Chapter 4
It had taken everything in Paisley to steel herself and leave Serena behind. She rushed to the temporary studio she rented in Harrowfell for work. But as soon as she stepped inside, her assistant, Lacy Green, brought her some bad news with a grim expression.
“Mr. Anderson just texted me: Lucy said hesitantly. “The lead role in the new drama has been finalized. They picked Brittany Sullivan.
Paisley s brows furrowed sharply, her voice cold and resolute “Absolutely not. We had an agreement before signing, Brittany Sullivan was never an option
Ahhough casting wasn’t within her jurisdiction as the screenwriter, Paisley had made one thing crystal clear from the start–Brittany was not to be
involved
It wasn’t just about this drama either. In every project Paisley had ever worked on, Brittany lad been a hard no, no matter how insignificant the role was. It was an unspoken rule that every production tram collaborating with her had agreed to respect.
“Get her replaced immediately. Paisleyenlered, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Lucy hesitated, her unease evident as she pulled out her tablet and opened Instagram. “I think it might be too late for that. The production team’s already announced it on Instagram “
Without a moment’s pause, Paisley picked up ho
up her phone and dialed the director, Gary Anderson,
The first call went straight to voicemail, then the second. On her third attempt, he finally answered, his tone mockingly jovial, “Ms Vaire, what a surprise to hear from you”
Her voice was sharp, every word striking with precision. “Spare me the pleasantries, Mr. Anderson. I don’t a for this project. We discussed this and you agreed”
approve of Brittany being cast in any role
On the other end of the line, Gary’s guilty chuckle betrayed his unease as he said in a dismissive voice. “Well, yes, we discussed it. But, you know, verbal agreements don’t hold much weight in this business.”
Paisley let out a short, incredulous laugh, her tone biting. “If that’s your stance, then don’t blame me for what happens next.
“Wait, wait, Ms. Vaire, Let’s not calate things, Gary said hastily, his sigh heavy with frustration. “Look, it’s not that I wanted this. If I had any say. Brittany wouldn’t be anywhere near this project
“But this isn’t about creative control–it’s about pow
power. I won’t stand a chance against them. The investors demanded her as the lead. If I refuse, they pull funding and blacklist me across the industry”
“What?” Paisley’s breath hitched, her mind racing. She had encountered producers and investors who had tried to influence casting decisions, but never with this level of force. The audacity of it all took her completely by surprise.
even a renowned director like Gary could be swayed and threatened with his career to the point of having to comply was almost
To think that eve bughable
And what shocked her even more was the fact that she knew the investors in this project. None of them had the kind of power to make such sweeping decisions.
“Which investor? Paisley asked, her voice calm but her mind already spinning, strategizing. She thought she might be able to go straight to the source, have a word with whoever had made this call. She had the connections, after all.
Gary’s tone was deflated, as if he knew he was powerless in the face of it all. “It’s not just one. All of the investors are insisting on Brittany as the lead”
Paisley’s heart sank, and a cold knot of tension formed in her chest. The weight of the situation hit her hard. She could feel her blood pressure rising, her grip tightening on the phone
Gary sighed again, his voice heavy with resignation, “Ms. Vaire, I’m sure you’ve figured it out by now. Brittany has someone powerful backing her someone so influential that all the investors are simply following this mysterious figure’s orders. Please, just take pity on me and let it go this time.”
Panley didn’t press Gary further. She understood that this was out of his hands now, no longer a matter he could control.
know such a powerful figure!”
“What’s the deal with Brittany anyway? Lucy asked her confusion plain. “How could someone like her possibly know
Brittany was nothing more than a D–list actress, the kind who barely scraped by starring in obscure soap operas. She had no business landing a lead role in a major production like this one.
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Thuisley frowned in thought. The Sullivan family she knew certainly didn’t wield that kind of influence.
“Are we just going to let this slide! Really let Brittany take the lead rolet Lacy asked, unwilling to accept the situation. Paisley’s scripts w top–notch and the actors chosen for her leads were usually either A–list superstars or brilliant character actors.
were always
The idea that someone as insignificant as Brittany could land such a prestigious role felt like a slap in the face. Lucy thought in frustration. She’s gonna man everything.
“Alsalnarly mit” Paisley said firmly. She refused to let it end like this, but for now, she couldn’t think of a way around it. After all, she couldn’t exactly let Gary get blacklisted from the entire industry.
Lucy hesitated before voicing a question that had nagged at her for a while. “Speaking of Brittany why do you dislike her so much I get that she’s not lead materul, but she’s harmless enough for minor roles. Yet you won’t even allow that Why?
Paisley sank ouse the sofa, her expression weary. “Brittany’s adoptive parents are my biological parents”
Lucy’s
cy’s eyes went wide with shock. “Wait are you saying she’s a fake heiress?”
