Rina didn’t want to get into a confrontation with Regina, but she seemed to be asking for a scene. Her dramatic gasp echoed through the restaurant, causing the already staring crowd to gently whip their phones out. Eyes shone in excitement at the sight of another Rina drama, but she really didn’t want to have to do that.
“Who said you were better than me?” Regina drawled, wanting to have the last say. “What’s to say that you weren’t sleeping with the producers to get your roles? They always claimed you were the best thing to happen to Scottsdale, but now that I think about it, it was all about what you had to offer, wasn’t it?”
Regina was only being spiteful, intending her venomous words to hurt Rina. But she stared back with a stoic expression. She was certain of herself, certain that everything Regina said was lies. And in truth, she expected it. It was the only thing Regina or anyone else held above her the lies going around on the internet.
George, on the other hand, couldn’t bear to watch the scene. He scoffed and walked towards Regina in a menacing manner. He had a lot to lose because of what he was about to do, but at that moment, he didn’t care. Regina took a slow step backward, the previous haughty look in her eyes diminishing.
“What are you doing?” She questioned, attempting what could pass as a passive glare in George’s direction. “You know the only reason you are allowed in here is because Rina gave you a chance from wherever she picked you from. I always wondered why she didn’t use some popular managers like the rest of us, but then again, everything about her is substandard.”
“You mean you are the substandard one,” George retorted. “Your hair. We all know you wear wigs because you are suffering from a hair condition you don’t understand. And I’m not even saying that to spite you, but don’t you think you should find a solution to that first before throwing shades at Rina, who I dare say, is perfect in all ramifications?”
“How dare you speak about something I consider sensitive information?”
“And your nose,” George continued, unwavering. “Don’t think I forgot you had to get a plastic job done because the role you were asked to star in needed the character as flawless as possible. But your nose made it hard to retain it. Regina, dear, those were none of your faults because this industry is out for blood. It expects the best from anyone, and then more. Rina has tried her absolute best to get to where she was before it was taken away from her by malice. Don’t join that troupe, because you would only regret it in the long run.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Who knows what would happen in a week from now? Someone might decide they don’t want you here anymore, and guess what would happen? You would be out on the streets as well, and I am so certain that you won’t be able to get out of it. Because, unlike you, Rina has her talents backing her up. She’s great at what she does. You on the other hand…”
“George,” Rina called softly. As much as she enjoyed the little show, she didn’t want to be at the center of it anymore. “I think I should leave now. This isn’t my turf, anyway.”
“Yeah,” Regina mouthed, regaining her stance. “Go to where you belong. You can’t claw your way back in here, or anywhere else for that matter. Nobody will take you in.”
George angled his head and peered at her. “What did you just say?”
She stalked closer, arresting everyone with hatred in her eyes. “You heard me. I don’t care if it takes everything I have. I will make sure you never get any opportunity again.”
Rina didn’t understand it. What on earth had she done to Regina other than the regular competition in the industry a competition she hadn’t willingly created? It looked like an anger that ran far deeper than the ordinary, and suddenly, she thought there was more to it. George might just have been right.
She moved closer to George and took his arm, subtly shaking her head. That wasn’t the right time for any other confrontation. “Let it go.”
But it was too late. Someone had alerted a member of the board, who was now hastily making his way down to the restaurant. Rina grabbed her purse from the table and moved to stand beside George. There was no need to run, and even if there was, Rina had no intention of doing that. She had done nothing wrong.
“Some guts you have, Ms. Powers,” he said, getting closer to the small group. He was the one who had the audacity to tell Rina to go on a podcast and admit to all the accusations just to bring more traffic to the house. She couldn’t help the scowl on her face, and the glare in her eyes.
“What is this, George? Are you tired of working with our actors?” He turned his gaze to George, who wasn’t backing down one bit.
Rina wanted to stand up for him. She couldn’t allow him to take the fall for something that had been targeted only at her. He was damn good at his job. It was the only reason Scottsdale Entertainment hadn’t let him off along with her, and she wanted it to remain that way.
“He has nothing to do with this,” she said, getting in his way. “Just let him be.”
“No,” George muttered, pushing her gently out of the way. “I can’t keep doing this. I’m tired of listening to them mock you behind closed doors, when in truth, you were the best thing that happened to them and they know they would never be equal to you.”
“Really, George? Is that how you want this to go?” His wrinkled eyes twinkled with the latest development. It was glaring that he’d been waiting for something like this to happen. “That’s fine, then. Have it your way.”