Chapter 161 Chapter 161
It was a script based on a novel she had read countless times. She knew each character's psyche, their pains and motivations.
What's more, the character Tania had convinced her to audition for seemed to have been written for her. The physical type, the temperament... she had the advantage of natural compatibility.
And then there was the Kleber Meirelles factor.
The director was a legend in the industry. Known for his perfectionism and artistic integrity, he didn't choose casts based on Instagram followers or family connections. What mattered to him was the essence: whether the actor was the character.
He was also famous for having the “Midas touch” with newcomers. Any unknown face that found favor with Kleber and was polished by him was destined for stardom.
Tania pulled Caroline into a quieter corner, away from curious and competitive glances.
“Listen, friend,” whispered Tania, vibrating with excitement. “I managed to get access to an excerpt from the final script. I reread it and can confirm: your appearance and aura are a perfect match for the third female lead. It's you, Carol!”
Tania squeezed her arm encouragingly.
“Don't worry about being unknown here. Director Kleber loves discovering talent. He has launched several newcomers' careers and his series always get huge ratings. The fact that you're a ‘new face’ may even be an advantage.”
Caroline nodded, feeling some of the tension dissipate.
“Um, I know. Thank you, Tania.”
Hearing that from her friend was the push she needed.
“So...” Tania looked her in the eyes, seeming more nervous than the candidate herself. “Are you confident?”
Caroline smiled, a smile that started shyly but ended determinedly. She held her friend's hand firmly.
“Don't worry. I'm confident.” Her eyes sparkled. “I'll give my blood if I have to. I'll fight to get this role.”
Meanwhile, in another luxurious dressing room, Claire slammed her cell phone shut. Her previously bored expression darkened instantly.
“Linda,” she called out sharply.
“Do you know if director Kleber Meirelles is casting for his new project?”
Her manager, Linda, looked up from her tablet, confused.
“Yes, I know,” Linda nodded. “Didn't I tell you about it last week? You yourself said you weren't interested, that ‘art’ films don't pay well and are a lot of work.”
Claire pursed her lips, a calculating gleam in her eyes.
“I've changed my mind. I want to audition for a role in this project. Arrange it for me. Now.”
Linda frowned, incredulous.
“Claire, have you lost your mind? We've already verbally confirmed your leading female role in ”Imperial Palace". The filming schedule is going to be insane. You don't have time in your schedule to take on another project.
“Then don't sign the contract for ”Imperial Palace“ yet,” Claire ordered dismissively. “Find an excuse. Say I'm sick, that I'm traveling, anything. Just postpone signing for a while.”
“I don't think that's a good idea,” Linda argued, trying to remain patient. “We worked hard to get you this role. It's a guaranteed box office success. Do you know how many actresses would kill for this part? Remember when the production considered giving your role to Gisele?”
Linda sighed, trying to bring the spoiled girl back to reality.
“If it weren't for President Edward promising an additional twenty million investment for the series, that role would already be in Gisele's hands right now.”
Claire could be considered a top-tier actress, but the “top tier” had its own subdivisions.
Claire was at the bottom of that pyramid. She had fame, yes, but Gisele had more natural talent, more charisma, and was more popular with the public.
Claire's only advantage was her “support.” Gisele's sponsor was rich, but he was nowhere near the power and influence of the Collins family.
“With Edward's investment on the table, no one else would dare take the lead role,” Claire sneered, touching up her lipstick in the mirror without even looking at Linda. “They're not crazy enough to lose their money.”
She knew who supported Gisele: an ugly, filthy old man who had only a little new money. He was no match for the Collins dynasty.
With Edward protecting her back, Claire felt she could do whatever she wanted.
Linda watched the girl's smug expression and felt a pang of concern.
She knew that with Edward's publicity machine, Claire had the potential to climb the career ladder. The girl wasn't a terrible actress; she had average talent that, with the right guidance and the right roles, could work.
But her arrogance was dangerous.
The Collins family was powerful, yes, but they didn't control the entire entertainment universe. There were limits. And Claire was playing with fire by disregarding contracts and deadlines.
“Why the sudden change?” Linda asked, unable to hide the irritation in her voice. “You could have warned me earlier. I would have organized your schedule.”
Now I'll have to juggle and make up lies for the production of “Palace.”
Linda was one of the most renowned managers in the industry. Legendary artists treated her with respect, calling her “Sister Linda.” Even Edward was polite to her.
But ever since Edward demanded that she manage Claire's career exclusively, Linda's life had become hell.
She thought having only one artist would be easy. How wrong she was. Claire was stubborn, spoiled, and treated her like a glorified personal assistant, not a career strategist.
If it weren't for the astronomical salary and her fear of offending Edward, Linda would have quit months ago.
“How was I supposed to know that bitch Caroline was going to audition for Kleber Meirelles' show?!” Claire exploded, turning in her chair with eyes full of hatred.
The mask of boredom fell away, revealing her true motivation: pure envy.
“I just got the information. Caroline is there, at the audition,” Claire hissed. “No wonder she turned down the offer to be my stunt double. That little bitch was aiming higher. She wants that role for herself.
Claire smiled, a cruel smile.
”If she wants it, I'll take it away from her. Get that audition, Linda. I'm going to show my ‘dear sister’ who's boss in this industry.