Abitter smile tugged at Paisley s lips. She hated how her life seemed ripped straight from the pages of some tired soap opera, but that was the
As a child, she had gone missing in an accident. By the time she was reunited with the Sullivan family, fifteen years had passed.
In those years. Brittany had firmly established herself as her adoptive parents beloved daughter, living under their roof and in their hearts for
fourteen years.
family had grown so attached to
Much like every cliche about swapped or lost daughters, Paisley’s return wasn’t met with joy but with hostility. The f Britany that they wished Paisley had never come back at all.
After one too many heated confrontations, Paisley cut ties with them completely.
was during that turbulent time that she met Dominick. He’d promised to give her the family she’d always longed for.
Meanwhile, back at Sullivan Villa, Brittany sprawled on the plush couch in the living room, her phone in hand
She was scrolling through Instagram, grinning ear to ear as she came across the production teams official announcement. She quickly hit the like button shared the post, and added a gleeful comment
“Mom, it’s official. I’m finally going to star in this drama. Once it airs, I’ll be famous for sure” Brittany chirped, snuggling into the arms of Christina Sullivan, who at beside her
Christina wrapped an arm around Britany, her face alight with pride and satisfaction. “This is wonderful news, sweetheart.”
Brittany’s lips curled into a sly smirk as she toyed with her phone. Her tone was dripping with triumph, her eyes gleaming as she reveled in her victory, “I don’t know what Nion Vaire’s problem is
“She’s always had it out for me. Every single one of her projects? Not even a bit part. But guess what? None of that matters now. I’m still the one who Landed the lead”
Christina gently stroked Brittany’s silky hair, her smile deepening with satisfaction. “Speaking of which, you should really thank Mr. Vanderbilt for this role. I told you, he’s always been so generous to our family. The moment you asked him for help. I knew he’d come through
At the mention of the dashing and poised Dominick, a delicate blush spread across Brittany’s checks, softening her voke to a coy murmur. “Mr. Vanderbilt has indeed been very kind to me.”
Three months ago, a man claiming to be Dominick’s assistant hud approached Brittany, inquiring about her connection to the Sullivan family. He had landed her a business card and assured her that she could reach out if she ever needed assistance.
smce then. Dominick’s influence had worked wonders for Brittany Opponunities that once seemed out of reach were suddenly handed to her on a
lver platter. Even the Sullivan family s business ventures had benefited significantly, riding the coattails of Dominick’s power and connections. “Such a pity he’s about to get married Christina sighed, her eyes lingering on her daughter’s beautiful, doll–like face. To her, Brittany was leagues above Dominick’s hancer in every way.
Christina thought to herself, Brittany’s so much better than her. If only things were different. Too bad he’s marrying someone else,
Arimany, however, waved the concern away with a nonchalant flick of her hand. “Mom, you know how those marriages in high society work. Once
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Dreame–Read Romance..
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Chapter 4
ir lovers
the vows are said, they go their
ir separate ways and live their own lives with their
“It’s nothing unusual. As long as Mr. Vanderbilt treats me well, I don’t care about a title. Besides, those tabloids? Half of them are probably made up anyway, Mr. Vanderbilt hasn’t even publicly confirmed anything”
“You’re right.” Christina agreed after a pause, nodding thoughtfully. “If he didn’t have feelings for you, why would he go out of his way to help you- and our family, no less?” Still, a trace of regret lingered in her tone. “But it’s not the same as having it official.
“Speaking of official… Brittany straightened up, her curiosity piqued. “Mr. Vanderbilt has a son, doesn’t he? Born from his ex–wife? I honestly can’t imagine what kind of woman would walk away from such an exceptional man like him. She’s probably somewhere sobbing over her regret right
Christina let out a sharp laugh. “Some people just aren’t cut out for the good life. Look at that wretch, Paisley. Always scheming, always ungrateful. It’s no wonder she’s spent her life destitute and alone. She deserves it.”
At the mention of Paisley. Brittany’s expression faltered briefly, an almost imperceptible shadow crossing her face. “Mom, don’t hold onto your anger toward Paisley. It’s my fault. I took her place.
“Back then, I was young and foolish, and I made her mad. That’s why she left the family and hasn’t come back in all these years-
“Don’t ruin a good day by bringing her up” Christina cut in, clasping Brittany’s hand with affectionate reassurance. “One daughter is more than enough for me. You’ve done us proud, and that’s all that matters.”
Changing the subject, Christina leaned in closer. “By the way, since Mr. Vanderbilt helped you so much this time, you really should thank him properly. Better yet, invite him over for dinner. It’d be nice to have a meal together.”
