Ultimate Cash System-Chapter 176: Shoot.

Lukas pulled the McLaren F1 into the Nike shooting venue just as the clock struck ten. The red gleam of the Grand Prix finish turned heads immediately—every staff member paused for a moment before returning to their duties. Jay and Roy, right behind in the black Mercedes, parked and stepped out silently like bodyguards.

A Nike assistant in a headset quickly approached Lukas the moment he stepped out of his car. "Sir Lukas, we’ll take you to makeup right away. We’re running right on schedule."

The studio inside was alive with energy. Camera rigs, spotlights, stylists, and assistants moved with practiced urgency. Lukas followed calmly, his tailored Zegna suit hugging his athletic frame. The Rolex on his wrist caught glints of the overhead lighting.

In the makeup room, two stylists hovered around him—one working on his skin tone, the other fixing his hair just right. Despite the bustle, Lukas was still staring at himself in the mirror like it was just another battlefield he had to conquer.

"We’ll be putting you in the new line," said the stylist, holding up a pair of brand-new Nike sneakers. "This one’s special—2000 drop, retro-inspired, only five made so far."

Lukas took the shoes in his hand. The design was bold, sleek, yet nostalgic. He nodded with approval and slipped them on. They fit perfectly.

Soon after, he was taken to the photo set. The white backdrop, strategically placed lighting, and click-happy photographers all turned to focus on him.

"Relax your shoulders just a bit. Tilt your chin—yes, perfect. Eyes on the lens... hold it—good."

The cameras snapped relentlessly. Lukas shifted from pose to pose with athletic grace and natural confidence, his calm demeanor making the entire process look effortless.

Then the energy in the room shifted.

A soft buzz rippled through the staff as someone unexpected entered the set.

She was stunning—long caramel-brown hair cascading in waves, piercing eyes, and a presence that could silence any room. Jennifer Love Hewitt, one of the most beloved young actresses of the early 2000s, had just walked in.

Even Lukas turned.

Jennifer’s eyes lit up when she saw him.

"Oh my god... You’re Lukas, right?" she asked, walking up to him with a bright smile.

Lukas, who rarely looked surprised, was visibly caught off guard. "Uh... yeah, I am."

"I’m such a fan," she said, laughing gently. "I’ve read about you, seen the highlights. You’re incredible. I actually came early just to meet you."

Photographers and assistants exchanged glances. Even the makeup artist standing nearby raised an eyebrow.

"Thanks," Lukas said, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "That means a lot. Didn’t expect that."

Jennifer giggled. "Well, get used to it. You’re kind of a big deal now."

Lukas wasn’t sure if he should feel flattered or concerned. But one thing was certain—the shoot had just become a whole lot more interesting.

The shoot paused temporarily. Lukas was just about to grab a water bottle when Jennifer, standing nearby, looked over at him with a tilted head and an easy smile. "Hey," she said, walking closer. "I just realized I haven’t even had breakfast yet."

Lukas raised an eyebrow. "You skipped breakfast?"

She gave a guilty shrug. "Early call time. And traffic. My assistant promised bagels but forgot."

Lukas chuckled, then took a sip of water. Before he could speak, Jennifer leaned slightly forward. "Would you want to sneak out and grab a quick brunch? There’s a place two blocks from here—quiet, local. I used to go there during shoots. Might help clear the head."

He paused, considering. It wasn’t every day someone like Jennifer Love Hewitt asked to share a brunch table. Jay and Roy, standing near the edge of the studio, subtly watched his body language.

"Alright," Lukas finally said, setting down the bottle. "Let’s go."

They left through the side exit. Lukas wore a plain black hoodie over his suit, while Jennifer pulled on a jean jacket and large sunglasses. A quiet breeze swept down the street as they walked together, side by side, their strides matching naturally.

The brunch spot was a cozy little café called Lily’s on Green. Wooden floors, hand-written chalkboard menus, and the scent of warm cinnamon filled the air. A friendly waitress led them to a booth in the back without making a scene.

They both ordered coffee—black for Lukas, oat milk latte for Jennifer. She opted for scrambled eggs and toast, while he chose an omelet with roasted vegetables.

Conversation flowed more easily than Lukas expected. They talked about the chaos of early shoots, favorite movies from their childhood, the awkwardness of fame, and the balance between ambition and privacy.

Jennifer laughed at his dry humor; Lukas listened attentively when she spoke about growing up in Hollywood. She found his focus and depth unusual, refreshing even. And he—well, he found her ease with attention oddly comforting.

As they finished up their plates, Jennifer glanced out the window. "We should probably head back. Don’t want them freaking out thinking we bailed."

"Yeah," Lukas said, paying with his card and standing up. "Let’s go before they send a search party."

As they walked back toward the set, side by side, Jennifer looked up at him. "Thanks, by the way. This was nice."

Lukas gave a small nod, his tone low and warm. "It was."

When they returned to the studio, the staff spotted them immediately, but no one dared say anything. Jennifer slipped back into character like nothing had happened.

