Chapter 10: The First Stage, The Game Begins
The morning sunlight broke through the gap in the curtains of the Caldwell penthouse. It was not as warm as the Carmel sun that usually greeted Scarlett, but far more arrogant. This morning, New York felt like a wild beast stretching its body, ready to devour anyone who let their guard down. And Scarlett Whitmore, the girl who just a week ago was still struggling with worn-out scripts in a coffee shop, now stood in front of a massive mirror, preparing for her first day as the lead actress under JTC Management.
"Kak Scarlett, please, don't stand there like the Statue of Liberty. Breathe, Kak, breathe!" Amanda's high-pitched voice broke the silence of the spacious room.
Amanda, her new personal assistant and apparently the daughter of one of the Caldwell family's servants, was busy unpacking a suitcase filled with clothes Lily had sent the night before. The girl with the ponytail moved swiftly, in contrast to Scarlett who stood stiffly, staring at her reflection.
"I… I'm nervous, Manda," Scarlett admitted honestly. Her cold fingers intertwined.
Amanda stopped what she was doing and looked at Scarlett with playful wide eyes. "Being nervous is normal, Kak. If you're not nervous, you're a robot, not a human. But look," Amanda stepped closer, turning Scarlett back toward the mirror. "With this sage green oversized blazer, your naturally wavy hair, and that no-makeup makeup look done by Kyle yesterday… you look expensive. Luxurious without trying too hard. Effortless."
Scarlett gave a small smile. Amanda's comments always managed to slip a little oxygen into her tight lungs.
"Remember, Kak. Today is just script reading and light physical training. Not a life-or-death audition. You already got the role. Now you just need to prove that JTC didn't make the wrong choice," Amanda winked, quickly correcting herself, remembering the secret status of Scarlett's marriage.
Scarlett took a deep breath, trying to shake off the rest of her anxiety. She touched the simple wedding ring now hanging on a necklace beneath her shirt. A reminder of the contract, the protection, and the wall of ice she had to face.
A Suffocating Atmosphere
The JTC Management building in Midtown Manhattan was a glass tower that radiated power. As the luxury car carrying Scarlett and Amanda stopped at the lobby, the atmosphere of busyness immediately surrounded them. People moved quickly, dressed neatly, their hands never leaving their phones or tablets.
Lily was already waiting near the elevator lobby, looking sharp in her black suit. "On time. Good," she said coldly, glancing at her watch. "Follow me. The reading room is on the twenty-eighth floor. Director Arthur Vance and most of the crew are already there."
Inside the fast-moving elevator, Scarlett's heart pounded hard. She glanced at Amanda, who gave her a subtle thumbs-up.
The twenty-eighth floor was the heart of the film project The Silent Heart. The hallways were filled with mood boards, storyboards, and crew members engaged in serious discussions. Scarlett could feel eyes on her as she followed Lily. Curious, assessing, and perhaps… slightly cynical. Who is this girl, Julian Caldwell's cousin? That question seemed to linger in the air.
Lily opened the door to a large conference room that doubled as a rehearsal space. The room was vast, with giant glass windows offering a high view of Central Park. In the center, a long table was surrounded by chairs, complete with stacks of scripts and bottles of mineral water.
At the end of the table sat Arthur Vance, the perfectionist director who had given her a chance yesterday. He only gave a short nod as Scarlett entered.
"Ah, here she is, our Elara!" A warm baritone voice suddenly broke the tension.
Sean: The Sun in the Storm
A man stood up and walked toward Scarlett with a wide, sincere smile. He was Sean, the rising star who would be her co-star. A man with warm brown eyes and an effortless aura, as if he was unaware that he had become one of America's newest idols.
"I'm Sean. The poor guy who's going to fall hopelessly in love with your character in this film," Sean extended his hand, his eyes meeting Scarlett's with a calming warmth.
Scarlett accepted his hand, feeling a warmth that contrasted with Julian's cold touch. "Scarlett. The unlucky girl from Carmel who got lucky enough to work with you."
Sean chuckled lightly, his laughter crisp and contagious. "Carmel? I love the vibe there. Relaxed, not like New York where everything is rushed. But don't say lucky, Scarlett. I saw your audition tape. You were amazing. Arthur Vance wouldn't choose someone just because of who they're related to," Sean winked, offering a joke that immediately eased the awkwardness.
Amanda, standing behind Scarlett, whispered, "Handsome, friendly, not stiff. Score ten for Sean, minus fifty for Boss Julian."
Scarlett had to hold back a laugh. Sean's presence felt like an oasis in the middle of a desert. He was easygoing, playful, and made Scarlett feel comfortable instantly.
"Come on, sit next to me," Sean invited, pulling out a chair. "Relax, the script won't bite. Maybe just give you a slight headache."
The First Test Under the Spotlight
The script reading session began. Arthur Vance gave a brief introduction, emphasizing the dramatic and emotional vision of The Silent Heart. Scarlett opened the script in front of her, her hands trembling slightly. This was her first test in front of the entire cast and crew.
They began from Scene 1. At first, Scarlett's voice sounded stiff, full of hesitation. She could feel the judging gazes from several senior actors. But Sean, sitting beside her, lightly touched the back of her hand during a pause in the dialogue, a small gesture that said, You can do this, Scarlett.
Scarlett took a deep breath. She closed her eyes briefly, imagining the atmosphere of the coffee shop in Carmel, recalling the hunger and desperation she once felt. She let those emotions flow into Elara.
When she opened her eyes and spoke again, her voice had changed. It was no longer Scarlett's nervous voice, but Elara's wounded one, filled with restrained anger and deep fragility. She became the character.
