Mission Pretty Possible Chapter 15.9 (Patreon)

But another shot back—Don’t get carried away. He probably knows me because of my father.

Ethan swallowed the thought, nodding politely even though his pulse wasn’t polite at all.

Ethan didn’t want to waste a second. If fate had cracked open this door—even an inch—he wasn’t going to stand outside and stare at it.

“Sir,” he said softly, then firmer, “I… I joined this pageant only because I wanted to meet you.”

Maximillian lifted a brow, interested.

Ethan felt his heartbeat move up into his throat. “I’ve always wanted to work with you. On anything. I mean—acting, assisting, even shadowing. I just wanted a chance to learn from you.”

There. It was out. Too raw. Too honest.He instantly regretted the last sentence—he sounded desperate. But maybe desperation was better than regret.

Maximillian didn’t laugh. Or brush it off. He just studied Ethan with this thoughtful, almost fond expression. The kind older men give when they see something fragile trying very hard to be brave.

“You have presence,” Maximillian said finally. “And that’s not something you can teach.”

“I’m tied up for the next six months,” Maximillian continued. “Two films in post-production, one documentary, and a series pilot. But—” he paused, lightly tapping Ethan’s arm, “—come to my office. Soon. I might have something coming up. Something you’d fit very well.”

Fit very well. Ethan repeated it silently like a prayer.

Before he could respond, Sam swooped in—his voice suddenly sugary again. “Thank you soooo much, Mr. Graye! You’re an angel!”

Maximillian only chuckled before walking away.

Ethan stood there—but something in him had shifted. He didn’t win. But he didn’t lose everything either. And for the first time tonight… he wasn’t embarrassed to feel hopeful.