walked towards the other and also offered his hand. "Hello, Director. This is Astrid Townsend."

"Oh, yes, hi." The director also immediately shook Astrid's hand.

Ellis gestured for the director to sit down. The three of them took their seats on the sofas designated for visitors in the office. Jimmy sat on one sofa, and Ellis and Astrid sat on the opposite.

"Ahm, you called me about my script, [The Shadow Within]," the director started. "May I ask if Polaris has plans to buy it? Because I have to be honest, I have no intention of selling it to any entertainment company or film studio."

His voice, in that last part, was much firmer compared to how he spoke initially. Astrid raised an eyebrow at that, not out of criticism, but in appreciation of how clearly the other knew what he wanted.

"Don't worry, Director McCann, we have no plans for that whatsoever," Ellis assured him. "I contacted you because our Astrid here wants to act in the script you wrote — [The Shadow Within]."

The director showed a surprised expression, and then shortly, a complicated one. "May I ask which character?"

This time, it was Astrid who answered, "The doctor."

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"Has the mansion been clean thoroughly? How about the food? Are the ingredients all fresh?" Anthony asked the steward of the Grimaldi family's main mansion.

"Yes, Your Grace, everything is in order," the steward replied.
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"Tell the chefs that I want this dinner to be absolutely delicious, and they should prepare the dishes from the list I gave them."

After a few more reminders, Anthony finally let the steward to go out of his office.

He then stood up and walked to the window, gazing out of it. After a while, he let out a long sigh. He didn't know if it was from nervousness, excitement, or maybe even both.

Anthony knew that his sons had met the twins. From the little Thomas had shared, it seemed the twins didn't harbor any resentment towards them. However, that wasn't necessarily a good thing, as their feelings appeared to be rooted in indifference.

Being hated would have at least meant the twins felt something toward them, but indifference indicated they didn't think much of them at all. Or maybe they only felt that way towards him and Thomas? More so for him. Because from what he heard, the twins were very welcoming towards Cassius and Nicol.

That was better than them being completely on guard against the rest of them.

Anthony actually wanted to meet the two as well. But he felt like he didn't have the right to.

To stand in front of them and ask for their forgiveness felt like the height of shamelessness. But to not do anything would be to carry the burden of overwhelming guilt, a weight heavier than any shame.

He was thinking of the right timing to do it, but before he could, Nicol suddenly informed him earlier that Astrid would be coming here to have dinner with them. That's why Anthony immediately called the steward to ask him to prepare the mansion thoroughly to welcome a very important guest.

He also planned to send someone to pick up Astrid directly, but Nicol informed him that Astrid had sent a message saying his agent would drive him here. As if he was seemingly aware that someone here would try to arrange for him to be picked up.

Looking at the sky already turning orange-red, Anthony was filled with all kinds of emotions. In just an hour or so, he would meet Astrid. It would not be the same as when he met him during the launch party, or during his photoshoot.

This time, they would meet knowing that one was the grandfather and the other the grandson.