Chapter 90: Beatrice's Metamorphosis III

Just as she stepped out of the theater, she received a message.

'I am cutting you off as per our talk. You are no longer my child. I knew you wouldn't be able to do anything and still went there to try? You think too highly of yourself just because you are my child. Forget being one and never use my name in the future.'

She pursed her lips before replying.

'I understand.'

She kept her phone and looked up at the sky. She had already accepted this when she was kicked out of the acting group.

The sky was dark, it seemed it was about to rain.

She sighed, 'I don't even feel hurt anymore.'

One of the reasons she was pressuring herself into being accepted into the acting group was because it was part of the condition her mother gave Beatrice in order for her to be supported, not only because she wished to leave that place.

Obviously, studying here meant she needed money.

But her mother's condition did not only entail her not sending support but also cutting Beatrice off completely if she could not prove herself.

In simpler terms, she was disowning Beatrice for pursuing an acting career abroad instead of staying in the country and doing whatever her mother or relatives wanted her to do, something she had been doing since she was a child.

But because she became friends with her group of friends, she understood that she needed to stand on her own if she truly wished to reach her dream.

That is why, upon seeing her mother's message, she did not feel hurt but instead empty, with a bit of freedom.

'I guess I should start by looking for a part-time job. And although it is a bit late, I can still apply for some scholarships.'

After a moment of feeling lost, resolve returned to her eyes as she started walking again.

She had more things to do and more things to learn than to dwell on being disowned by a mother who saw her as nothing but an object of entertainment.

'And I suppose I made the right choice in coming here. In such a competitive place, I can improve myself further.'

What she watched today was proof enough of the many things she could learn.

That was why she did not have time to mope or be sad, because improving her acting was far more important than those feelings.

With renewed determination, she returned to the library to continue her studies and analyze what she had written about today's performance. Especially the person who acted as Willy Loman. The way he portrayed the character, she knew it was the same method she wished to achieve in her career.

At the same time, she has more performances to watch and analyze in the future, so she could not be worried about her so-called family.

…

"When she first appeared, I thought she would instantly wait for one of us to be there and strike up a conversation. But instead, she left the moment the performance was over."

The same two people, who witnessed her conversation with Samantha and her clique, watched her departing figure from the entrance of the theater.

They were none other than Lawrence Caldwell, the Artistic Director of Echelon Dominion.

A prodigy in stage direction and visual storytelling, known for his bold, emotionally charged concepts. Despite only being in his third year at university, he had already earned a reputation for his innovative eye and sharp instincts.

And Rowan Hale, the Stage Director of Echelon Dominion.

A seasoned leader with a reputation for precision and authority. As a fourth-year student, Rowan had spent years honing her craft, mastering the delicate balance between artistic vision and logistical execution.

Two of the five core members of Echelon Dominion, and also the ones respected the most among the core members.

Especially Lawrence, who was the youngest among the core members, only a third year, but was already treated as the one leading Echelon Dominion.

"I also thought the same," Rowan replied.

"What is this? Are you guys interested in someone?"

Another person approached them.

Victor Hensley who was the Head of Acting and Performance at Echelon Dominion, a fourth-year student, the counterpart of Samantha Sinclair in Limelight Collective.

Victor was the heart of the acting group's on-stage presence, a powerhouse performer whose method acting techniques brought every role to life with unsettling authenticity. His journey had been defined by relentless dedication and raw talent.

He was also the one who had performed Willy Loman in today's performance.

Even though they had fixed a few things on stage, they had not taken down anything because they still had two more days of performances, but with different actors.

Beatrice had all three tickets, and she planned on watching it over and over again, not for the show, but for all those who would perform.

Her plan for understanding the group did not only apply to the core members but to the group as a whole.

"The very first one to be kicked out from Limelight Collective this year," Lawrence replied.

"Oh, the one that Miss Sinclair always spoke badly of?" Victor asked.

"More like someone she painted in a bad light, as if making sure that no one would be interested in her, just because she was a foreigner."

Another voice spoke.

Renee Lancaster, the Production Manager, another fourth-year student, was shaking her head as she approached them.

Renee was the calm amidst the creative storm, the one who kept every show running smoothly, from the first rehearsal to the final bow. A master of multitasking and logistics, she was the unseen force ensuring artistic chaos never crossed into disarray.

Together with her was the Technical Director, Julian Cross, a fourth-year student as well.

He was the technical backbone of Echelon Dominion, a genius with lighting, sound design, and stage mechanics. Julian's bold technical innovations had pushed the group into new creative territory.

Julian nodded, agreeing with her.

"And what about her?" Victor asked the other two, no longer commenting on Samantha's actions.

"Well, why don't you all join us in observing her?" Rowan suggested with a smile.

"What for?" Renee asked.

"To see if she was the person Miss Sinclair was talking about," Lawrence said, bobbing his brows up and down.