Chapter 565

With Cormac's steady support, Nina made her way towards the resting area. Midway, she abruptly turned her head.

As expected, her eyes locked onto Natalie's.

A sly, taunting smile curved on Nina's lips as she faced Natalie.

That expression infuriated Natalie; she exploded into a furious tantrum, cursing and jabbing her finger towards Nina.

The director's thunderous voice finally cut through,forcing her into reluctant silence. Yet her glare remained locked onto Nina, sharp as a dagger.

Back home, Nina found Daniela lounging in the living room,eyes on the TV.

"Daniela, I stirred up quite a commotion on set today," Nina admitted.

Daniela shot her a knowing look, a smile playing on her lips. "Standing up for yourself felt good, didn't it?"

Without hesitation, Nina nodded, a bright smnile lighting up her face. "It really did."

Daniela let out a soft chuckle as Nina happily skipped back to her room.

Watching Nina disappear into her room, Lillian leaned in closer and murmured, "Cormac just won the youngest Best Actor award. Wasn't he supposed to take a break? Why would he suddenly accept this project?"

Daniela's lips curved into a knowing smile.

Lillian pressed on, puzzled. "And he's starring alongside a total newcomer? That seems out of character.Why would he agree?"

Daniela let out a soft chuckle. "Because..." Lillian's curiosity piqued.

Daniela merely lifted her hand and gestured towards Nina's room.

Realization dawned on Lillian. "Oh, this is going to drive Natalie absolutely insane."

The following day, the internet buzzed with the headline, "Nina Dury vs. Natalie Dury-Battle for the Lead Role!"

A leaked video of the altercation quickly spread,igniting a wave of online backlash against Natalie.

The footage sparked an outpouring of sympathy,earning Nina a surge of new fans.

Soon, a crowd of supporters gathered on set,cheering for Nina. She stood among them, flashing a warm smile. "Thank you all for your support! But I'd rather you focus on my work. Mr. Murray is so dedicated and meticulous-I'm learning so much.I don't see myself as an idol because, honestly, I'm just like you. A fan girl at heart." The crowd erupted with excitement. "Wait, Nina!You're a fan girl too? Who's your favorite?"

Nina let out a playful laugh. "Who else? Mr. Murray,of course!"

That day, Nina treated her fans to a meal. After wrapping up filming, she lingered, chatting with them as if they were old friends.

Later, her supporters flooded forums with her words,and within hours, her follower count soared past a hundred thousand.

Furthermore, after Nina admitted to being a fan of Cormac, his supporters rallied behind her, showering her with encouragement.

Hidden in the shadows, Nataie watched everything unfold. Her fist, already tight, struck the wall beside her with force.

Elyse had been silently observing for some time.

When Natalie's gaze met Elyse's, she quickly turned away, her expression far from pleased. Instead, her demeanor was ice-cold.

"Why are you here? Come to gloat too?" Natalie snapped.

Elyse's heart ached. "Natalie, how can you say that?Haven't I always put you first above everything? I've been observing for the past few days, and it's clear-Nina fits this role better. You should accept the second lead and go back abroad. There's no way you can win against Daniela."

At those words, Natalie snapped her head to Elyse,her glare sharp and frigid. "Easy for you to say! Do you think surviving abroad is simple? Do you know how many men I had to drink with just to land a minor role? Now that Nina's about to make it, you suddenly find me bothersome and want me out of the way?Absolutely not! I won't stand by while she gets Daniela's backing and I'm left to fend for myself."

Elyse's face twisted with frustration and sorrow."Natalie, don't you get it? Daniela will never let us go because of Brylee's death." Irritation flared in Natale. "You keep saying that, but Daniela hasn't done a thing to us! You're just favoring Nina, making my life harder on purpose!"

Elyse opened her mouth to explain.

But Natalie went on, "Brylee has been gone for years.If Daniela truly wanted to punish us, she would've done so already. Clearly, she's chosen to move on.Besides, Brylee was gone when Daniela was just five.How much could a child that young even recall?doubt she even recalls what Brylee looked like anymore."

If it were up to her, she would never let a ghost from the past destroy the life she had now.

To her, happiness in the present was all that mattered. The rest? Just meaningless baggage.

Clinging to resentment over a mother who had been gone for years seemed utterly foolish.

Elyse made another attempt to reason with her, but Natalie waved her off, exasperated. "Enough! Stop nagging! If you have so much time, use it to persuade Nina to hand me the lead role! Or better yet, beg Daniela to show me some favoritism too!"

As soon as she finished, Natalie spotted Cormac stepping off set. She snatched a bottle of water and strode over to meet him.

Elyse let out a weary sigh.

Left with no other option, she intercepted Nina at the doorway.

"Nina, you've always been such an obedien child,never fighting with Natalie over anything. Just this once, can't you step aside and let your sister have the lead role since she wants it so badly?"