Vanessa arrived at the location Marianna had forwarded to her the previous night. It was where she was going to audition for the role.
Marianna quickly caught up with her when she came outside.
“You arrived early,” she said, leading Vanessa inside the building.
“For a second, I thought I came late.”
Inside, everywhere was empty, without a single person in sight, until Marianna led her to a door. She opened it, and that was where Vanessa saw two men in suits. She recognized them immediately. They were both the director and producers of the movie.
Jack and Harry.
They were also brothers.
“Vanessa,” Jack called with a smile on his lips. “Marianna has been praising you nonstop since she mentioned that you were interested in the role.”
“Of course I would. She works wonders when she’s fully locked into her character. I’ve seen her act before, so I can vouch that she knows what to do.”
Marianna quickly realized she was doing exactly what Jack had just said, but she didn’t care.
“You really need to watch her in action,” she finished.
“Is there even any need for that?” Someone questioned, her voice familiar. “All I requested was higher pay, and you decided to involve my little sister?”
Noelle walked forward until she stood in front of Vanessa, her face carrying an expression Vanessa couldn’t decipher.
Harry sighed before speaking.
“We told you countless times that we can’t go above the amount we’ve fixed as your pay for the movie. If Vanessa performs well, we’ll have to let you go and give her the role instead.”
Noelle’s smile cracked for a moment, but she quickly plastered another practiced one over her face.
“Alright then,” she responded before turning to Vanessa. “May I have a word with you, sister?”
She let Noelle pull her away from the stage and the audition room, taking her far away from everyone as if she was afraid that if anyone heard whatever she was about to say, her career would be over.
“Get out of here!” She snapped, her expression switching to the one Vanessa was already used to.
Wicked and heartless.
“Why?” Vanessa asked, deeply confused.
“Because I said so. Do you really think you can come here and steal my role from me? Since when did you start growing wings and think you can compete with me?” She demanded, her eyes narrowing. “Or is it because you’re now married to Matteo? You think being his wife is going to elevate your status and finally give you the confidence to dream big?”
She laughed, a heartfelt laugh genuinely filled with mockery.
“You really think so? Vanessa, people like you aren’t allowed to dream big at all. You will never succeed. You’re meant to be beneath people because that’s where you belong. Don’t let this stupid marriage fill your head with false confidence.”
“Then why are you so bothered about it?” Vanessa asked with a cocked eyebrow, her voice calm. “You just said I’ll never succeed, but you already see me as competition even before the show has started. Or are you perhaps threatened by my presence, sister?”
Noelle scoffed loudly.
“What nonsense are you talking about? Why would I be threatened by you of all people? You are nothing.”
“Then leave it at that,” Vanessa agreed. “I’m nothing. I’m not someone you should be threatened by. I can’t be more successful than you, and most importantly, I can’t be allowed to dream big. So how about you stop the fake pretense that we share a good relationship in public and actually leave me alone?”
Vanessa paused before a mischievous grin spread across her lips.
“You know, if this continues, I might actually start thinking that you love me. Do you want to kiss me, sister?”
She leaned closer.
Noelle immediately pushed her back, her heart racing in her chest.
“I’m only warning you, Vanessa.”
“And I’m warning you too, Noelle. I did everything father has asked of me all my life, and I’m sick of it. If you make my life harder than it’s meant to be, I’m going to come for you. And trust me when I say I have a lot of ideas about things I want to do to you.” Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
Vanessa regarded her one last time before turning to leave.
Noelle straightened her spine and heaved a breath, cracking her slender fingers one after another.
Then she reached into her bag, brought out her phone, and placed a call.
As soon as the call connected, she started complaining.
“Dad! You won’t believe what I’m about to tell you! That bitch! Vanessa is auditioning for a role that I already have. She wants to steal it from me.”
There was a moment of silence before Mr. Voss spoke.
“And how does she intend to steal it from you? She’s not half as good as you.”
Noelle’s heart warmed at the compliment for a second.
“Exactly my point. I don’t even know why Jack and Harry are giving her a chance. All I asked for was higher pay. Was that too much to ask for? After all, it’s my reputation that will make the movie reach millions of people.”
“So why exactly are you getting worked up that Vanessa will replace you? She obviously can’t get the role because she’s not good enough. And even if she does get the role, make her experience on the set a living hell.”
Noelle paused for a moment, trying to digest her father’s words.
“You’re telling me to…”
“Keep the role you have and make sure Vanessa gets another role. Then make every day for her on the set a day she’ll never forget.”
A grin stretched from the corners of Noelle’s lips to her cheeks as devious plans began forming in her mind.
“Do you understand me now?” Mr. Voss questioned.
“Yes, Father. I’ll make sure that Vanessa regrets every step she takes here.”
Then she hung up the phone, her grin still evident.
“Game on, Vanessa.”