Chapter 8
Late at night, Caroline tossed the script aside and rubbed her tired eyes. She grabbed her wallet from the nightstand, opened it, and fished out a shiny button from a hidden pocket.
Five years ago, that wild night not only brought two kids into her life but also left her with this button. It was black, delicate, and had a tiny letter "N" engraved on it.
Caroline fiddled with the button, her mind wandering. She couldn't figure out why she kept it. That night five years ago was a total nightmare.
Caroline never thought about finding that guy. When the kids asked, she just said their dad was lost.
After a while, Caroline snapped back to reality and put the button back in the wallet.
The audition was tomorrow, and Roxanne would be there too. Caroline was sure Roxanne knew who it was that night.
The next day, the audition for "Thunder 2" was at the Celestial Waters Hotel. Roxanne, all dolled up, showed up with her agent and assistant in tow.
Reporters swarmed around, causing a ruckus.
"Roxanne, you blew up overnight with 'Thunder.' How do you feel about filming 'Thunder 2' five years later?"
"Roxanne, after 'Thunder' dropped, people had mixed feelings about your acting. You think you can nail it in 'Thunder 2' this time?"
Roxanne hadn't slept a wink because of yesterday's drama. Hearing the reporters' questions, which were polite but clearly throwing shade, she snapped. "Shut up! If you think you can do better, go ahead and act!"
Bianca, caught off guard, quickly signaled the hotel security to get Roxanne inside. "I've told you a million times. Don't piss off the reporters."
Roxanne sneered, "I've put up with them long enough. A bunch of lousy reporters think they can mess with me? Their monthly salary isn't even enough to buy me a lipstick."
Her face was full of hostility. When she looked up, she saw Caroline.
"Wait here, don't follow me, and don't let anyone approach." Roxanne barked at Bianca and stormed towards Caroline.
Caroline heard footsteps and turned to see Roxanne's angry face.
In a secluded corner, Roxanne demanded, "What are you doing here?"
Caroline shot back, "If you can be here, why can't I?"
"Not pretending anymore? Didn't you say your name was Demi yesterday? What are you really here for?" Roxanne spat, seething with anger.
"Of course, I'm here for the audition." Caroline smiled, her eyes icy.
"You can forget about getting into 'Thunder 2.' Get out!"
Caroline couldn't understand why Roxanne got so worked up whenever she saw her. Even if she nailed the audition and joined the crew, it wouldn't mess with Roxanne's status.
Caroline said, "Too bad you're not the director. You don't get to decide. If you don't want me to act, I will act."
Roxanne thought, 'After five years, this bitch has become more infuriating. In the past, a slight threat would make her swallow her anger and compromise.'
Roxanne was about to say something when her phone suddenly rang.
On the phone, Bianca said the investor's rep was about to arrive and told her to change quickly.
Roxanne felt a pang of anxiety. This time, it was Nathan who was coming. She couldn't let Caroline appear in front of him. If they had any interaction and the kid who looked like Nathan got involved, it would be a disaster.
Clutching her phone, Roxanne watched Caroline walk away and suddenly revealed a sinister smile.
As Caroline was walking, a man approached her. "Are you here for the audition?"
Caroline felt wary and instinctively glanced at the man's work badge, confirming it was legit before nodding.
The man said, "Please follow me."
The further they walked, the quieter it got. Just as Caroline was about to ask a question, the man suddenly turned around and pressed a damp cloth over her nose and mouth.