Lukas? He was already heading back to the set, focused, but with something faintly lighter in his step.

The second half of the shoot began. But now, there was an unspoken spark in the room.

The shoot wrapped up around 2:30 PM. The last few camera clicks echoed through the now half-empty studio. The photographers were winding down, the assistants were packing up equipment, and the stylists were already taking off their headsets. Lukas stood off to the side near a light rack, sipping on a chilled protein drink handed to him by Roy.

Jay approached, holding Lukas’s blazer in one hand. "All done, boss. Smooth as usual."

Lukas gave him a slight nod as he checked the time on his Rolex. "Yeah. Time to head to campus. I’ve got that business strategy class at four."

Jay gestured toward the Grand Prix red McLaren parked outside. "You want me to drive the Merc, or...?"

"I’ll go with the Mercedes today," Lukas replied, slipping into a clean white shirt and pulling his Zegna blazer over it. "You take the McLaren back to the suite."

He had barely taken a step before Jennifer’s voice called out from behind.

"Hey, Lukas!" She jogged up beside him, her hair now tied in a casual ponytail, oversized sunglasses resting on her head. She looked far less like a superstar now, more like a regular girl excited about something. "Are you heading out?"

Lukas turned, a bit surprised. "Yeah, I’ve got to get to class."

"Mind if I ride with you for a bit? I have a thing near the Princeton campus, and I’m not really familiar with Philly roads yet."

Jay and Roy exchanged glances. Lukas looked at her, then at his watch again. He could’ve refused. He usually did. But something about her energy—curious, warm, confident without trying, and last but not least, her boobs—made it hard to say no.

"Sure," Lukas said, walking toward the Mercedes parked beside the McLaren. "Hop in."

Jay tossed him the keys and gave him a knowing grin. Roy remained stone-faced as ever.

Jennifer slid into the passenger seat with a surprised smile. "This car smells like you actually use it. Most celebs keep their luxury rides wrapped up like museum pieces."

"I like to drive," Lukas said simply as he started the engine, the low growl humming beneath them. "Fast cars are like good conversations—no fun unless you’re in control."

Jennifer laughed. "That was almost poetic."

They pulled out onto the road. Jay and Roy tailed them in the McLaren, careful not to overtake. Inside the Mercedes, the atmosphere was surprisingly calm. Lukas drove with finesse—no flash, no sudden turns, just steady and smooth control like a man who had nothing to prove.

Jennifer leaned her head slightly against the window, watching the city pass by. "You know," she said, her voice a bit more serious now, "people think being famous is the same thing as being known. But it’s not. Not really."

Lukas didn’t respond right away. He changed lanes, taking a left toward the university district. "Yeah. Fame is noise. Being known... that takes time."

She turned to look at him, smiling again. "You get it. That’s rare."

As they neared the university’s East Gate, Jennifer sat up a little. "Are you sure you want to go to class after a whole shoot?"

"I never skip class," Lukas said. "Not when I am in the mood."

She laughed again. "Right, I forgot—you’re a genius."

Lukas pulled over gently by the sidewalk. Jay soon parked behind. Roy got out and opened Jennifer’s door.

As Jennifer stepped out of the Mercedes, flipping her hair back and slinging her purse over her shoulder, she turned to Lukas with a light smile. "Thanks for the ride, Lukas. That car... wow."

He simply nodded, hands in his pockets, watching the street ahead. "No problem."

Just as she was about to wave goodbye and walk toward the other studio lot, a familiar voice called out.

"Lukas! You forgot your notebook yesterday!"

Lana came jogging up from the side of the university building, still in her light hoodie and jeans, a sandwich in one hand and Lukas’s leather notebook in the other. She froze mid-step when her eyes landed on Jennifer.

There was a moment of stunned silence.

Jennifer Love Hewitt turned slowly, eyes locking with Lana’s. Her expression shifted—not jealousy, not hostility, but pure astonishment. "Whoa... you’re gorgeous."

Lana blinked, flustered. "I—uh... thanks?"

Jennifer smiled wide. "No, seriously. Have you ever thought about acting? Modeling? Anything in the spotlight?"

Lana shook her head, a bit amused. "I’m just a student."

Jennifer reached into her sleek handbag and pulled out a glossy business card. "Well, if you ever change your mind, call this number. That’s my agent, Kara. Tell her Jennifer sent you."

Lukas raised an eyebrow, watching the exchange with quiet curiosity. Lana, cheeks lightly flushed, took the card with both hands like it was made of gold.

"Wow... thank you," she said, still surprised.

Jennifer winked. "Trust me, with your face and that natural energy? You’d steal every scene."

With that, she waved at Lukas once more and strutted away, heels tapping a light rhythm down the pavement.

Lana looked at Lukas, eyes still wide. "Did that really just happen?"

Lukas chuckled, taking the notebook. "Yeah. And you still have your sandwich."

She glanced down, then laughed. "Guess I came here for more than just this."

The two stood for a moment, the breeze rustling softly through the trees overhead.

A strange calm lingered between them, like something was quietly shifting in the background of their lives.