hapter 16
Chapter 16
Quiana flicked off her phone and pocketed it, drawling, “Was just about to text you.”
“You’re so slow with the texts, Evelyn teased, lightly ruffling Hugo’s hair with a grin. “You’re getting taller by the day?
Hugo made a face. “If you keep messing with my hair, I’ll shrink!”
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Evelyn, the lead actress, was sharp and classy. In her sleek black suit, with minimal makeup, she had a no–nonsense charm.
Evelyn was the youngest gold award–winning actress. Everyone was shocked to see her so cozy with Quiana.
Winona was so stunned she forgot to cry.
Cassic, star–struck, gaped at the famous actress for the first time.
Nolan was just as surprised. “Evelyn, you two know each other?”
Evelyn nodded. “Yeah, we do.”
Nolan was speechless. He looked at Quiana. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
Quiana shrugged. “You never asked.”
Nolan remembered bragging to Quiana about knowing Evelyn, how he could get autographs and photos. Turned out Quiana and Evelyn were tight.
Nolan covered his face, thinking he might as well vanishing into the thin air.
“E–Evelyn…” Winona finally snapped out of it, frowning at Evelyn, “You and Quiana…”
Evelyn glanced at Winona but didn’t bite. Instead, she called out to the director, “Mr. Carter!”
John Carter, who’d just barked orders, had directed a few hits.
When John came over, Evelyn said, “Mr. Carter, this is Quiana, the actress I told you about, the one I invited specially.”
“Quiana?” John looked Quiana over. She had a strong presence and striking looks. Someone like her shouldn’t be a nobody in showbiz, but he’d never heard of her. He asked Evelyn, “Is she new at your agency?”
Evelyn shook her head. “Truth is, Quiana could be my acting coach.”
Everyone within earshot did a double–take, thinking they’d misheard.
Cassie looked dazed.
Nolan was at a loss for words.
“Evelyn…” Winona’s face was frozen, her smile gone. “You’re pulling my leg, right?”
Evelyn glanced at Winona, “Got no time for jokes with you.” Ignoring Winona’s sour face, Evelyn turned to John. “This special guest was agreed from the start. You’re not backing out, are you?”
John frowned, “But you didn’t say it was Quiana.” He’d thought it was some big name, arranged by an award–winning actress. But the contract was signed, and he couldn’t afford to upset Evelyn.
John pondered, “Though this role isn’t big, it’s crucial and ties into the main plot. Casting Quiana is a gamble. How about we use her and decide pay based on how the show does after it airs?” Meaning, she’d get paid later.
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11:26 Wed, 16 Apr
Chapter 16
Evelyn frowned, “Mr. Carter, you can’t just-”
“Okay,” before Evelyn could finish, Quiana interjected.
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John didn’t expect Quiana to agree so easily. Pleased with her look, he said, “Your scenes are later. For now, get your makeup and do a screen test.” Then, rushing off, he had other things to handle.
Evelyn pressed her lips. “Quiana, you-”
“It’s all good.” Quiana raised an eyebrow with a casual smile. “What’s meant for me will come.”
Evelyn smiled and shook her head. But it was good to have it settled. She pulled Quiana along, whispering, “You need to keep your cool, act your heart out, and make it big. My future rides on you.”
Hugo pouted and whispered, “If Quiana acts for free and nails it, wouldn’t that be a waste?” As he spoke, he petted the cat box. “Right, little buddy?”
As if agreeing, a soft “howl” came from the cat box.
Quiana ruffled his hair and nodded to Evelyn. “Got it.”
This show wasn’t deep; it was a teen drama with newbies. Evelyn, an award–winning actress, had taken a step down just to get Quiana a spot. Naturally, Quiana wasn’t going to let that go to waste.
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