#Chapter 20 - New Chance

Elijah’s POV
I looked over the new faces that had been added to our roster. A lot of the pretty faces that the competition had brought made it clear they wanted to be models or designated for commercials. Which was fine by me, not everyone had the potential that Ava brought.
Or even Lily for that matter.
I had not seen either girl in the studio since both got roles for their debuts. I had given actresses such as Ava and Lily freedom in certain aspects, but I could see that the pettiness in some of the actors needed to be reined in.
Before my thoughts could go any further, I heard a knock at my office door. “Enter.” I said. I truly missed my wolf senses during this time.
With my heightened senses I would be able to know who was at my door and whether or not I wanted them in my presence or not. Other than my assistant and Grayson I was not really in the mood to had petty squabbles between actors.
When I looked up, I saw none other than the newest addition to my company, Ava’s manager and agent, Sally. The introduction between the women seemed rocky especially after their little tet about Ava’s choice in roles. She did not usually come into the office unless there was an update involving Ava’s career.
“Sally, to what do I owe the pleasure.” I said trying speed up our meeting. I did not want to seem rude, but there were a lot more appointments that I had. Sally’s visit however was not one of them.
“I wanted to let you be aware that the film that Ava had choose unfortunately the film crew has disbanded.” She told me.
“Have you informed Ava?” I questioned. I felt like I already knew the answer to the question.
“I have and she was clearly upset with the new development.” At least she was sympathetic to her clients’ feelings.
It looks like that stubborn woman made a bad move and a bad decision. It was obvious the clear decision was Sally’s idea for Ava to appear in the cameo role, but there was no doubt that Ava would fight this tooth and nail.
However, something had to be done about this predicament. “Sally, could you do me a favor acquire the script rights for the film.”
“Sir, not to overstep my boundaries, “Sally said.
But you are going to do it anyway. I thought to myself. This woman was almost as bad as Ava.
“But why?” Sally asks.
“Don’t ask so many questions.” What was left of my sincerity was gone. “Do what I asked you too and not another word. Remember your contract with Moon Entertainment.”
She bowed her head in disappointment and muttered “yes, sir,” before exiting out of my office. I heaved a deep breath before grabbing the phone and making a call to Glass Full Entertainment. They were the studio in charge of the series “Dark Bayou Desire,” that offered Ava the initial role.
“Hello this is Glass Full Entertainment, Mr. Royale’s office. This is Gracie speaking.” A sweet and clear tone answered the phone.
“Hello, my I speak with Jose’ Royale,” I said when I heard the receptions voice.
“Currently Mr. Royale is busy taking other calls, but if you can give me your information, I will make sure he gets it.” Gracie said. I chuckled to myself.
“Gracie, it’s Elijah.” I said.
“Oh, Mr. Connery! I am soooo sorry! I will patch you in with Mister Royale. Give me one moment.” She said frantically.
“That’s alright, Gracie. I know that you are just doing your job. Just relax.” Ever since our last phone call about three years ago when Gracie would not let me get a word in and hung up in my face, it was made clear to her that she was to connect me through to Royale not matter the call.
I truly felt bad for her during our conversations. I’ll have to make a memo for my assistant, Colin to send over a gift to Gracie. After a brief pause, I heard a booming voice on the other end.
“Elijah, good to hear from you. How the hell are you?” Jose’ asked.
“Same old same Royale. And no one would give a damn if I told them.” I heard him laugh on the other side. His laughter reminded me of a roar of a lion. He was a hunter a seeker of talent. So, I knew that he would not refuse my offer.
“Do you remember the role that you offered to one of my actresses? Still interested?”
~~~~~~~~
Ava’s POV
I was pretty bummed out. I was actually embarrassed that my idea ended up flopping before I could film the first scene. And I am not going to lie I was avoiding Sally and Elijah.
Unfortunately, since Sally was my agent, I could not avoid her for long. I was grateful that she did not rub in my face that the film did not work out. After the movie did not happen, Sally told me that if I was still interested the guest role for “Dark Bayou Desire” was still asking for me if I wanted to pursue it.
I would make an appearance as a guest role portraying a snake charmer. It was very bright though small role, but I would give it my all. Especially since they voiced their desire to have me as their cameo guest.
After my guest star episode aired, I gained a huge fan base of faces who were looking for information about me. Fake identity for me was made public, and a lot of paid posters were mixed in with the fans, making up stories about my upbringing.
I think my favorite one was that I was the love child of a rich tycoon and a former actress. I was hidden away because there were threats made on both mine and my mother’s life. But growing up I never gave up hope of meeting my father and following in my mother’s footsteps.
I took advantage of the heat and received several more offers for
scripts, and I even spotted one right away. I was excited for the newest role I
found. I wanted to play the role and that it was a great new director. But
Sally told me that Elijah had turned my request down for an audition.
It was clear after the last choice that went sour, Elijah did not believe in my abil8ity for decision making. Even though I could not blame him I was heartbroken.
~~~~~~~~~~
It was supposed to mine! Lily thought as she pasted another poster showing Moon Entertainment’s newest star: Ava. She wanted to vomit.
Everywhere she turned there were pictures of that slut cameoing on “Dark Bayou Desire.”
That was supposed to be HER role. Lily had requested an audition the moment she heard that Ava had turned it down. Being the second-place winner in the star talent contest and being one of the final three signed to Moon Entertainment had gotten her foot in the door.
But before Lily’s second round of casting, her agent received a call stating that they had made their decision. Days later, there were posters of Ava and they announced that she had been chosen.
How the hell did that happen? Lily thought to herself.
There was only person in the studio that could fix this, Mr. Connery. So, Lily knocked on the door, hoping that he was in the office.
“Enter.” That man’s voice sent chills down her spill. There were times where Lily was not sure in those chills were due to fear or from lust. She could not deny that she was attracted to her boss.
Before making her way to his office Lily kept thinking of the saddest thoughts in her head.
A puppy never finds a home to adopt him. There was a sniffle.
Seeing my grandmother sick in the hospital bed. Her eyes began to water.
Waking up one day and all my hair had fallen out. Tears streamed down Lily’s face. Perfect.
“Mr. Connery, I don’t understand what is going on.” She began to cry in full intensity. Lily dropped down in the chair across from his desk. She wanted Mr. Connery to console her. Feel bad for her.
“What’s the matter, Lily?” However, she did not sense any concern in his voice, but Lily pressed on.
“Ava…. she had taken a role from me…and I don’t understand why!”
He let out a deep sigh not of concern but of frustration. Lily looked up to see a disgruntled look on his face.
“Lily, I cannot influence the director's decision and advised you to polish her acting skills. Especially if you are going to barge into my office with fake tears.”
This shocked Lily, there was no way that did not work. But it was clear that he was not phase by her tears at all. As Lily got up out of the seat, she turned around and walked out the door when Mr. Connery had stopped her.
“Oh, and Lily.” He spoke.
“Yes sir.” Lily said sniffling. She did not need to fake tears at that moment.
“The next time you think about getting even with a fellow actress and it leads to them get hurt; consider your contract with Moon Entertainment invalid.”