The Betrayed Heiress's Second Comeback-Chapter 58: Ch : The Show for Three- Part 1

"Everyone, shift things carefully."

"Quickly, make some space. Bring another chair. Make sure you focus your camera on her..."

People around me were hurrying up and making ’special’ preparations to accommodate me. They shuffled around me while I sat at the offered sofa seat, watching them work around me at a modest speed.

A few nearly tripped over each other in their rush, creating a small chain of muffled curses and apologies.

Joseph stood beside me, a proud smile on his face reflecting his inner thoughts. He flashed me an even brighter smile when he faced me. He straightened his jacket like he was presenting me on a red carpet.

"Don’t worry, Madam. I made sure to have our company call the set and tell them that a V.V.I.P will be visiting today. They will provide you with the best seat in the house."

Joseph assured me and I almost wanted to facepalm. His enthusiasm was impressive...just disastrously misplaced.

My initial plan had been to go undercover to try and find a natural talent. But that plan had been ruined even before I could put things into action. Everyone now knew that I was here to recruit talents for my newly formed agency.

’At least the people will put more effort into their skills now that they know I am here....’

It was wistful thinking on my part, but it did make me feel a little better...for now. I crossed my legs and tried to look composed as more equipment was dragged past me.

One of the director’s assistants quickly ran over to me but stopped once he noticed Joseph blocking his way before he provided me with the information he was asked to give me.

Joseph actually extended an arm like a bodyguard before realizing he was in the way.

"Miss, we will begin our shooting in a little while. Our director is asking if you would like to have something before that?"

The assistant looked eager to help me out, but I just shook my head.

"No, that’s fine. You do not have to get me anything. Just signal me when you are ready to start shooting."

The assistant nodded before he went back. Things calmed down once more after that...for only 15 minutes. Crew members were whispering while pretending to adjust lights.

As soon as it came time to start the show, there was a sudden noise around us. I noticed the tenseness in the director as his eyes widened in disbelief before he looked at me and then at the door.

Chairs scraped sharply as people tried to make room for whoever had arrived.

The man rubbed his forehead before he stood up and walked toward me.

"Is everything alright, director?"

I asked once the man was close enough and he let out a sigh.

"Yes, everything is alright, miss. We just have a...situation at hand. I hope you would not mind it if someone else were to join you for today in the guest stand."

The director asked me and I felt alarm bells go off in my head. Someone else was here as well? Was someone foolishly trying to suppress my business before it had even taken off?

My grip tightened around my purse, ready for whatever nonsense was coming.

Before I could give the director an answer, the producer walked toward us with someone walking behind him.

The pair stiffened as soon as they noticed me and I felt a hysterical grin covering my face at those familiar faces.

Rose nearly faltered mid-step, and Karl straightened like a soldier caught off guard.

"Miss Lorance, I hope you will not be too offended to have more guests. Miss Rose Harvour and Karl Hanson were originally scheduled for the next show. However, due to some complications, they need to be adjusted today. I hope you do not mind sharing the spotlight?"

The manager was sweating bullets as he told me this. He looked between me and the new couple who had arrived.

Rose had a determined look on her face and I could immediately tell that it was her attempt to crush me. It was admirable but useless in the end. Karl stood a step behind her, jaw clenched like he was preparing for battle.

Sigh.

’I knew that Rose did not have a sense for business, but I did not realize she was this bad. Looks like I will have to crush her to make her understand.’

"Hmm, it’s not a problem, Producer. I understand that you have your circumstances. Besides, the only people here at fault are the ones who cannot manage their schedule properly and have to inconvenience other people."

Rose got angry at my words and her eyes blazed. She gritted her teeth to stop herself from barking at me. Her fingers tightened around her expensive handbag, the leather creaking faintly.

She took a calm breath before she answered me.

"Oh-! Are you talking about yourself? I looked at the schedule for today, but I am sure you were not the one who was supposed to be on."

Rose spoke back, trying to corner me. She looked proud and smug, as if she had proven a point by her words.

Now, it was time to teach her a lesson.

"Hmm, but I informed the staff and officially switched my schedule with someone else so as to not inconvenience the staff. It was in agreement with everyone else. You see, unlike a ’certain someone’, I do not like to inconvenience staff and other people."

I informed Rose while also keeping an eye out for the hidden reporters on the set. They were already recording it all and I was sure it would all go live even before the show aired.

One reporter ducked behind a prop plant, completely failing to hide his camera.

"Tsk, so you want to pin all the blame on me? Are you trying to use me to—"

"Rose, please. That’s enough. Director, can we get our seats now? Maybe we should sit away from Miss Lorance? That would be for the best."

Karl finally interfered, his eyes never leaving mine as he kept looking at me. His stare sharpened, analyzing me like he was trying to read every micro-expression.

His attention was flattering but...scary at the same time. The fact that he was not even blinking made me think he was trying to find something when he looked at me.

The staring was getting a little intense and I pretended to not be aware. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Finally, Rose decided she could not take any more of this, and she ended up elbowing Karl. It snapped him out of his daze and he blinked at her, finally breaking eye-contact.

"Director, I think we should position Mr. Hanson and Miss Harvour on the other side of the stage. That would make for a cool camera transition, right?"

Jason suddenly interfered, his voice all smiles but his eyes clearly telling the other two that he was not joking with his words. He casually stepped between us, blocking Karl’s line of sight like it was intentional.

The poor producer and director had no choice but to agree with him and bring out new chairs for them and place them on the other side of the stage.

Staff rushed to rearrange things yet again, barely holding back their sighs.