Chapter 81
He thought Xanthea would come to him.
After hearing Xanthea failed bid to secure the lead role in “Realm of Illusions“, to comfort her, Oliver sent her an extensive list of upcoming fashion and film projects from Oli–hea Media directly to her phone.
Xanthea scrolled through the options but nothing really caught her interest. Even though there were some popular shows and potential blockbusters in the mix, none of them could compare to the buzz around “Realm of Illusions“. Surpassing Isabella by starring in any of these seemed like a pipe dream.
It seemed to her that the only way to eclipse Isabella was by landing the role of Phoenix in “Realm of Illusions“.
Oliver broke into her thoughts, “Xan, how’s the hunt going? Found anything you like?”
“Yes, but I still want to play Phoenix.”
“You really like that character, huh?” Oliver was in a tight spot, “Even though the script for Realm of Illusions‘ was snatched up by Starlight Media, I could pull some strings through my connections in the industry to get you a role. But the lead, Phoenix? That’s out of the question. Starlight Media has too many top–tier actors vying for that spot. They’d never hand it to an outsider.”
“I know” Xanthea unwrapped a candy bar in frustration; especially with Isabella in the picture, her chances were slim.
Oliver continued, “I can’t believe Orion himself stepped in and outbid a young girl for the script. When I read about how you helped him score a rare gem that day, I thought you two were on good terms.”
That was it! A lightbulb went off in Xanthea’s head, and she sprang up from her bed excitedly.
She had completely forgotten that Orion owed her a favor for helping him at the event. He had promised on the plane to fulfill any request she had. That meant she could legitimately claim her role in “Realm of Illusions“!
“Thanks for reminding me, Uncle Oliver. Love you!”
After hanging up, Oliver looked puzzled. What had he reminded her of?
Buzzing with excitement, Xanthea flipped throughther contacts only to realize she didn’t have Orion’s number.
How could this be? They were supposed to be close allies, yet she didn’t even have a way to contact him. Surely Samuel would have it!
“Well, instead of finding a way to break in business in showbiz, you’re calling your dear brother?”
Samuel was inspecting a factory when his phone rang, and he was thrilled to hear from her, “I’m on a business trip. Miss me already after just one day?”
“Samuel, you’re away?”
“Xan!”
“Just kidding. Of course, I know you’re on a business trip, I’m missing you terribly. Can you give me Orion’s number?”
Hearing her real intention, Samuel asked curiously. “What do you need Orion’s number for? You’re not plotting something, are you?”
“What plot? Samuel, why are your thoughts as dirty as Isabella’s!”
“Isabella?” Samuel paused at the name, a frown creasing his forehead as if recalling something. “Why bring her up all of a sudden?”
trying to debut, it’s normal to run into big names like her.” “You know her?” Xanthea was surprised, “Well, as I’m
After a brief pause, Samuel replied, “Don’t know her. But keep your distance, the industry is complicated, and I don’t want you getting mixed up in it.”
Surprised by Samuel’s usual open–mindedness now showing a hint of prejudice against celebrities, Xanthea nodded, “Got it. Can I have Orion’s number now? Theed to discuss some business regarding The Masked Singer
Samuel replied, “I don’t have his number”
gstar in the business world, and you don’t have Orion’s contact? “What? Samuel, you’re the president of the Nightshade Group, a rising Have you been networking all these years without even securing his business card?”
Samuel–chuckled, “Who needs business cards at that level? Everyone knows who they are.”
Xanthea sighed, “Right.”
“Besides, you seemed quite chummy with him. Don’t you have his number?