Chapter 11
Cut? That’s a wrap! Congratulations!”
Director Grey emerged from behind the monitors, giving Ryan and me an enthusiastic thumbs up. “Incredible! A thousand times better than when you started!”
“All thanks to Ryan’s guidance,” I smiled, accepting the wrap bouquet before joining Ryan to watch the
playback.
This wasn’t mere flattery. Over six months, Ryan had truly elevated my performance. I’d learned to read the subtlest shifts in his expressions, responding with equally nuanced emotions.
I was certain “Twilight’s Edge” would sweep awards season.
“No, Evelyn’s the natural talent here,” Ryan countered.
“Oh?” Grey’s gaze darted between us. “Look at you two, trading compliments.”
Breathing in the mountain air, I finally felt at peace.
This film was my most fulfilling role yet. Before, I’d passed up countless scripts I loved to spend time with Alexander. The few that truly excited me, he’d hijacked for Claire.
Despite being relegated to mediocre films these past years, my natural talent had still caught the attention of prestigious directors. Though my passion had nearly been extinguished–I’d even agreed to Alexander’s wish that I retire to focus on family–I was grateful I hadn’t given up.
That persistence led me to this masterpiece, to a visionary like Grey, and to an incredible scene partner like Ryan.
The day the official trailer dropped, the entire cast and crew simultaneously posted on social media. After six months of silence, I was finally back in the public eye.
My fans hadn’t forgotten me. They’d kept faith during my absence, believing I had my reasons, leaving daily messages of support.
My disappearance now had the perfect explanation: total immersion in a prestigious film project.
This wasn’t just a comeback.
This was a triumph.
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midamiliar some shy servgnized Claire the woman before
They say a starter’s beauty is all smoke and mirrors just six months without maintenance, and Claire
Her eyes blazed with hatred. “You’re worse than your another At least the only played innocent–you faked your own deathrow how can you pre
You rained my life Alexander Blacklisted me wille you had in the mountains making your prestige film!
She finged at me. Before Ryan could intervene, I pushed him aside and delivered a stinging slap across
Take whatever man you want–1 couldn’t care less!*
Det mention my mother again, and I’ll slap you every time I see you!”
I didn’t care abom the paparazzi’s cameras clicking away. Claire stood disheveled, all polish gone.
She froze, then burst into hysterical laughter. “Why? Why does Alexander love me but can’t let you go? Now everyone’s comparing us, saying if I hadn’t stolen your roles, you’d be an international star by now!”
“He handed me everything on a silver platter! Why am I still miserable after taking everything from you?”
“Why must you always outdo me? I get your screenplay, you vanish to make a film with an Oscar winner! You always have to be better!”
“You cherished that script for seven years? Well, I’ll make it anyway–even if I have to bankrupt myself!”
This was my half–sister–the person who hated me most in the world. She’d hurt herself just to spite me.
“Go ahead. I have proof it’s my original work. I’ll sue you into oblivion.”
“You snake!” Claire sputtered, “You planned this! You’re so vindictive aren’t you afraid of karma?”
“James couldn’t forget you, Alexander’s lost without you!”
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