Chapter 1992
The director remained silent, not even calling âcut.â
Clara had been through hell and high water to land this role and, with no other choice, she gritted
her teeth and continued her performance, âYou dare call me a bitch? You're the bitch! Dante and I
have the real deal!â
As she spat out the words, Clara lunged at the leading lady, grappling with her in a dramatic tussle.
âCut!â the director suddenly announced.
Clara was about to strike back at the lead when Ivy sent a discreet signal to the director, prompting
the timely cut.
Immediately, Clara ceased her movements, straightened up, and fixed her clothes and hair before
excitedly rushing over to the director, âHow was that for a performance, huh? I can take on this role,
right?â
The director, having fulfilled his purpose, showed no interest in further discussion and turned to
leave.
Clara's heart sank at his silence. After enduring slaps and insults for this audition, she couldn't let
him walk away just like that, âWhat's this about? I did everything you asked-fought, screamed, and
you say nothing? Can I have the role or not?"
The director, with a look of disdain, withdrew his hand, âIt's not up to me. You'll have to check with
our big boss!â
âThe big boss? The investor?â Clara's eyes lit up at the mention. âThen call them in, I'll talk to him
directly.â
She knew well that if she could charm the investor, who surely had more than this one project, it
could pave the way for a smooth sailing career with multiple roles.
With a tilt of his chin, the director signaled his assistant to invite Ivy out of the observation room
Clara was surprised but a big part of her felt sick as Ivy showed up again, âWhy are you still here?
Still haven't given up on competing with me for the role? Save your dreams. I'm about to meet the
investor for the show so I've practically got it in the bag!â
Ivy looked at her serenely, "Haven't you heard? I'm the boss.â
Clara was stunned, her face a mix of disbelief and amusement, âYou? An investor? Don't make me
laugh, Ivy! Weren't you just groveling to the director's assistant to beat me for the part? Stop
pretending please!â
âI'm not the investor. I'm the boss,â Ivy corrected as she gestured to the crew. âThanks for your hard
work, everyone. You can collect your pay from accounting.â
As Ivy finished, everyone bowed respectfully and began packing up their gear, quickly vacating the
premises.
Now alone with Ivy, Clara was forced to confront the truth of Ivy's words.
"What... What's going on? Did you really invest in this show, Ivy?â
The irony was that Clara still didn't doubt the existence of the show; she'd rather believe Ivy
invested in it than accept she'd been hoodwinked.