The room fell completely silent. Only Scarlett and Sean's voices filled the space, their dialogue creating a natural chemistry. Some crew members who had been busy with their tablets began to pay attention. Arthur Vance leaned back in his chair, a faint smile forming on his rigid lips.
Scarlett could feel the energy in the room shift. She was no longer just Julian's lucky cousin. She was an actress with real talent.
That appreciative silence shattered when the door burst open. Her presence needed no announcement. Her aura dominated the room.
Selena Harrington walked in.
She was the definition of intimidating beauty. Wearing a blood-red silk dress that hugged her figure perfectly, her black hair neatly styled, and diamond earrings sparkling at her ears. Every movement radiated dominance. Her smile curved, but never reached her sharp, cold gray eyes.
The atmosphere shifted instantly. Tense and silent. Some crew members held their breath, while senior actors exchanged uneasy glances.
"Sorry I'm late, Arthur," Selena's voice was smooth, like velvet hiding a blade. "Something in Los Angeles took more time than expected."
Arthur cleared his throat. "It's fine, Selena. We just finished the opening."
Selena walked closer, her gaze landing directly on Scarlett beside Sean. She assessed Scarlett from head to toe with a look that made her feel small. Her smile widened, but it was the smile of a predator eyeing its prey.
"And this is… JTC's new star?" Selena stepped closer, stopping right in front of Scarlett. The heavy scent of lily perfume overwhelmed Scarlett's senses. "I'm Selena Harrington. I'll be playing the main antagonist who will torment Elara in this film."
She extended her elegant hand with striking red nails. Scarlett stood, keeping her chin lifted despite her racing heart. "Scarlett. It's an honor to work with an actress of your caliber, Miss Harrington."
Selena laughed softly, like the sound of breaking crystal. "An actress of my caliber? You're quite clever with words, Scarlett. I see New York netizens are buzzing about you. 'Julian Caldwell's mysterious cousin who is beautiful and talented.'" She tilted her head, her gaze sharpening. "You're very lucky to land the lead role in such an… ambitious indie project. JTC must have a very strong reason to give it to someone with no experience like you."
The words were sharp, wrapped in false politeness. This was not an introduction. It was a declaration of psychological war.
Scarlett blinked. The nervousness she had suppressed returned, but deep inside, a spark of anger ignited. She remembered Joshua's slap in Carmel, remembered her vow to never let anyone step on her again.
"I agree, Miss Harrington," Scarlett replied, her voice steadier than she expected. She looked straight into Selena's eyes. "I'm very lucky. And I will make sure that luck isn't wasted by giving my best performance, alongside talented actresses like you."
For a split second, Selena's eyes widened, surprised. But her superior smile quickly returned. "We'll see, Scarlett. On set, luck won't help you if you act poorly."
Julian stood in the shadows by the doorway. He had been there since Selena arrived, watching everything. His face remained expressionless, like marble, but inside, emotions stirred.
Old love? No. Paris three years ago was over. Obsession? Perhaps. Selena was the only woman who had ever broken through his walls, even if she had also destroyed him. But seeing her attack Scarlett stirred an unfamiliar protective instinct.
Scarlett was his wife now, legally. His responsibility. And JTC would not let its investment be ruined by Selena Harrington's ego.
Julian stepped forward, his presence tightening the atmosphere.
"Arthur," his voice was firm, authoritative. "Continue the reading. We don't have time for drama outside the script."
He then looked at Selena, cold and firm. "Selena, you know where your seat is. Don't let your personal matters interfere with professionalism at JTC."
Selena looked at him with a complex expression. Longing, anger, and wounded pride. She scoffed but walked to her seat at the far end of the table.
Julian glanced at Scarlett. Her cheeks were still flushed. He noticed Sean's hand resting again on hers.
An unexpected irritation struck him.
It's just a contract… then why does it feel different seeing another man touch her?
He looked away immediately.
Later That Day
After the session, Julian asked Scarlett to meet him in a small training room.
"I'll give you an evaluation," he said firmly.
Inside, the room was quiet, with only a large mirror and a few training tools.
"In Scene 4, your emotions were too overwhelming," Julian began. "Elara suppresses her anger. She's not hysterical. You need to control your feelings, not be controlled by them."
Scarlett frowned. "But in Carmel, I was taught to be honest with my feelings."
"This is not Carmel," Julian cut in. "This is New York. Honesty without control is a weakness people will exploit. Like Selena did."
Silence stretched between them.
"One more thing," Julian added. "Don't be too friendly with Sean."
"What?" Scarlett was stunned.
"There's a difference between acting chemistry and personal closeness," Julian replied coldly.
The door suddenly burst open.
"Hey, Mrs. Caldwell! Mr. Stiff Boss!" Jonathan appeared cheerfully. "That session was insane. Two Caldwells versus the Red Queen. Better than any script."
His laughter lightened the tension.
That Night
Scarlett sat in front of the mirror in her room, staring at her reflection. She opened her phone, reading social media comments.
"Scarlett and Sean's chemistry is amazing!"
"But Manhattan netizens ship Scarlett with Julian."
"Selena clearly doesn't like Scarlett."
Scarlett felt overwhelmed. The lie about being a "cousin" weighed heavily. Being paired with Sean and Julian in rumors made her uncomfortable.
Amanda entered with tea. "Don't read those comments, Kak. People love romantic stories. Just relax."
"But I don't like lying," Scarlett whispered.
"Sometimes, lies are the best protection," Amanda replied seriously. "Use it. Popularity is a tool."
Scarlett looked at the script in her hands. She had to be stronger.
She wiped off the concealer on her cheek. The bruise had faded, but the memory remained.
She lifted her chin. She would no longer be weak. Not Selena's victim. Not Julian's shadow.
She would become an actress who owned the stage. The first stage had opened. And the real game had just begun. Scarlett Whitmore Caldwell was ready to win.