Chapter 74

Chapter 74

Quinlan was still on set, completely unaware that Chase had already begun investigating her.

As soon as she finished filming, her assistant, Yara Davis, immediately came forward, took the prop from her hand, and eagerly handed her a coffee. Several others quickly set up a lounge chair and turned on a nearby portable air conditioner.

"It's scorching! Why are we even filming outdoors in this heat?" Quinlan fanned herself impatiently, her makeup nearly melting off her face.

"Just bear with it a little longer. This is one of the biggest productions in recent years!" her manager, Raina Stewart, said with a placating smile.

Quinlan shot Raina a look. "A big production? You know it's a big production? It's bad enough you didn't get me the lead role, but now I have to work this hard for a supporting role!"

A bitter taste filled Raina's mouth, but Quinlan's powerful background forced her to swallow all her complaints. "I know you've been working hard these past few days. Look, I've already bought you some good press." Raina said, taking a tablet from Yara. The screen displayed the trending news, one of which was about her.

She tapped on it, revealing several candid photos of Quinlan in the scorching sun, going over her lines in a heavy costume. The comments below were filled with praise and admiration.

Seeing these comments, Quinlan's mood finally improved. "You're not completely useless." she said, tossing the tablet back to Raina.

Raina breathed a sigh of relief. She had been prepared.

"By the way, the invitations for Starry Night have been sent over. I've already prepared a gown for you. Do you want to try it on after we're done here?" Raina suggested.

Quinlan glanced at the photo of the gown in her hand and immediately frowned. "Didn't I tell you to use one of Pearl's gowns?"

Pearl... Raina's face was full of difficulty. "The stylist didn't think any of the gowns she sent were suitable. This is a rare opportunity for you, walking the red carpet as a rising star. Maybe we should just let it go this time?" The dresses were either bright red or deep purple, impossible to pull off unless you were a stunning beauty. Quinlan's figure was not top-tier, and her gowns had to be chosen with extreme care to avoid a fashion disaster. But Quinlan was oblivious, thinking everything was due to her own merit.

"Why not? What are the stylists for? If they can't even handle this, fire them!" Quinlan fumed. Public opinion online was already leaning in her favor. If she could appear in one of Pearl's dresses at this time and win everyone's praise, it would be another step towards defeating Priscilla! The thought of Priscilla being universally condemned brought a smile to her face.

Her attempts at persuasion having failed and only earning her a scolding, Raina could only leave in defeat. In the dressing room, Raina looked at her haggard reflection in the mirror and ran her hands through her hair in frustration.

She had been a manager at Visconti Media Company before being poached with a high salary. When she heard that her new artist was a wealthy heiress, she had been relieved. In the entertainment industry, looks could be fixed with plastic surgery, and figures could be edited, but resources were hard to come by. A wealthy heiress had no shortage of resources. If worst came to worst, she could even finance her own projects. But Raina had never expected this heiress to have such a terrible temper. She had worked with countless famous artists, but she had rarely met anyone as difficult to please as Quinlan.

"Raina, have some yogurt. You haven't eaten all day," Yara said, coming in with a cup of yogurt.

"Thanks." Raina took the yogurt and took a large gulp. The yogurt had been warmed, and the warmth in her stomach made her feel a little better.

"Raina, you have to take care of yourself, no matter what!" Yara said anxiously.

A bitter expression crossed Raina's face. "Tell the designer to choose one of those two gowns." After finishing the last of the yogurt, Raina closed her eyes. She knew Quinlan's personality. Once she made up her mind, she couldn't be persuaded. She had seen the online arguments. She had said and done what she could. Her conscience was clear.

"But..." Yara's face was full of unease.

"No buts. Just do as I say," Raina said. She had chosen this artist. If she quit now, her career would be over. With Quinlan's personality, she could easily be blacklisted from the industry.

Just as she had arranged for the evening gown, an argument broke out on set. It was Quinlan and the director.

"What are you doing? You can't even film this simple scene right. If you can't get it right on the next take, you can just go home!" Raina heard director Theo Green's angry voice as soon as she stepped out.

Before she could go to appease Quinlan, she saw her throw down the script and storm into the dressing room.

Raina gave Yara a look and followed Quinlan into the dressing room. "I'm not doing this movie anymore!" As soon as she entered the dressing room, Quinlan went berserk, ripping the hair ornaments from her head and throwing them on the floor. The exquisitely crafted hairpins shattered on impact.

Looking at the pieces on the floor, Raina couldn't help but feel frustrated. "This is a role we fought so hard for. It's already been announced, and we're halfway through filming. Can you just bear with it a little longer?" Raina's heart was full of bitterness, but she had to patiently appease Quinlan.

But once Quinlan's temper flared, no one could persuade her.

Until the end of the day, Quinlan refused to admit she was wrong. Helpless, Raina could only have someone send Quinlan home first, then go to see Theo herself.

Theo was currently reviewing the day's footage. Seeing Raina enter, he glanced at the producer next to him. "Everyone's worked hard today. Let's call it a day and go home." Theo said, raising his hand.

Everyone exchanged glances, then looked at Raina, understanding immediately.

When everyone had left, Theo turned on the monitor. It was replaying the scenes Quinlan had filmed that day. The acting was so bad that even Raina couldn't bear to watch.

"You've worked with me many times. You should know how poor the level of the artist you selected this time is. If this continues, the reputation you've built up over the years will be ruined!" Theo's tone was heavy.

Raina gave a bitter smile.