Garon Steel was one of several executives that owned Strive Studios. They were the third-largest production company in the business, and they mostly did television shows. But for almost a year now, Garon had been approaching me with an offer to come on board and for the two of us to take Strive in a new direction. He wanted to do a series of female villain action movies.
The idea had grown on me, and when he’d sent me a rough draft of the script for the first movie, I’d finally decided to take a meeting with him. If I did, however, I knew exactly who should play the sexy little villainess. No one could pull off that feisty, sassy-mouthed vixen better than Arella.
The only issue was, she would be working with Garon.
Although he was her uncle, there had been no connection between her family and the man for her entire life, from what I understood. Cole Steel had turned his back on his son and ex-wife for whatever reason, and when he’d passed, he’d left everything to Lana and her children. I hadn’t even seen Garon or his mother at Cole’s funeral.
Arella worked for Strive with this drama, but she’d never had any dealings with her estranged uncle. Would she agree to take the role I knew would be perfect for her if it meant having to be around the man her family seemed to detest?
If she didn’t, I would turn his offer down flat. But if she did agree, then I would put all the money the project needed into it.
Garon strutted toward me, and I was reminded of what a cocky bastard he could be. He had the same honey-brown eyes as his father and half-sister. The suit he wore was tailored to his lean frame. His hair was on the shaggy side, but stylish. I figured he dyed it, because he was at least five years older than Lana, and there wasn’t a single gray hair on his head. I was several inches taller than the man, but he walked like the world had to look up to him.
As he neared, he stuck out his hand, and I shook it. Other than that greeting, we remained quiet as we turned our focus to the scene currently being filmed a few yards away.
When the director finally called “Cut,” Garon cleared his throat.
“She’s incredible, I’ll give her that,” he praised, then lifted his arm toward the door. “Shall we?”
I glanced over at Arella, who was busy speaking to the director. The man was listening intently to whatever she was suggesting and nodding along with his assistant. Taylor was nearby, watching in fascination and more than a little awestruck by what she was getting to see firsthand.
“Taylor,” I called to her. She snapped to attention and rushed over to me.
“Sir?”
I nodded toward Arella. “Whatever she needs, make sure she gets it. I’m going to take this meeting alone.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I mean it. Whatever she needs.” She promised she would stay close, and I followed Garon out the exit.
“How did you like the script I sent you?” the older man asked as we made the walk across the lot toward the executive offices.
“It has room for improvement, but for the most part, it kept my attention.” We passed a few security guards in golf carts and several people with headsets attached to their ears. The place was bustling. Arella’s show might have been ending, but there were many other projects the production company was filming.
“I’ve been talking to Montez about directing,” he tossed out casually as he opened the door to the building.
My eyes widened. Scott Montez was an Oscar-winning director, and he had a knack for action films. Every production company in the business wanted him to direct their movies. Getting him wouldn’t come cheap, but for this project, it would be worth it.
“He said he would think about it.” Garon pressed his lips into a hard line. “If we happen to have a part for his wife.”
I shrugged. “Shannon Stewart is a huge name.”
“He also stipulated he wanted his daughter to write at least one song on the soundtrack and for his son-in-law’s band to sing it.” Garon rolled his eyes, and the action reminded of Arella’s mom.
I shrugged again. “Kin St. Charles has some sick skills. Getting her name on any song is like an instant spot on the top ten charts. And Tainted Knights is probably the most popular rock band in the world. They sell out every