Reborn As The 88
Since things had escalated to this point, there was no other choice.
"So what you're saying is, as long as I back out, you'll continue acting in this film?" Eleanor asked, her face stoic. Without even thinking, Gregory replied, "Yes."
"Alright then. I'll inform Victor that I'm stepping down from the role. I also hope you'll keep your word and show some basic professionalism as an actor. Don't cause the crew unnecessary losses." Eleanor's voice wasn't loud but clear enough to reach Gregory's ears. Gregory's fingers paused mid-game. By the time he realized what had happened, Eleanor was already gone. He thought, 'Has she really gone to quit?Belongs to © n0velDrama.Org.
'Being picked by Victor is a dream come true for so many people. Will she really just walk away from that? Or is she just putting on an act for me, only to turn around and run to Victor in tears? Based on my years in the entertainment industry, the second option seems much more likely.' The more Gregory thought about it, the more convinced he became. He let out a snicker. He tapped quickly on the phone screen, and then the screen went black. When it lit up again, it showed the set of the film, and Victor's expression was crystal clear. At the film set, Victor was furious. His eyebrows were practically standing on end, and a fierce energy radiated from his entire body. If Gregory was here, Victor would've slapped him already.
He said, "That bastard really thinks the show can't go on without him, doesn't he? Wants to replace you? In his dreams! I handpicked you myself. Who the hell does he think he is? I'll go find him right now. Let's see who gave him the nerve." Eleanor knew Victor would be angry, but she hadn't expected him to be this furious. She quickly stopped him and calmed him down. "Victor, please, take a breath. Now's not the time to act on emotions. We need to keep the bigger picture in mind. "Gregory's role has already been announced online. If we suddenly replace him, neither his fans nor the fans of the original work will take it well. That would definitely hurt our box office numbers, and it's not worth the risk.
"As for my role as Megan Moore, it hasn't been publicized or promoted yet. If we switch actors, the impact will be minimal. I can step in as a body double for the dance scenes, and we can have Camilla take over for the acting parts. She has acting experience and has worked with Gregory before. I don't foresee any issues."
Standing nearby, Camilla's eyes widened in shock. She pointed to herself, almost in disbelief. "Me?"
Eleanor smiled and nodded. "You can handle it." She had always sensed an inexplicable hostility from Camilla, but it only just clicked. 'Isn't Brock's sister named Camilla? He had caused me trouble before, all because I had stolen Camilla's role. Now that she thought about it, it all started to make sense.
Eleanor remembered Camilla's posting on Twitter and subtly criticized her. But at the time, many netizens favored Camilla playing Megan, so it didn't seem like a bad idea to hand the role over to Camilla.
Eleanor's words weren't just a suggestion. It was a certainty.
Camilla heard what Eleanor said and awkwardly turned her head away instead of accepting. Camilla admitted that she had wanted to snatch this role before. She had felt quite bitter about not being chosen initially, but now that Eleanor was suddenly offering it to her, she didn't feel the least happy about it.
Victor scratched his bald head in frustration. He thought, 'If only it were that simple. If Eleanor left, what would happen to the investment? That is 60 million dollars on the line. On one hand, there is the 60 million dollars, and on the other, the pressure from fans. It's an impossible choice." Chapter 88
After a long pause, Victor gritted his teeth, clearly making a monumental decision. He slammed his hand on the table and declared, "If he wants out of his contract, let him go. I've had enough. I refuse to believe we can't shoot this film without him."
Victor turned to the assistant director. "Joseph, get in touch with those backup actors we had in mind before. See who's available and get them here ASAP
Joseph quickly nodded. "Alright."
Eleanor hadn't expected Victor to make such a bold decision. A flash of surprise crossed her face. "Victor
As if reading Eleanor's thoughts, Victor raised his hand to cut her off, saying, "Don't worry about it. Focus on your own scenes. The crew will handle everything else."
Victor had been in this industry for years. He'd seen directors threaten actors and investors threaten directors, but an actor threatening a director? That was new to him, and he wasn't about to spoil Gregory. He thought, 'Let them complain all they want. Bad press is still press, and I'm not about to lose money just to avoid some backlash. Meanwhile, on the other side of the phone, Gregory raised an eyebrow, completely indifferent. He couldn't care less whether he stayed or left. As long as he didn't have to act alongside Eleanor, it didn't matter.
At this moment, Gregory's agent, Carter, walked in. Seeing Gregory leisurely sprawled on the sofa, scrolling through his phone, he sighed, "Well, you got your wish. Victor just sent someone over. You're off the film. The studio will handle the breach of contract details with them." Gregory replied with a nonchalant, "Mm."
But Carter couldn't hold back his frustration. He poured a glass of water and handed it to Gregory, grumbling. This was a great opportunity. It's an incredible production. Even the director is one of the top in the industry. And just like that, we're walking away? What a shame."
Gregory took the glass, sipping slowly. "What's there to shame? If Samuel outshines me, now that would be a real shame." He had done his homework. Samuel's co-star this time was a well-known actor with serious skills. He couldn't afford to be shown up. That would be a blow to his reputation.
Full of exasperation at Gregory's intense competitive streak, Carter shook his head. "What's with this grudge between you and Samuel? Fans fighting is one thing, but you too?"
Gregory and Samuel had often clashed. Both were rising stars with massive followings. Naturally, there was some competition for roles. But at this point in their careers, with the amount of attention and success they both had, it seemed petty to be holding such a grudge. Carter couldn't fathom why they were still at each other's throats.
Grinding his teeth, Gregory snorted, "Once an enemy, always an enemy."
Carter shrugged. "Alright, have it your way."
Gregory took another sip of water as he glanced at his phone. On the screen, Victor and Eleanor were discussing the details of the upcoming shoot. He thought, 'It seems like Victor has made up his mind. There's no turning back now. He shrugged it off. Just as Gregory was about to exit the live feed, something caught his eye. His gaze froze, and his eyes widened in shock as if he had just seen a ghost. The water in his mouth hadn't even gone down before he spit it all over the place and coughed.