The General's Daughter: The Mission

Amelia let out a long breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

”I-I thought it was you.”

Her hand pressed against her chest as relief washed over her face.

”Thank goodness it wasn’t.” She scooted closer to Lara and lowered her voice. ”I would’ve been heartbroken if the girl in the story was really you. How could someone suffer that much? And how could a father be so cruel to his own daughter?”

Lara’s lips curved into a faint, unreadable smile.

Of course.

The realization no longer hurt as much as it once had.

Because I was never his daughter to begin with. She thought bitterly.

Everything suddenly made sense.

The favoritism. The indifference. The countless times he had chosen her siblings over her without hesitation.

She had spent years wondering what she had done wrong. Wondering why she was never enough. Wondering why she could never earn the affection that seemed to come so naturally to the other two.

Now she finally understood.

They were his children.

His flesh and blood.

And she...

Lara lowered her gaze, hiding the storm that briefly flashed through her eyes.

”It wasn’t me.”

She repeated the words softly. Not to convince Amelia. But to convince herself.

For a brief moment, silence settled over the room.

Then Lara slowly lifted her gaze toward Sean.

Their eyes met.

She was issuing him a challenge. A provocation.

A silent question only the two of them understood.

Sean cleared his throat and shifted in his seat.

”If you can convince her to play the female lead...” he said, his eyes moving to Lionel, ”...then I’ll take the role of Jethru.”

The room instantly fell silent.

Lionel’s eyes widened.

For a split second, excitement surged through him. Sean was finally interested.

Then the second half of the statement fully registered. The excitement died an immediate death.

His shoulders slumped.

”But—”

Lionel tried to protest.

How was he supposed to convince Lara? She wasn’t some actress under contract. She wasn’t someone he could pressure.

She wasn’t even his subordinate, rather, she was his boss.

And among all the people in the room, Lara was the one person completely beyond his control.

Still...

Compared to convincing Sean, perhaps negotiating with Lara was the easier battle.

Lionel turned toward her, his eyes practically begging.

”Boss...” he said with an awkward smile. ”How about I give you the female lead role?”

His tone carried all the desperation of a drowning man reaching for a floating plank.

”Yes, Lara!” Amelia immediately chimed in. ”The role is perfect for you.”

”No!”

The single word rang through the small living room like the strike of a hammer.

Firm. Absolute. Leaving no room for discussion.

Lionel released a defeated sigh. Being a producer was difficult, and being a director as well.

Being both at the same time was a nightmare.

Yet he refused to surrender.

After all, giving up was not how he had survived decades in the entertainment industry.

”Then...” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ”How about we let a professional actress handle the dramatic scenes while you do the action sequences?”

Sean glanced at Lionel and smiled.

The old fox was still as persistent as ever.

Years ago, that relentless negotiating spirit had helped Lionel climb to the top of the industry.

Apparently, the years hadn’t dulled it one bit.

Lara’s eyes flickered. For the first time, she looked genuinely tempted.

The room immediately held its breath.

”Let me think it over,” she finally said.

Amelia’s eyes lit up.

She quickly grabbed Lara’s hands and wrapped herself around her arm, leaning against her shoulder like an affectionate younger sister.

”Please agree.”

Her voice turned sweet and pleading.

”You were incredible with the sword. Honestly, I can’t imagine anyone else playing Lara.”

She grinned mischievously.

”Besides, your names are practically the same. It’s fate.”

Lara rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips twitched upward.

Across the room, Lionel and Sean exchanged a glance.

Neither spoke.

Because both of them knew the same thing.

The fact that Lara hadn’t refused a second time meant the impossible might actually happen.

...

The following day, Isla welcomed yet another visitor.

But this time, it wasn’t a novelist, actor, or director.

It was one of the most influential figures in the entire entertainment industry.

Victor Delora.

The CEO of Galaxy Films—the largest and most powerful film production company in the country.

The man carried an unmistakable aura of authority. Dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, he exuded the confidence of someone accustomed to making billion-peso decisions and having people obey them without question.

Amelia was completely unprepared.

She had only recently begun adjusting to the idea of meeting celebrities and industry veterans. Now, the CEO of Galaxy Films was standing in front of her.

When Victor extended his hand, Amelia stared at it for a second too long.

Her mind went blank. Her throat tightened.

”Miss Nades,” Victor greeted with a courteous smile.

Amelia hurriedly shook his hand.

”H-hello.”

The response came out embarrassingly awkward.

She wished the floor would open and swallow her whole.

Fortunately, Victor did not seem to mind.

His attention soon shifted to the woman standing beside her.

”And who might this young lady be?”

His tone remained polite, but his eyes sharpened.

Lara met his gaze without the slightest hesitation.

If anything, it felt as though she was evaluating him.

”I am Larissa Reyes.”

Her voice was calm and indifferent. No explanation. No title.

No attempt to impress him.

Just a name.

Victor frowned almost imperceptibly. Most people became nervous under his scrutiny.

This woman did not. In fact, he found himself strangely pressured under her gaze. It was an absurd feeling.

Yet there it was.

A subtle sense that he was facing someone who regarded his status as completely insignificant.

”Are you Miss Nades’ manager?” he asked.

Judging from her demeanor, she was clearly more than a secretary or assistant.

”Something like that.”

Lara’s answer was as vague as it was dismissive.

Victor studied her for another second before turning back to Amelia.

His smile returned. It was professional and charming.

The smile that had helped him close countless deals throughout the years.

”Miss Nades, Galaxy Films would like to acquire the film rights to your novel.”

He leaned forward slightly.

”Naturally, compensation is negotiable. If necessary, we’re willing to offer terms far above the current market rate.”

Amelia’s expression immediately became conflicted.

She exchanged a quick glance with Lara before nervously clasping her hands together.

”About that...” Amelia paused.

Victor’s smile remained in place.

”She already signed a contract with another company,” Lara finished for her.

Silence.

The smile on Victor’s face froze.

For the first time since entering the restaurant, genuine surprise appeared in his eyes.

”What?”

The single word slipped out before he could stop himself.

Who had moved faster than Galaxy Films?

And more importantly...

Who had managed to secure the rights before he even arrived?