Chapter 216
Sophie’s POV
“Water,” Victoria snapped her fingers at the young assistant who’d been assigned to her. The poor girl jumped like she’d been shocked. ‘Room temperature. Now,
The assistant scurried off while Victoria dramatically flopped into a canvas chair under a large oak tree. The morning shoot had gone poorly. Director Thomas White had called for twelve takes of a relatively simple emotional scene, and with each repetition. Victoria’s performance had grown increasingly wooden.
“You’re not connecting with the character’s vulnerability, he’d finally said, loud enough for the entire crew to hear. Take five, everyone. Victoria, let’s talk privately.”
The humiliation had left her seething, and now someone was going to pay. I knew exactly who the target would be.
The assistant returned, nervously offering a water bottle. Victoria snatched it, took a sip, and her face contorted with rage.
“What the fuck is this?” she hissed, rising from her chair. “I let you give me water, not fucking lava! Are you trying to burn me?”
‘I–I’m sorry, Miss Taylor,” the girl stammered. “I can get you another
“You think I want to wait for you to mess up again?” Victoria’s voice rose sharply. “Here, why don’t YOU try it if it’s so perfect?”
She cocked her arm back, the water bottle clutched in her manicured hand. I moved quickly, sliding between them and pulling the assistant aside just as Victoria launched the bottle. It sailed past us, splashing water across the ground.
“Hey, watch it!” someone called out.
I turned to the shaking assistant, speaking quietly. “Go take a break, okay? I’ve got this.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, eyes welling with tears before she hurried away.
Victoria’s glare could have melted steel. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
‘I should be asking you the same thing,” I countered, keeping my voice deliberately calm. I walked to the craft services table, poured fresh water into a clean cup, and brought it to her. “Here.”
She snatched it, not breaking eye contact.
“Victoria,” I said quietly, “this is a film set. There are at least fifty people watching your every move right now. You’re Stank Entertainment’s newest star, and after that incident at your birthday party, you’re already on thin ice. Do you really want to add ‘abuses assistants‘ to your growing list of PR nightmares?”
Her eyes darted around, suddenly registering the staring crew members.
“I’ve told you before,” I continued smoothly, “if you don’t like this assistant, just let her go. That’s why I’m here with you–I can handle all of this alone.”
Victoria’s shoulders slumped slightly. “I was just angry,” she mumbled, taking a sip of water. “The director practically humiliated me in front of everyone.
“I know,” I said, adopting a sympathetic tone that made my stomach turn. “But you have to pick your battles and your battlegrounds. She’s not here this week, so I’m your buffer.”
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I leaned closer, my voice dropping. “You’ve just signed with Stark Entertainment. They’re still evaluating you. Every tantrum, every difficult moment–it’s all being reported back. Is that the impression you want to make?”
Victoria’s eyes widened as my words sank in. I could practically see her calculating the potential damage to her career prospects.
“You’re right, she admitted reluctantly. “Thank God you’re here, Sophie. I’d be totally screwed otherwise. She glanced around nervously. “James Wilson already had to smooth things over for me once. What should I do?”
“Don’t worry,” I soothed. “Stark Entertainment’s opinion is fluid. If this movie does well and your commercial value increases, they il overlook a few rough patches.” I lowered my voice conspiratorially. actually spoke with James the other day. Stark Entertainment is negotiating an endorsement deal for you. Once that comes through, you’ll be golden.”
Her face brightened instantly. “Really?”
“Really,” I confirmed. “So focus on filming. Finish strong. That’s your ticket.”
Victoria nodded, her expression suddenly determined. “You’re right. Even though Alexander and Brandon are related, business is business. Brandon won’t give Alexander special treatment forever. I need to prove my worth.”
“Exactly,” I agreed. “Now, let’s review your lines before the next scene. You need to knock this one out of the park.
I signaled for the makeup artist to come touch up Victoria’s face, watching her reflection in the mirror with satisfaction.
That evening, Victoria called Maya Coleman from her trailer while I pretended to organize her wardrobe.
“I want to let that assistant go,” Victoria was saying. “Sophie’s handling everything perfectly, and having two assistants is
redundant.”
I didn’t hear Maya’s response, but Victoria’s satisfied expression told me everything. When she hung up, she turned to me with a smile.
“All taken care of,” she announced. “Maya didn’t even question it.”
The next morning, Victoria paid the assistant her final wages and sent her on her way with barely a backward glance. As we watched the girl leave, Victoria turned to me with an expression of mock concern.
“Sophie, isn’t this beneath you? Being my assistant?” Her tone was solicitous, but I could see the smug satisfaction in her eyes.
“Not at all,” I replied smoothly. “Since I started working with you, I’ve found a certain peace. I needed something straightforward right now, something to keep me busy and not thinking about… everything else.” I managed a small, sad smile that would have won
me an Oscar.
“You’re sweet to worry,” I added, handing her a tissue. “Here, wipe that sweat before your makeup touch–up. I’ll run through your lines with you while they work, so you’ll be fully prepared for your scene with the lead.”
Victoria beamed, settling into her chair like a queen on her throne. You know, everything has been running so much more smoothly since you arrived.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” I replied, flipping open the script with practiced efficiency.
And you have no idea what else I’m here for, I added silently.
Days past like this. And three months later, I stood on the sidelines of the set, watching as Victoria filmed her final scene. The director called “Cut!” for the last time, and the crew erupted into applause. The TV series had wrapped right on schedule.
As Victoria accepted congratulations and hugs, her gaze found mine across the crowd. She gave me a genuine smile and mouthed
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Chapter 216
“Thank you.”
I smiled back, raising my water bottle in a mock toast.
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