I Read Their Tragic Fates, and My Family Reads My Mind?

Chapter 339: Chapter 339: Can a Cooked Duck Fly Away?

They say success brings out the best in a person, and Samuel Foster was the living embodiment of that phrase.

He was radiant and full of life, his expression exuding a bold confidence. Who could have guessed this was the same man who, just a few months ago, had looked so worn and miserable, exhausted from scrambling to pay for his adoptive father’s medical bills?

Arabella Donovan was taken aback when she saw him, her expression betraying the awkwardness of having just been talking about him.

"What are you doing here? Don’t you have work today?"

’Speak of the devil. This is why you shouldn’t gossip about people.’

The eyes of Zane Lynch and Melody sharpened, and they looked at Samuel Foster with a new hint of scrutiny.

And why not? His return was far too coincidental. It was hard not to read into it.

Samuel Foster’s gaze was fixed only on the woman before him, completely oblivious to—and unconcerned with—the two wary figures behind Arabella Donovan.

"The production wrapped today. I came back as soon as I finished my last scene."

Since it was a drama centered on the male lead, the wrap on Samuel Foster’s scenes meant the entire production had officially concluded.

According to the original plan, after the final scene, the director had intended to arrange one last get-together for everyone.

However, Samuel Foster had received news that Arabella Donovan was at the company, so he immediately declined the director’s invitation and rushed back without a moment’s delay.

In the past, Samuel Foster would never have dared to do such a thing. It would have been a foolish risk to jeopardize a hard-won opportunity by earning a reputation as a diva right at the finish line.

But now that he had returned to the Foster Family, he knew better than anyone that as long as he didn’t commit any serious crimes, he could spend the rest of his life doing whatever he pleased without any pressure. Such was the confidence that came with a powerful family background.

"You finished filming that quickly?" Arabella Donovan was a little surprised.

After Edward Pierce’s scandal, all the related scenes had to be reshot. It had only been a few months, yet they had already finished everything again.

’He really is the powerhouse actor who’s destined to match and even surpass my second brother. Once this drama becomes a hit, Samuel Foster’s value is going to skyrocket. He’ll leave the other actors of his generation in the dust. My cousin really hit the jackpot.’

Zane Lynch’s eyes lit up, crinkling in a smile. Samuel Foster was going to rival Best Actor Donovan in the future? This was incredible news! If his rivals found out, they’d probably be too furious to sleep for nights on end.

Melody Lynch, however, sharply noticed something else. Glancing at the bouquet in his hand, she said with a light chuckle, "So, are those flowers from the production wrap party? How thoughtful of you to regift them."

Samuel Foster glanced at Melody Lynch, then lowered his gaze, his tone helpless and lost, as if he’d done something terribly wrong. He looked utterly pitiful.

"I just thought the flowers from the crew were too beautiful to be wasted on a simple guy like me who can’t appreciate them," he said. "I thought they would be a perfect match for a vibrant young woman like Miss Donovan. I didn’t think it through, I admit that was my oversight. If you don’t like them, Miss Donovan, I can just take them back."

"No, no, it’s not that I don’t like them!" Arabella had been lost in thought, trying to recall details about Samuel Foster’s career from the original story. When she snapped back to reality and heard his words, she quickly offloaded more of the snacks she was holding into Zane Lynch’s arms and accepted the bouquet.

Melody Lynch was speechless. ’Fuck, this damn green tea is laying it on way too thick!’

’How did I ever think he was handsome? I must have been pulling too many all-nighters. It’s made me go blind!’

Seeing Arabella accept the flowers, a flicker of a smile crossed Samuel Foster’s eyes. He smiled gently and said, "What brings you to the company, Miss Donovan? Don’t tell me something’s happened and the boss specifically asked for your help?"

Zane Lynch, holding a pile of snacks that nearly towered over his head, felt his eyelid twitch violently at the question.

He thought with frustration, ’Oh, so you *do* remember I’m your boss? You’ve been standing here all this time and haven’t even given me a proper look. What, am I invisible?’

"Not exactly," Arabella said. "Due to a small, unexpected incident, Mr. Lynch and I are sort of relatives now."

"Relatives?"

"That’s right. I have to call him cousin now."

"I see." Only then did Samuel Foster finally lift his head to look at Zane Lynch for a moment.

But in that brief moment, Zane Lynch’s heart inexplicably jumped into his throat.

’What’s going on? I have a feeling I missed something incredibly important.’

"Oh, right," Arabella said. "I heard you only have six months left on your contract with my cousin’s company. What are your plans? Are you thinking of re-signing with them? If you are, since we’re all here today, you can tell me if you have any demands, and I’ll help you bring them up with him."

Arabella Donovan directed these words at Samuel Foster, but her inner thoughts were a completely different story.

’Hey, cousin, I’ve done what I can to keep him here for you; the rest is up to you. Mr. Foster was just taken back in by the Fosters of Imperia. He’s not necessarily going to be impressed by the peanuts you’re offering. If you don’t show some real sincerity, don’t blame me for not warning you when he’s gone.’

"!!!" ’The Fosters of Imperia? What Fosters of Imperia? This kid has a hidden identity? And how does he only have six months left on his contract? Why didn’t anyone remind me!’

After the initial shock, Zane Lynch thought back and realized it was true.

Generally, artist contracts within the company were divided into three-year, five-year, and ten-year terms.

Aside from the few artists that Arabella and the others had seen earlier—newly signed talents whom Zane Lynch planned to heavily invest in—newcomers rarely signed a ten-year contract right off the bat. Most signed for three or five years.

After three to five years, if an artist failed to take off, the company could choose to terminate their contract and cut its losses. Conversely, if an artist managed to prove their value by gaining fame and a fanbase during that time, they could choose to leave for another company or use their leverage to renegotiate the terms of their contract for better benefits.

In short, these short-term contracts were a win-win. Both parties were in a mutual observation period, with either side facing the risk of being dropped—the only question was who would drop whom.

’After Samuel Foster was taken back by the Foster Family, Master Foster, his wife, and Raphael Foster are all trying to make it up to him. They probably want to lay the best of everything at his feet for him to choose from. It’s a good thing he has absolutely zero talent points invested in cooking, or he’d probably have already terminated his contract to go home and inherit the family business.

Still, with the Fosters’ support, it would be no problem for Samuel Foster to sign with one of the top agencies in the country—they’re closer to home and have more opportunities. In that case, my cousin’s little company really doesn’t have anything to keep him. It would be a real gut punch to work so hard only to draw water with a bamboo basket—fruitless in the end, with him leaving right after he gets famous.’

Zane Lynch: "!!!" ’Wait, so the goose that lays the golden eggs can just fly away? I was already preparing my victory speech, and now you’re telling me my cash cow is about to bolt? No, absolutely not!’