[Chapter 21: Trade Three Years for Luck]
Amanda stopped by again, and Daniel poured her a cup of instant coffee. After taking a tentative sip, Amanda grimaced. "Don't you have any better coffee around here?"
Before Daniel could respond, she quickly apologized, "Sorry, I've been sipping on all kinds of high-end blends these past few days. I'm just not used to this."
Daniel smirked. "So, you came here just to flaunt your recent success?"
"Actually, no," Amanda replied. "These last few days made me realize how miserable my old life really was. I don't want to go back. I don't want to live through those tough times again."
"That's fair. Like I said before, you might not shoot straight to superstardom or become an A-lister, but reaching second-tier status shouldn't be out of reach," Daniel reassured her.
"That's exactly the problem." Amanda locked eyes with him, her gaze burning with intensity. "These past days gave me a taste of what it feels like to become famous. Wherever you go, all eyes are on you, and people bend over backward to satisfy your every whim -- even the crazy ones. Tell me, who wouldn't want a life like that?"
"What exactly are you saying?" Daniel asked.
Amanda didn't hide her ambition. "I want you to help me change my luck. I don't want to stop at second-tier. I aim to be an A-lister -- or better yet, a mega A-lister."
Daniel chuckled. "Your career just started. Isn't it a little early to be thinking so big?"
"No, it's not early at all." Amanda's voice was deadly serious. "Every decision an actor makes is crucial. Imagine I have two scripts in front of me. Script A could make me an overnight sensation, catapulting me into the A-list. At worst, I'd get better roles and resources. Script B might earn me a bit of fame, a modest bump in status, or, if I'm unlucky, tank at the box office and no one would care.
If an actor can consistently snatch that lucky break at every turn, success becomes inevitable. The earlier you nail these choices -- especially for women, whose prime years are limited -- the easier it is to build momentum. Miss that window, and it gets really tough to bounce back."
Daniel nodded. This was classic Amanda -- so focused and anxious about her future. No wonder she struggled with such intense anxiety.
"You've convinced me," Daniel said finally.
Amanda smiled warmly. "So, please help me change my luck."
"I warned you, luck doesn't come cheap. Are you prepared to pay the price?" Daniel asked.
"How much are we talking?" Amanda probed.
Daniel held up one finger.
"$100,000?" she guessed.
He shook his head.
"One million?"
He withdrew his finger, signaling she was right.
Amanda wasn't fazed. "I don't have that kind of money."
"Then come back when you do. With your current momentum, I believe you'll save that amount in a few years."
"No." Amanda was firm. "Like I said, the right choice has to be made quickly."
"Planning to run up a tab?" Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Sorry, I don't work on credit."
"I won't run a tab," Amanda said, lowering her voice. "But I'll pay with a different kind of price."
"What kind?" Daniel asked.
Amanda leaned forward, her voice soft but steady. "My most valuable asset: three years of my youth."
Daniel froze.
She continued, "For three years, I'll do everything a girlfriend does -- whenever you want."
Amanda's gaze locked onto his. "Do you think three years of me is worth a million dollars?"
Daniel looked her over thoughtfully. "That's a bold offer."
Amanda rose, stepped behind him, bent low, and pressed her body against his back. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she breathed in a sweet, orchid-like scent near his ear.
"So," she whispered, "what's your answer?"
Daniel stayed quiet, weighing his options carefully. Desire was a dangerous force -- especially desire for women. If suppressed, it could become a ticking time bomb, exploding disastrously at the worst possible moment.
Amanda was stunning, with the perfect figure and presence to match. She was an ideal partner. What Daniel needed to provide was guidance -- helping her make the right choices. With his knowledge of future outcomes, this was an easy task that cost him almost nothing.
In a low, steady voice, Daniel said, "Yes. But there's one condition."
"Tell me," Amanda said eagerly.
"During these three years, you're mine and only mine."
"Of course," Amanda smiled. "I don't plan to date anyone else right now."
"Then we have a deal."
Her eyes sparkled, and after turning, she kissed him softly on the cheek. "Thank you."
She pulled a key from her bag. "This is the key to my place. You know where it is. Come find me anytime."
Daniel slipped the key into his pocket. "I will."
Amanda was already a little impatient. "Can it be tonight?"
"If nothing urgent comes up," Daniel replied.
He walked her to the door, and after a lingering kiss, Amanda turned and slipped into her car. As she pulled away, she waved nonstop, attracting a crowd of envious stares.
"Daniel actually hooked up with an actress?"
"No way! This can't be real!"
"I must be dreaming."
...
Ignoring the jealous glances and hushed curses, Daniel headed back to the shop. Time dragged on until nearly 3 p.m.
Just when he thought the day would pass without any more visitors, a familiar Rolls-Royce pulled up and stopped in front of the shop.
Seeing the car, Daniel already knew who it was.
Douglas, the notoriously stingy client from before.
First, the bespectacled butler Charlie stepped out, then moved to open the door for Douglas.
Douglas carried himself with the same imposing air as ever.
But this time, he was accompanied by a young white woman with delicate features. Between her brows and eyes, Daniel could detect a faint resemblance to Douglas.
Could this be the missing Katherine?
He quietly speculated.
Douglas held the woman's hand as they entered Cross Hall, Charlie trailing behind.
Douglas looked up at Daniel silently. Then Charlie spoke. "Allow me to introduce Mr. Douglas's daughter, Miss Katherine."
Indeed, it was her. Daniel couldn't help but sneak a few extra glances.
Upon closer inspection, something felt off. Didn't they say Katherine was wildly rebellious? Why was she so calm now?
She stood quietly beside Douglas, a serene smile on her face -- no trace of defiance.
That wasn't the biggest concern. Through Daniel's Spirit Eye, Katherine's energy field appeared chaotic -- far from the steady flow of a healthy person.
Then Katherine's eyes met Daniel's, and their gazes locked.
*****
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