Behind The Spotlight Chapter 69
The fact that Dee's intention was to audition for the role of the stripper meant she was confident in her sex appeal, not just confident, but bold enough to flaunt it. And she had every right to.
Her bright red lips, the ample size of her cleavage, and her fat ass… They all worked together like a deadly combination of temptation. Fuck, she was a living sex bomb.
Even Wyatt was momentarily stunned into silence. He didn't expect someone could actually rival Jennifer in terms of sex appeal and stage presence. At the very least, Wyatt knew that tapping Dee's ass would be unforgettable, like a memory etched in pure physical pleasure. Just imagine how her ass would bounce on him-- Ahem.
Never mind.
Wyatt gritted his teeth and crossed Dee's name off the list. Even though he was tempted to get to know the actress, in bed, particularly, he had already promised two women that they would get the roles, and he intended to honor that promise.
Besides, judging from Collin's serious expression from across the room, this Dee Ceitful was not someone he should get involved with without risking complications.
Wyatt knew Hollywood wasn't simple or forgiving. The only person he truly trusted here was Collin, who had believed in him from the very beginning. That's why he felt guilty for keeping his past encounter with the actress in the party a secret, it felt like betraying a friend. Honestly, he couldn't even remember her name right, was it Cassandra or Clare?
"Well then, since the audition is over and we've seen everyone, let's take a 30-minute break to clear our heads and discuss the actresses we want to cast."
The production team nodded in agreement, chatting quietly as they stood up. At last, they had time to eat and recharge after sitting through hours of performances. One by one, they exited the audition room, heading toward the cafeteria.
"Collin, about the…" Wyatt began, unsure how to explain himself without sounding like a total idiot.
"Wyatt, you don't have to worry too much. I'm not mad or holding it against you," Collin said as he gave his client a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
He had known this kind of situation would eventually happen now that Wyatt was a bona fide director with authority and influence. But he didn't expect it to happen so fast or so carelessly.
"However, you still need to tell me about these things so I can prepare for any fallout. Some actresses might try to blackmail you, so you have to stay alert and understand the risks involved. I'm not blaming you, but next time, at least let me know before things get complicated."
Yes, talking about your private sex life with someone else is uncomfortable, especially if that person is your agent. But in Collin's case, his top priority was Wyatt's career. Casting an actress as part of a sex transaction could easily lead to a scandal, or worse, legal issues. Normally, Collin wouldn't meddle in his clients' romantic lives, but this situation was different because it had professional implications tied to it.
"So, what's your plan? Are you going to cast her despite everything?"
"Well… I promised her, and I don't want to break my word."
"Then you better come up with a convincing reason. Make sure Henry and the others agree to cast her based on her performance, not personal reasons. Also, protect yourself with a solid contract and airtight clauses. Even if you have to pay her more, make sure she signs something that confirms she won't leak anything about you or the deal."
If that still wasn't enough to ensure silence and security, Collin would have to step in and negotiate personally, using every bit of experience he had.
Wyatt realized he had to handle this carefully before it spiraled out of control. Now that he'd tasted the deliciousness of money and stardom, he couldn't afford to lose it all over a careless mistake.
The two men exited the room with a shared sense of urgency.
However, a young woman was waiting for Collin just outside the hallway.
"Collin, I've been waiting for you. Can we talk privately for a few minutes?"
"Madison… sigh…" Collin felt like the day was just piling up with more complications. It seemed like he wouldn't get to eat or even rest his feet. He signaled Wyatt to go ahead without him to avoid delay. The director nodded and walked away, though he glanced curiously at the two. He didn't know the full context of their relationship, but he sensed something awkward.
"Madison, I think we need to clear this up once and for all. I'm just an agent doing my job. I'm not in the position to help you get cast."
"But your client is. And you know that. Don't you remember what you promised me three years ago?"
"…"
Collin didn't answer right away.
He remembered the moment vividly when he promised Madison and Landers that he would make them the most famous celebrities in Hollywood. Maybe he was out of touch with reality at the time, or maybe he just wanted to motivate his promising new clients to stick with him.
'In my defense, I didn't want them to leave. They had the most potential… Jennifer would probably kill me if she heard this monologue right now.'
Jennifer, Madison, and Landers were his first clients when he started out. Then came Axel, Wyatt, and Lawrence, after Madison and Landers ended their contracts and sought out other agencies.
"You promised you'd make me a superstar no matter what. This is your chance to prove that to both of us… If you do, I'll sign with you again once my current contract ends. I'll come back to your management."
Madison could see that the boat she abandoned was sailing smoothly without her, and now she wanted to climb back on board as if nothing had happened. She felt a little guilty about her current agent, who had worked hard for her, but she believed her gay agent would understand and wish her well.
And honestly, she still had a crush on Collin. She had no problem rekindling those feelings now that he looked better and more capable, especially now that Collin had clearly improved in wealth, appearance, and presence.
Collin had a complex opinion about her motives, but it didn't change his stance. It was too late.
He wasn't a toy she could drop when she got bored and pick up again later. That didn't sit well with him, either emotionally or professionally.
"Madison, it's too late to undo what's already been done. I did promise you a long time ago, but you're the one who broke it first without hesitation. I can't help you anymore. What you need to do is believe in yourself and your ability. If your performance meets the criteria, the production team will cast you on their own judgment."
"But—"
Before Madison could finish, a sharp and assertive voice cut her off.
"Excuse me, but I think you're done talking to Collin. May I have my moment? I also have something to discuss with him, and I'd appreciate some privacy."
Madison turned around and saw a red-haired woman with red lips and an aura that screamed confidence.
"Aren't you the waitress from that run-down café next to the ANT building?"
Madison squinted, finally recognizing the woman from memory.
"For your information, our café is famous in L.A. It's one of the best cafés in Hollywood. Hmph, I'll talk to my boss and tell him to blacklist you from being served."
"… I actually don't care what your boss thinks," Madison muttered awkwardly.
Dee scoffed and strutted toward Collin like she owned the floor.
"Anyway, Collin. We need to talk seriously. I think this bitch is done clinging to you like a leech. It's obvious she's just acting to get your favor. She's a hypocrite through and through."
"What!?"
Madison blushed, fists clenched in frustration. But Dee just shrugged and walked past her like she was nothing.