Twisted Ties of Love

Chapter 331

Izabella got herself ready, slipping on a mask and hat to meet with the show's director.

The director, Mr. Kane, was a glasses-wearing man who seemed unapproachable when he wasn't talking.

Mr. Kane didn't recognize Izabella at first glance. Not until she stood before him, greeting and introducing herself, did he react.

"You're Izabella?"

"That's me."

Mr. Kane eyed her thoughtfully and nodded, "Now I see why Brad York chose you. You've got a pretty face."

Izabella smiled faintly, radiating confidence that the previous "Izabella" lacked.

"If you think I became an actress because of my face, you're mistaken. I'll prove myself in your show. I, Izabella, rely on my abilities."

Mr. Kane nodded, "You're gutsy, girl. Do you know who else is in my show? Any random one of them has more experience than you; they're all seasoned actors."

"Performing on stage is different from auditioning. Cameras can cover up your flaws, but on stage, you have to captivate the judges and the audience."

This was tough, which was why people in the entertainment industry who performed in plays looked down on film actors.

A good actor can act well, but they might not be good at performing in plays or on stage.

Mr. Kane had put much effort into this variety show and invited renowned actors with acclaimed works. Izabella, on the other hand, was like an ugly duckling.

He agreed to have her on his show out of respect for Brad York.

"Brad York said you're a good actress, but that's not the issue. I watched that school drama you did, and nothing stood out. If you're here to compete with that level of acting, I advise you to leave now."

Izabella sat across from him, listening patiently as Mr. Kane finished his piece. His words weren't pleasant, but he was hitting the mark.

"Mr. Kane, you've probably said this to other people today, haven't you?"

Mr. Kane didn't deny it, "We're about to start filming; I don't want anyone backing out halfway. You're here because of Brad York, so I'm willing to talk more with you. You're quite controversial. The audience will magnify any minor acting mistake you make on stage. Once the show starts filming, there's no do-over."

She understood his concerns. The rules of the show were competitive. How could a newbie like her compete with top-tier actors without getting crushed?

It might not be that bad, but if she was paired with a veteran stage actor, the result could be disastrous.

To make a name in the entertainment industry, you need looks, luck, opportunity, work, and, more importantly, endurance and the daily confidence to keep going.

She would face public scrutiny if Izabella got eliminated in the first round. This would affect her, the "Blood Ties" crew, and director Brad York.

She's already faced online trolling. If she fails this time, she might not get a second chance.

An ordinary person might lose confidence under Mr. Kane's doubts, but Izabella was no normal person.

She had faced far more difficulties in her past life and had already experienced death once. What was there to fear?

"Mr. Kane, I'm confident. Since I've signed the contract, I won't give up easily."

Mr. Kane looked into Izabella's confident eyes and felt a stir, "Aren't you afraid of being slandered?"

"I came here amid doubts. If you want to make it in this industry, you can't fear public scrutiny."

Izabella spoke seriously. With no makeup on, she looked softer. Her cat-like eyes made her face look youthful. She seemed easy to bully, but her eyes showed a stubborn determination.

Mr. Kane had met many people, but never someone like Izabella.

He suddenly remembered what Brad York had told him, "Izabella is a born actress. She should be in every shot, showing the real her to everyone."

This was the real Izabella, not the scandalous female artist portrayed online.

She lived clear-headed and proud, with an unyielding spirit deep in her bones.

Mr. Kane always admired such people. His variety show didn't need fragile artists.

In the end, Mr. Kane smiled, "Alright, since you're determined, I wish you success."

Izabella responded, "Thanks for your wishes."

Mr. Kane gave her a file to familiarize herself with the show's flow to avoid being clueless later.

Izabella thanked him and checked the time. It was mealtime. She invited Mr. Kane to join her, but he declined.

"No need; I have to return to work on the show. Rest well tomorrow; we start filming the day after."

Izabella watched Mr. Kane leave and returned to the restaurant to check her phone. She saw Casey had messaged her again.

The same old "Have you eaten yet?"

Was he particularly concerned about meals?

Izabella was indeed a bit hungry, so she ordered a plate of pasta in the restaurant. While waiting for her food, she replied to Casey's WhatsApp message, "I've eaten."

"What did you have?"

"Pasta."

On the other side, Casey, chewing on a steak, suddenly found the beef less appealing. He pushed it aside, called the waiter, and ordered a plate of pasta.

When it was served, he quickly snapped a photo and sent it to Izabella, "What a coincidence, I had pasta today too."

Seeing no reply from the other side, Casey felt a bit on edge. He typed a message on his phone: "We have such similar tastes; why don't we grab a bite together?" But he deleted it in the end. Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.

He thought he might have come off as too eager. It was just this morning that Izabella had turned him down. Continuously asking her out like this would only make her feel annoyed. What if she mistook him for some kind of playboy?

And girls probably don't like guys who are too clingy.

Izabella should be enjoying her lunch right now.

Hold on; she was still replying to his messages while eating; what did that mean? It meant he was more important than lunch!

Izabella must secretly like and care about him, doing all this just so he could put down his fork and enjoy his meal properly.