Chapter 89
Sylvia was willing to mentor Angel, but it all depended on how Angel conducted herself, if she was still going to be Joanna’s pupper, Sylvis works i her hands of the whole thing.
The next morning, Sylvia had Angel meet her at Century Town, the film studio she’d rented. The place was already set up like a proper movie set, crew bustling around, making final preparations. All they needed was a leading lady to start shooting.
Angel pulled up shortly after, parking her car on the side of the town’s main street.
Sylvia walked over from the set, but her brow furrowed when she saw who got out of the car.
It wasn’t just Angel–it was Joanna, too.
“Sylvia,” Joanna said, her voice dripping with false concern as she got out of the car. “I heard you were thinking of giving Angel a role. I just came along to give her some pointers, since she’s never acted before.”
Every word was perfectly crafted to sound like she only had Angel’s best interests at heart.
Angel had always treated Joanna like her closest friend, so naturally, she had shared the good news with her. As soon as Joanna heard, she insisted on coming along.
In reality, her intentions were anything but pure. The news had been eating at her since last night, and a bitter jealousy was festering inside her.
Sylvia cut right to the chase. “Joanna, are you really here to help her? Or are you just jealous? You auditioned for this movie and didn’t get in, but now Angel has a chance.”
Joanna flinched, shocked that Sylvia had seen right through her. ‘How did she know?‘
“You’re overthinking things, Sylvia,” she said, forcing a smile. “Angel is my best friend. I only want what’s best for her.”
Angel jumped in, laughing. “Yeah, why would Joanna be jealous of me? She’s already a huge star, and I’m a total nobody.”
Sylvia didn’t argue. She just gave a flat nod and led them onto the set, which was designed to look like a luxurious estate. Crew members were busy all
around them.
Sylvia flagged down an assistant director. “Get her ready for a screen test,” she said, pointing to Angel. After a beat, she added, “For the lead role.”
Angel’s eyes went wide. “Sylvia, you want me to be the lead?”
Joanna was even more stunned. She had desperately wanted that part, only to be rejected during the initial casting call!
Why did Angel deserve this?
3
Joanna shot a look at Sylvia, but then a calming thought settled her mind.
‘Sylvia isn’t even an investor,‘ she thought. ‘She only got on set because of her connection to Zander Gage. What right does she have to cast the lead?”
“Right away. I’ll get her the scenes for the lead,” the assistant director said, immediately heading off to grab a script for Angel without a second thought.
Angel took the script, her hands trembling. She’d thought Sylvia was just letting her try out a small part for fun, but this was the lead role.
Before, she might have thought it was a joke. But now she knew the truth: Sylvia was the mysterious Master Cameron, the film’s main investor.
Joanna watched, her pretty face contorting with jealousy as she realized the assistant director was actually listening to Sylvia.
“Take a look at the script, then perform this scene for me,” the assistant director said to Angel, pointing to a specific section.
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Chapter 89
Angel sat down in a nearby chair and began to study the script intently. The acdistant director turned to love cured pha Thet
Just then, an idea sparked in Joanna’s mind, and the quietly laftowed him.
“Angel, what do you think Joanna’s going to say to the assistant director?” Sylvia asked, crassing her arms with an intrigued look
Angel looked up from her script, unconcerned, “They probably know each other, Maybe it’s something private.”
Sylvia smirked. “I’ll bet you she’s in there right now, telling him what a terrible actress you are.”
Angel froze, then shook her head. “No way. Joanna’s my best friend. She wouldn’t do that.”
“Let’s go find out,” Sylvia said with a cold smile.
Angel hesitated but followed Sylvia toward a nearby office.
The door was slightly ajar, and Joanna’s voice drifted out. “Mr. Evans, I’ve always admired your work, so I feel I have to be honest with you. The girl you’re about to audition… she’s a friend of mine, but she can’t act at all. You should find someone else!”
Angel’s eyes widened in disbelief. Joanna was actually bad–mouthing her!
Sylvia gestured toward the office. “And I bet her next move is to pitch herself for the role,” she whispered.
A flicker of doubt remained in Angel’s heart. “She wouldn’t… She’s probably just worried because I really don’t have any experience…
Before Angel could finish, Joanna’s eager voice cut through from the office. “Mr. Evans, if you’re having trouble casting the lead, I’d be willing to give it a try. And I can bring my own funding to the project.”
The color drained from Angel’s face. She staggered back a step, finally seeing the truth.
Joanna wasn’t her friend; she was a two–faced backstabber who wanted to sabotage her and steal the role for herself.
Sylvia stood silently, watching. She’d given Angel the push she needed. If Angel still chose to be Joanna’s doormat after this, there was nothing more she
could do.
Angel’s mind was a chaotic mess, her heart aching with betrayal. She walked slowly back to her chair and picked up the script.
A moment ago, she was just here to have some fun. But after hearing Joanna’s words, a fierce competitive streak ignited inside her.
The more Joanna wanted her to fail, the more determined she was to succeed.
Joanna came out of the office a few minutes later, looking annoyed–the assistant director had flatly rejected her offer.
Seeing Angel poring over the script, she put on a gentle smile. “Angel, we’re supposed to go shopping later. Why don’t you come back this afternoon to audition? It’s not like you take this acting thing seriously anyway. Let’s not let it get in the way of our plans.”
Angel slowly looked up. “If you want to go shopping, Joanna, you can go by yourself. I’m staying here. I’m going to do what Sylvia says.”
