(Chapter 108) She Was Told To Leave

"Cut! Francesca! I need you to be more expressive here! You look like this is a normal occurrence! You are being betrayed from your best friend, not by a stranger! Take 5 minutes to think it through." The Director sternly spoke to Francesca with disapproval in his eyes.

A couple of Francesca's co-stars laughed amongst themselves hearing the criticism. As Francesca nodded and walked away with a neutral look on her face.

The look on her assistant's face was very bad. "Sister Fran! How could he say your acting isn't good enough! He is only being paid by that slut so that..."

"It's fine, calm yourself. I'm not upset over it, so don't be yourself." Francesca interrupted her assistant before she said anything else that could be used against them.

Her assistant bubbled in anger as she looked in a particular direction of Francesca's co-star with rage in her eyes.

Francesca was outwardly calm. But was actually upset inside. She was upset that this was a common occurrence in the industry! Directors, actors, staff being paid off by people willing to flaunt their family status around. While those flaunting didn't deserve to be in the roles they are in!

The film she was filming had a part in Rome. And the investors gave the Director enough resources to go film their in person! Instead of using a fake set. Being able to spend money to lock off the streets of Rome was sign of a powerful person. But Francesca couldn't care.

Since the person she was acting with was the niece of a giant in the entertainment industry, there were a lot of favors going on in the set. Especially since she revealed she would be taking 3 days break. Ever since then, the Director had been treating her like she hadn't filmed in award-winning films. And had some of the most grossing deals in the continent.

Francesca sighed as she went on her phone. When she sent a message to her manager, she realized the time was up. And filming would start again.

She went on over and took her position... 5 minutes later, her co-star also took hers.

"I thought I said 5 minutes not 10? Francesca, you are the role model for this group of actresses, set a better example to lead by." The director shifted the criticism on to Francesca.

"Sorry Director Gine, I'll do my best to operate as a role model for my fellow co-stars." Francesca apologized, earning a sneer from half the staff.

"3, 2, 1... Action!"

Francesca entered into her character's role. A female gladiator who was betrayed by her best friend. They had agreed to not fight in the arena. Yet she still swung her sword.

Francesca defended, and never attacked, yet her expression told her story. She was surprised, upset, disappointed, and disheartened. She made this friend as a gladiator. Yet she now was going to die by her hands?

Francesca had her sword hit away by her opponent. And then she buckled down to her knees. Tears filling her eyes.

Any person watching this would sympathize with Francesca's character. Even the paid staff and Director. But the Director still had a frown on his face, as he stood up.

"No, no! Good job Louise! Take the rest of the day off. Francesca! You aren't portraying what I asked! Do you need to go back to school to know was sadness is? Switch to scene 17." The Director was angry at Francesca.

"Thanks everyone. Have a good day." Louise smiled sweetly, she was older than Francesca, not as talented, not as good looking, not as popular. Yet here she was, getting treatment like she was the main female lead!

Francesca walked to her seat and sat down. She knew that the director would make it so she can't film her scenes quickly, meaning she couldn't go to the banquet. But... She had a sneaky suspicion that a time bomb would be arriving at any minute...

Louise smirked in Francesca's direction. 'Look at you now! Top actress? Pft! What a joke!' Louise was extremely pleased with the outcome, as she had been toppled by Francesca ever since she entered the entertainment industry.

Francesca was extremely good-looking and a friendly face, but no one expected that her acting skills would be so astonishing! Any role, she could pick up. From a homeless mother, to a gladiator running into battle. From a young lady of a royal family. It was a special talent. And now her name was an indication of a great film!

While Louise used to hold that position, so watching all her work crumble in her eyes. Made her desperate. So this film, would ruin Francesca's reputation!

Francesca simply smiled in the direction of Louise, not bothered by the look she was given. Louise might have gotten to her position with a lot of favors, but she didn't. She was trained by arguably the most established actresses of all time, and worked damn hard every day.

.......

Astrid got out of her car in front of the barrier to the collegium. She was wearing a standard wool jumper with jeans, along with a bucket hat.

The outfit cost 30 euros. But she didn't care, she then watched as people looked at her.

They were stunned. The people guarding outside could only see Astrid's lower face. But based on the car she just got out of. And her proportions. They immediately thought she was a new actress for the film!

"Should I tell the Director there is someone outside?" One of the guards whispered in the head of securities ear.

The head of security nodded. He thought that if this woman wasn't an actress, then she was invited in by someone.

When the director heard someone was outside he immediately frowned. As he watched Louise, who was surrounded by members of staff and other co-stars. He decided to make a decision that would end his career...

"Leave them outside! They aren't an actress or someone invited on set! No outsiders are allowed inside." The director sealed his fate.

"Sorry ma'am, but you are going to have to leave." The security guard then spoke harshly to Astrid.

'She isn't an actress nor someone invited!? Tch, some people need to know their place.' He looked over her cheap-looking clothes and hat. Since he didn't recognize the car, then it can't be anything special.

Astrid smiled. "Leave? How many years had it been since someone said I couldn't enter a place? 10? How... Interesting." Astrid's voice was slowly turning dark, as her eyes shimmered.