Holly was waiting for her scene in her trailer van.
The most popular competitor?
The rising star of the business?
The most eye-catching young artist?
Holly clenched her teeth as she felt a thick chunk of jealousy burning in her chest. She had everything! An agent, a company, money, and support from her stepdad, but Thea still became more famous than she was!
Thea Todd didn’t have anything! But she still managed to stand out among all the other girls in that stupid show! Her popularity was an accident. How could that bitch be so damn lucky?!
Holly hadn’t taken her eyes away from her stepsister for even one minute after she made her entrance into that competition. If people didn’t know about their relationship, they would have taken Holly as Thea’s biggest fan.
Holly’s assistant came into the trailer when she was glaring at the title of the news. Thea’s name and beautiful pictures stung her eyes.
“Holly, what are you doing?” The assistant, May, smiled as she put a pile of clothes on the couch, taking a glimpse of Holly’s phone, “Oh… Are you watching the news about the girls as well? They’ve been phenomenal recently. Their studio is not even far from our site. I know someone working in the building, and I can sneak in if I want to. Recently, everything has been about them. Who is your favorite competitor? I am Thea Todd’s biggest fan. She’s so good-looking and talented.” May instantly shut up as she realized that Holly’s stare was spitting venom.
“Wha-what’s wrong, Holly? You don’t enjoy the show?” May was startled.
Holly’s lips curled up into a vicious smile, “Nope. I absolutely adore the girls. You just said you could sneak into the building if you want. Can you do something for me?”
“Wh-what is it?” May stuttered.
Holly leaned in and whispered something into the poor girl’s ear.
May go pale the moment she heard what Holly said, “Wh-what? I… I can’t do that, Holly! I can’t do that!!”
“Excuse you?” Holly folded her arms before her chest, “Remember who you’re working for, May! I hired you, and I can always fire you. And it would help if you remember who your parents are working for as well. If you don’t do this for me, I will tell my Dad to fire your parents’ asses!”
The poor May was shaking in fear, “NO! Please don’t fire my Mom and Dad! My little brother is still sick in the hospital. We need money.”
That was why Holly always picked her assistants among the children of her Dad’s employees. They were convenient and easy to control.
“Good, so you’re not stupid after all,” Holly grinned, “Now, go! Don’t make me disappointed, May.”
May rub her eyes as she walked out of the trailer.
Holly sat before the mirror and started to put thin makeup on her face. The girl who stared back at her in the mirror had a pretty face. Holly smiled at her reflection in the mirror.
Thea Todd would never be more famous than she was because she would never allow it.
That stupid slut’s mom had lost to Holly’s mom. Holly naturally thought Thea would never win when it came to a battle between them. Thea’s mom had lost, and she would also become a loser!
****
“So, this round of competition won’t eliminate anyone. You guys can just consider it as a game. Now that each of you has put on the Victorian-style dress you picked, you need to team up with other members and design a choreography to suit the style of the Victorian theme. The winning team would have the chance to join the party tonight. You will meet a lot of famous agents and celebrities there. It’s a great chance to widen your horizon in this business.” The director announced the rules of the competition.
“But… We got 20 members on each team. Designing a choreography for so many people can be quite challenging.” Luna was the first one who spoke up before the cameras, “How much time do we have, though?”
“3 hours,” the director smiled.
A murmur erupted among the girls. Most of them were complaining. Thea swished the feathered fan in her hand, looking away distractedly. In that dress, she looked like a beautiful, noble lady from the 19th century. She was absolutely stunning without trying.
Candace was watching from a distance. Her eyes couldn’t be torn away from Thea. She pulled out her phone and took a couple of pictures of Thea before sending them to her brother.
Cody must also want to see her.
Cody was working when he received those photos from Candace. Thea looked beautiful under the neutral light of the studio. She looked into some point in the distance. The way she waved the fan looked quite graceful. Cody blinked and put the phone next to his laptop.
He stared at the report Matt had just sent him on the screen for a few minutes. And then, he suddenly stood up from his seat and left his office.
****
“Come on… Lyn. I just want to take a glimpse of Thea.” May begged, “Just one signed photo! Please?!”
Lyn rolled her eyes, “Fine. But the girls are still shooting. They are practicing choreography right now. Just make sure to leave the site immediately after getting the photo, okay? Don’t stay too long, or you will impede the shooting.”
“Okay! I will leave immediately after getting the photo! Thank you so much!” May smiled. When she turned away, the smile on her face just disappeared.
She took in a deep breath before walking down the corridor. She knew she must succeed with her plan. Or both she and her parents would be punished.
May was probably too nervous. When she walked down the corridor hastily, she bumped into a tall figure. The man she bumped into was tall and muscled. It was pretty painful, but May didn’t even dare to look up. She only said sorry and hurried to walk away.
Cody frowned as he looked at the girl when she hurried off. He accidentally took a hasty look at the ID card on her neck. The logo didn’t look like it was from this shooting site.
Was she not an employee of this place? Then why was she working around this building?
“May?” Cody murmured the name he just saw. And then, he shook his head and turned around, walking to the director’s office.