Chapter 3

Summary

• The protagonist wakes up early, gets ready, and heads towards Manhattan to meet with Evelyn Hugo.
• Evelyn Hugo is described as a successful and famous movie star with luxurious homes in Manhattan and Spain.
• The protagonist, Monique Grant, is welcomed into Evelyn's luxurious apartment by a friendly doorman and Grace, Evelyn's assistant.
• Evelyn is introduced as a strikingly beautiful yet clearly aged woman. She is friendly and inviting towards Monique.
• Evelyn explains that she has not called Monique to her house to discuss an auction of her gowns, as Monique expected. Instead, she reveals that she wants Monique to write an authorized biography about her life after she dies.
• Monique is initially confused and taken aback by this unexpected turn of events. The prospect of ghostwriting an autobiography for Evelyn Hugo, one of the most intriguing people alive, seems unreal to Monique.
• Evelyn clarifies that she is offering Monique her life story, the whole truth, and that she would like Monique to turn it into a book and sell it to the highest bidder. She insists that all profits from the book should go to Monique.
• Despite her shock and confusion, Monique directly asks Evelyn why she has chosen her for this task, but Evelyn simply tells her to think of it as a gift and does not provide an explicit reason for her choice.
• The conversation ends with Evelyn urging Monique to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity despite the potential troubles it may cause at her job.

• The character is dealing with a career opportunity and potential conflict of interest. They're worried about upsetting their employer if they accept the offer.
• Evelyn insists they were specifically chosen for the opportunity despite their employer initial refusals.
• Evelyn presents the character with a choice to either engage in writing a book together or let the opportunity go. She mandates that she'll exclusive give her life story to them, or not at all.
• The character questions why Evelyn would entrust her story this way. Evelyn rebuffs the inquiry, saying she has no obligation to make sense to them. She further insists that she will answer all questions in her own time.
• The character reflects on their career goals and aspirations, recognizing this opportunity can provide substantial progress. Regardless of Evelyn's terms, they choose not to decline.
• Evelyn appears to be pleased with their decision, expressing that she likes them. Their conversation ends with the character expressing genuine thanks for Evelyn's approval.