Chapter 355: Guest Appearance Invitation

Wilmer: "This company has a terrible rep in the industry. Tell your friend to steer clear. What's their name? Do I know them?"

Victoria: "It's Mira, the actress who played the second lead in 'Little Female Chef.' She's a good friend of mine. Can you help her find a reliable agent?"

Wilmer paused to think. He hadn't heard of 'Little Female Chef,' so it was probably a small production. But since Victoria vouched for Mira, he agreed to help. "Send me her resume, and I'll pass it along to my contacts."

Victoria asked Mira to send over her resume. Wilmer took a quick look and found a suitable agent for her. It was an old friend of his who had worked at Starlight Entertainment for a few years and now ran a private studio. This kind of setup was more flexible and less demanding, which suited Mira well.

Mira was thrilled and promised to treat Victoria to dinner after signing the contract. Victoria, realizing they hadn't seen each other in a while, agreed.

With no suitable scripts coming her way recently, Victoria decided to take a break and spend a few days at home. Diana was delighted and took Victoria out to socialize, proudly showing her off. They met at a high-end club, where they drank coffee, chatted, and played cards. Victoria sat obediently next to Diana, occasionally smiling and answering questions from Diana's friends. These wealthy ladies knew Victoria was a popular star and eagerly took photos with her, posting them on Facebook.

Soon, photos of Victoria drinking coffee and playing cards with Diana were circulating online. Victoria was dressed elegantly in a fitted gown, her hair loosely pinned up, and her makeup was minimal, highlighting her natural beauty. Diana's friends mostly edited their own faces in the photos, as Victoria looked stunning without any retouching. Netizens praised Victoria for her filial piety and her striking beauty.

"I thought Victoria's beauty was all thanks to top-notch makeup and styling, but she's gorgeous even with minimal makeup!"

"Exactly! You haven't seen her in person. She's even more beautiful than in edited photos. At an event, I was close to her and was so mesmerized by her beauty that I stood there dazed for a while. I even dreamed about her that night. And I'm a woman!"

Amidst the praise, a fan of 'Encountering the Divine' used AI to change Victoria's outfit in a photo, suggesting she would be perfect for the role of the goddess Quiana from the book. This influencer had many followers who agreed that Victoria matched the book's description of the goddess—regal and stunning, with a cold gaze that could captivate anyone. Quiana wasn't the main character but had a high-status role with limited screen time.

Despite the online buzz about Victoria playing Quiana, she wasn't interested in the project. She wouldn't even consider the lead role, let alone a supporting one, so her studio didn't respond.

One day, Victoria was invited to a Chanel show, and a reporter asked her, "Victoria, did you know there's a poll online where you've been voted the 'Most Beautiful Historical Goddess'? They also think you're the best fit for the role of goddess Quiana."

Victoria smiled modestly, "It's all thanks to the fans' great photo editing skills."

Backstage, a middle-aged man approached Victoria, beaming. "Victoria, hello. I'm Billy Richardson, the producer of 'Encountering the Divine.' Would you be interested in guest-starring for three days?"

Serafina quickly stepped in, "Sorry, any work inquiries for Victoria should go through her agent, Wilmer. Please don't disturb her while she's enjoying the show. Thank you."

Billy kept his smile, "I'll contact Wilmer. I just wanted to say hello since I ran into you today. Victoria, you truly are as stunning and elegant as people say."

Victoria responded with a polite smile, "Thank you for the compliment."

However, photos of Victoria talking to the producer soon appeared online. Speculation began: Was Victoria going to collaborate with the 'Encountering the Divine' team? Ella saw the news and panicked. Victoria's current popularity and status far surpassed hers. If Victoria wanted the lead role, even a signed contract could be voided! She had managed to outmaneuver Jasmine, but she couldn't compete with Victoria.

What should she do? Ella quickly came up with a plan. She had recently contacted Brian to discuss investment details with the producer, and Brian and Joan were at the Sunhaven Hotel today. She rushed over and tearfully complained, "Mom, Dad, ever since I started my career, Victoria has been targeting me. Now she wants to steal my lead role."

"How could she do that? Victoria is being so unreasonable. Don't worry, we support you. We'll talk to her," Brian and Joan said in unison, feeling they had the right to intervene since they had raised Victoria, even if she wasn't their biological daughter.

The next day, Billy met Wilmer for coffee and introduced the 'Encountering the Divine' project and its potential. Wilmer considered the short filming time and took the script, but he said he needed to think it over. Every script had to be approved by Victoria, who had an exceptional eye for choosing projects, often better than his own as a top agent. Back at the office, he handed the script to Victoria.

Victoria was familiar with the project. The first season had mediocre reviews but would become a classic over time. If Ella and Jasmine weren't involved, she wouldn't mind guest-starring. The goddess role was different from her previous characters, and she enjoyed exploring various styles. But with people she disliked in the cast, she wasn't interested. She had plenty of options and didn't need this one.

Wilmer respected her decision and planned to decline the offer in a few days. Just then, the receptionist called, saying two people were demanding to see Victoria, claiming to be her relatives. The receptionist noted they were older and well-dressed, not like crazed fans, so she called to check.

After hearing their names, Victoria paused. Wilmer cautiously asked, "Are they really your relatives? Why didn't they call you directly instead of coming to the office?"

Victoria's expression was complicated. "They used to be my relatives, but not anymore. They're Ella's parents, my former foster parents. They cut ties with me for Ella's sake." When Ella was expelled from Nexus College, Brian and Joan had caused a scene at the school, leading to a fallout between the families and the Hamiltons ending their collaboration with the Scotts.

Serafina gasped, covering her mouth in shock. Wilmer kindly offered, "Should I have the receptionist send them away?"