The rooftop restaurant overlooked Midtown Manhattan. Glass panels cut the bite of the wind, while soft music hummed through hidden speakers.
It was a place where power whispered rather than shouted.
And across from Lex, Natalie Zhang stirred her iced matcha with deliberate slowness.
She was effortlessly put together—a crisp, tailored coat draped over her chair, her hair in a sleek ponytail that made her look every bit the polished heiress she was.
But her eyes?
Sharp. Curious. Always calculating.
A quiet kind of dangerous.
"So," Natalie finally set her spoon down, smirking just slightly, "let me guess. You didn't drag me up here just to hear me complain about finals."
He leaned back, letting his smile soften just enough."I figured you'd appreciate the distraction."
Natalie arched a brow. "Flattering, but let's skip the small talk." She crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly. "What do you want, Lex?"
Lex let the silence stretch just enough to make her wait. Build anticipation.
Then, smoothly—"I'm buying favors."
Natalie's lips twitched. "And selling what, exactly?"
Lex let his smirk widen, lowering his voice just slightly. "Opportunities."
Natalie rested her chin on her hand, pretending to be unimpressed. But Lex knew better.
She was already interested.
"Do you want to be a star?"
Natalie laughed under her breath, shaking her head. "I thought you were into finance, not casting."
"I'm flexible," Lex replied smoothly. "I've got a film going into production next month. It's already locked in, but there's room for someone like you. Not the lead—but something noticeable."
There it was. A flicker of curiosity. She hadn't expected that.
"You're offering me a role in your movie?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "Why?"
Lex's gaze never wavered.
"Because I want something in return."
His voice dropped just enough to make her lean in.
"I need a seat. On startups. The ones your dad passes on or doesn't have time to oversee. I want in—early."
Natalie tapped her nails against the rim of her glass.
It was a tempting deal.Little risk. No real cost.
The startup seats were already open.
Lex just wanted a shortcut.
"So that's what this is," she murmured, watching him carefully. "You want to ride the wave before it breaks."
Lex's smile was almost lazy."I prefer to control the wave."
Natalie swirled the ice in her drink, considering.
"My dad's firm doesn't give away seats to high school interns."
Her tone wasn't dismissive. Just observing.
Lex leaned forward slightly. "I'm not asking your dad."
"I'm asking you."
Her fingers stilled against the glass.
"He trusts you to scout."
Lex's voice was smooth, confident."I know you've sat in on those pitches."
Her eyes flicked back to him, lingering now.
Lex gave her a slow, knowing smile."I don't need to be front row. I'll take a spot in the back. But when something big comes through that your dad isn't chasing, I want the first call."
Natalie didn't look away this time.
A beat. A slow, deliberate breath.
Then, suddenly—"What's the role?"
Lex chuckled softly. "Supporting role. Screen time's decent, but you're not carrying the plot."
Natalie tilted her head, intrigued now."And if I say no?"
Lex smirked. "Then you pay for lunch."
That made her laugh. Light, genuine.
Natalie arched a brow, swirling the ice in her glass. "And what exactly am I paying for, Lex?"
Lex leaned back in his chair, giving her his most relaxed, easygoing smile."The pleasure of my company, obviously."
Natalie scoffed, shaking her head. "Right. Because spending an afternoon with you is a priceless experience."
Lex placed a hand over his heart, feigning offense. "Wow, Zhang. And here I thought we had something special."
She rolled her eyes but didn't look away. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, watching him the way a cat watches a mouse—curious, amused, but still a predator.
"So let me get this straight," she said slowly, tapping a manicured nail against the rim of her glass. "You want me to sneak you into startup deals my dad ignores, and in exchange, you're giving me a minor role in your movie?"
Lex's smile didn't waver. "I prefer the term 'undervalued opportunities,' but sure, let's go with that."
Natalie hummed thoughtfully. "And what exactly makes you think I'd agree to that?"
Lex shrugged, taking a slow sip of his coffee. "Because you're smart."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Flattery's cheap, Latham."
Lex chuckled. "Good thing I'm not flattering you." He set his cup down, leaning forward slightly. "You've been watching the market, Nat. You know your dad's firm moves too slow for certain plays."
She didn't deny it.
Lex gestured lazily with one hand. "You see it firsthand. The ideas that come through his office, the ones he dismisses. Not because they're bad, but because they don't fit his model."
Natalie sighed, reaching for her drink. "And you think you're the answer?"
Lex smirked. "I think I'm fast."
A flicker of something—interest.
She swirled her matcha again, eyes drifting toward the city skyline. "And the movie role? Where does that fit into your grand strategy?"
Lex leaned back, tapping a finger against the table. "It's an insurance policy."
She laughed under her breath, shaking her head. "Explain that one to me, Latham."
Lex smiled, but there was something sharper beneath it now—something precise.
"You're already in the right rooms, Nat. But you know how this works—people assume things about you before you even speak. You're the rich girl. The boss's daughter."
Her fingers tightened around her glass just slightly.
Lex didn't let the moment sit too long.
"Now imagine this instead—'Natalie Zhang, actress.' A different reputation. A different narrative. You're not just the girl sitting in on deals, you're someone with a face the world recognizes. Someone they underestimate in a charming new way."
Natalie exhaled, shaking her head. "You really think like this all the time?"
Lex grinned. "Only when I'm awake."
Natalie let out a short laugh, shaking her head. "If I say yes?"
Lex's gaze didn't waver. "Then I owe you one."
She lifted her glass, swirling the ice again. "I like owing people better."
Lex exhaled through his nose, amused. "Then make a decision, Zhang."
Natalie's lips curled into a slow smile. "I'll think about it."
She took a sip, watching him over the rim of her glass.
And Lex?
He already knew what her answer would be.
It wasn't if she agreed—it was when.
They lingered a little longer, the conversation drifting—mutual acquaintances, upcoming films, a shared distaste for Trent's entire existence.
By the time they left the restaurant, the deal wasn't sealed, but Lex could see it in the way Natalie's gaze lingered on him in the elevator.
The way her fingers drummed softly against the strap of her bag.
They stepped onto the street, the January air biting against their skin.
Natalie pulled her coat tighter, glancing at him as a black town car pulled up.
"Don't make me regret this."
Her voice was light, but there was an edge beneath it.
Lex smirked, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets. "Trust me."
The driver opened the door, and Natalie slid inside without another word.
Lex exhaled, watching the taillights disappear down the street.
Then, just as he turned toward his own car—
His phone buzzed.
A text.
Natalie.
9th July, 2007 - 1:30 PM - 145 - 8th Ave - Be there.
No fluff. No hesitation.
Lex grinned down at his screen.
Hook. Line. Zhang.