?Chapter 971:


    Nina’s eyes welled up. “Thank you, Dani.”


    The following day, at the grand opening ceremony of Ultimate Kung Fu, Dani stood front and center as the investor. The male and female leads nked her, while Natalie, the second female lead, stood awkwardly off to the side.


    The crowd showered Nina with praise, calling her the perfect choice for the role.


    Natalie’s face darkened, her icy re fixed on Nina.


    Seizing the moment when no one was watching, Natalie stepped in front of Nina. Before Nina could react, a sharp pnded on her cheek.


    “You wretched woman! What’s with that smug face? unting your role, are you? Can’t wait for the world to know you’re the lead? Let me tell you something: no matter who gets the lead, no one outshines me!”


    Nina brushed Natalie’s hand away, straightening up. Her gaze was ice-cold as she met Natalie’s burning fury head-on.


    “Oh? No one can overshadow you? Then why are you seething right now? Face it, Natalie—I’m the lead, and that’s not changing. The male lead? He’s charming, sure, but his attention is all on me. Even if you beat me senseless, you still won’t take my ce. And let’s not forget—this film is backed by our cousin. If youy a hand on her lead actress, do you think she’ll just let it slide?”


    Natalie’s expression contorted with fury. “Are you threatening me?”


    Nina let out a soft chuckle. “I’m just stating facts. Can’t handle someone else stealing the spotlight? Still think the world revolves around you? Wake up, Natalie. The times have changed. You’re no longer the Dury family’s prized daughter. But me? I’m still Dani’s cherished cousin.”


    “Nina!” The male lead waved from across the set, shing a bright smile. “The director wants to go over the script with us.”


    Nina’s lips curved into a smile. “Alright, I’ll be right over.”


    Catching the furious twist of Natalie’s face, Nina felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her.


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    “If there’s nothing else, Natalie, I’ll be going. