Chapter 965

After drinking and singing, neither Austin nor Hank felt the slightest bit sleepy. They decided to have another round of drinks.

“I’ve rescheduled tomorrow’s daytime activities, but the evening ones are non-negotiable. Check the schedule for any issues,” Hank said, handing Austin the plans.

Austin quickly skimmed the schedule. “Everything looks good. We’ll stick to this.”

“There’s an interview after the event. Just be yourself; those small interviews are easy for you,” Hank said, confident in Austin’s abilities. He’d been confident for years, yet remained uneasy about Austin’s romantic entanglements.

“Natalie seemed oblivious today. Doesn’t she realize your feelings?” Hank was exasperated by Natalie’s lack of awareness.

Austin’s expression darkened. “She’s just emerged from a difficult situation with Jeremy. It’s understandable that she’s guarded. Maybe she’ll come around.”

“Speaking of Jeremy, I get the feeling he’s still hung up on Natalie, but he’s hard to read,” Hank frowned. He worried that even if Natalie reciprocated Austin’s feelings, Jeremy would intervene.

Austin gave a noncommittal hum.

Hank raised an eyebrow. He was fretting about Jeremy’s potential actions, while Austin seemed unconcerned. He glanced around the opulent mansion. "This place isn't something money can easily buy," he mused. "Austin, after all these years, tell me straight—who are you?"

Austin gave him a cool glance. “I’m your meal ticket.”

Hank muttered a curse and said, “I’m going to bed.”

The next day, Natalie and Skylar woke at 11:00 a.m. Skylar had a headache.

“You too? Mine’s terrible! I knew I shouldn’t have drunk so much. It always gives me a headache,” Natalie complained, adding that she could eat anything but shouldn't drink.

“Me too. Drink some water; it might help,” Skylar offered Natalie a glass.

They both sipped slowly. After ten minutes, their headaches eased.

The mansion’s chef had prepared a lavish breakfast featuring Floan and Wiscadian cuisines, beautifully presented and aromatic. Skylar was ravenous.

“These pancakes are incredible! I’ve been craving them since Jipsburg. They’re even better here!” Natalie enthused.

Skylar tried one. “They’re delicious.”

“We had them make extra today,” Austin said softly.

Hank had already finished two pancakes and a large bowl of chicken soup. “This is the best! It’s just too far from the set; otherwise, I’d eat here every day.”

“Me too,” Natalie agreed, nodding eagerly.

As they chatted, Natalie’s phone rang. She saw Jeremy’s name and her smile vanished. Skylar noticed the immediate change in her expression.