Zara told Thea back in the car that Nina was actually 31. But she wanted to stay longer in this business, so she changed her age to 28. Thea observed her state. Nina, indeed, looked like a girl in her 20s. She didn’t look like she was more than 30 at all.
Right now, Nina has had her makeup on. Thea had to admit that the Victorian-style dress looked amazing on her.
Thea said hello to the famous actor. Nina only nodded back slightly.
Thea picked another seat by the door. She was not familiar with Nina. Besides, Nina looked like she didn’t want to be bothered.
Nina was the first one who was summoned into the audition room.
Thea waited outside for a while until the director called her in as well.
She was a bit surprised because she didn’t see Nina walk out of the room after her audition.
When she pushed open the door and walked in, Nina was sitting right next to the director, smiling at her.
The director gave Thea a random scene to act out. Thea did a great job as usual. She behaved and talked just like a well-educated high-class lady from the 18th century.
The director loved her performance so much. He couldn’t stop smiling, “Great job, Thea. You did it so well.”
Nina, however, was pulling a face. But she soon forced out a smile as well because everyone else was watching.
The director sighed, “Both of you have done an amazing job. It’s really hard for me to decide. Well… I guess I need some time to really think it through. I will inform you both through the call when I make up my mind.”
Thea nodded and went back with her agent.
****
After getting in her limo, Nina Black fished out her phone from her purse, dialing her boyfriend’s number. She started to date her boyfriend during the last collaboration. Her boyfriend was also an actor, but he was not as famous as Nina. However, this boyfriend of hers had more connections and resources than anyone in this business.
“What’s wrong, babe?”
“Probably I won’t get the role.” Nina pouted, whining.
“I thought you were the director’s best option.”
“But that Thea Todd came. She’s younger than me. I think the director absolutely adores her,” Nina thought Thea stood a bigger chance just because she was younger.
“No way. The director won’t have her only because she’s young. She’s got to be good. You know Ryan only values talent.” The boyfriend failed to figure out what Nina was trying to hint at.
Nina could only make it more explicit, “Could you please talk to Ryan a bit for me? I’m also a talented actor. Besides, I really want this role.”
Her boyfriend chuckled, “Of course, my Queen. You can get anything you want. I will call the director immediately after we talk.”
Nina hung up the phone happily.
****
Thea’s car stopped before her apartment. Zara told her before she got off the car, “The call will come in two or three days. You can take this time to get some rest.”
Thea nodded and waved. Zara drove the car away.
Nina thought her boyfriend’s words would work. However, Ryan hated it so much when people tried to use their privilege to get what they wanted. He had been actually hesitant between Thea and Nina. Nina’s boyfriend’s call made him make up his mind.
Two days later, Thea received a call from the crew congratulating her on getting the role. Thea was thrilled.
She used two days to go through the script and figure out her own character’s overall storyline. She found herself falling in love with her character.
She went to the crew to sign her contract with Zara three days later. She will join the crew next Monday. And she still had three days left before that day. She felt she still needed more time to get familiar with the script.
However, after the last shooting, Thea got more experience, and she could memorize her script even faster. Besides, the role was written successfully. The impression the role left her was huge, and it was hard to forget every single line.
On their way back to the apartment from the contract signing, Thea still couldn’t put the script down. She was so immersed that Zara’s angry words made her look up.
“I knew it! I knew that bitch was up to no good! She always does this.”
“Huh?” Thea had never heard Zara curse before. She was a bit startled.
“Sorry…” Zara sighed as she threw her phone at Thea’s side, “It’s Nina. She used all those marketing accounts on Twitter to slender you again.”
Thea stuttered, “Ho-how?”
“Her accounts claimed that you used dishonorable ways to take away her role.”
To get a louder voice on the internet, celebrities would usually nurture multiple accounts to control the inclinations of topics about them. Those accounts were not usually under their names. So in the public eyes, their opinions were neutral. They would only come out when those celebrities wanted to slender someone or defend their reputations. Along with bots and hired commenters, some celebrities could lead the direction of public opinions in their own favor.
Those accounts spread fake news, claiming that Nina had already got the role, yet Thea managed to take it away.
A lot of fans of Nina went to Thea’s Twitter account to accuse her. Some of them even cursed her, saying that she slept with the director to get what she wanted.
Some fans even went to the official account of the drama to complain.
“Nina even got her full makeup character shot leaked out. And this woman came out of nowhere and just took away her role. Thea Todd, right? Everyone knows that she has a hidden sugar daddy. So nowadays, you can get a role based on how much power and money you have instead of the talents you possess. It’s so disgusting.”
“Hush. Our Queen, Thea Todd, even has the power to make a fool out of Rachel in front of everyone. Say any bad words about her, and she will probably behead you.”
“Thea Todd is a talentless slut who slept her way through the competition and auditions PERIOD.”
“She’s already got a leading role after the first day she debuted. Even that police officer had to humble himself before the Queen of the universe. Who are you mortals to question Thea Todd’s power?”
“Really? Queen of the universe.”
All sorts of mocking and smearing flooded in, and Thea suddenly became the target.
“How are we gonna handle this?” Thea blew out a long breath.
Compared with getting angry, she was more curious. “This is just a drama role. Why is Nina so mad about not getting it? I mean, she’s already had so many successful roles.”
Zara smiled, “Her real age doesn’t allow her to take roles like this anymore. Besides, someone told me that she had probably gotten pregnant. If she had to take a rest to have the baby, she would have no work during that time. She doesn’t want to lose her fans and popularity. Moreover, you’re young and more talented. It’s normal for Nina to get panicked.”
Young and more talented?
Thea went blushed again, “You’re flattering me.”
“I’m telling the truth, though. You will become so big one day, Thea,” Zara smiled genuinely.