“It's no trouble at all. You can rely on me, and I'm more than happy to help," Francis assured, smiling and genuinely complimenting Tyler.

Upon checking his own schedule, Cole was taken aback.

"What the hell? My scenes are set for midnight and eight in the morning? Don't I need rest? Seriously! I'm the lead actor!"

Francis' face turned grim as he watched Cole make a scene. He had intended to discuss the schedule privately with him later, but now the latter brought up the issue out in the open.

In that case, there was no more need to be civil with him.

“Tyler didn't have any issues with the same arrangement. Why do you have so many complaints?"

"Mr. Salazar, do you even hear yourself?" Cole's eyes widened, questioning whether he had misjudged Francis’ attitude toward him. Did Francis seriously not care about working in the entertainment industry anymore?

Francis narrowed his eyes, shooting Cole a piercing glare as he scoffed, "If you can't handle working early in the morning, why even be an actor? Ask anyone here who hasn't had to wake up at four or five in the morning. You're the only one with a problem with the schedule!"

The onlookers exchanged glances. Why was Francis berating Cole like that?

Cole's face turned a shade of furious red.

"Mr. Salazar, you didn't use to be like this."

“So what? Do I need you to teach me how to behave? If you can't handle it, just get the hell out." Everyone in the restaurant glanced in their direction as Francis snapped, "You're still new. You don't even have the basic work ethics required for the job. Just because you're playing a lead role, you think you're irreplaceable. One word from me, and plenty of people could take your place. If you don't like the schedule, there's the door. I think Tyler would be perfect for this role, anyway.”

Cole glared at Francis, grinding his teeth, but ultimately held his tongue. After all, Francis was the director, and the crew had to follow his orders.

Francis sneered in his heart. He couldn't risk upsetting Ariana, nor could he provoke Selene. However, he certainly wasn't afraid of Donna's nephew. He had only wanted to fawn over Jasper before; otherwise, he wouldn't have even considered giving Cole the lead role.

Aside from good looks, Cole barely knew how to act, performing worse than an extra. Merely relying on his aunt's connections to get by in the entertainment industry would inevitably bite him in the ass later.

Francis hadn't intended to be harsh on Cole, but the latter seemed determined to cause trouble. Thus, he decided to stop coddling him.

The schedule was established, and aside from Cole, no one else objected. Everyone soon left to prepare for their afternoon tasks.

Ariana pulled Tyler aside for a private conversation.

“What happened this morning? How did Francis end up discussing the script with you so cordially?” She struggled to believe the scene she had just witnessed in the restaurant. Francis' sudden change of attitude made her worry that it was some sort of trap.

Tyler was puzzled too.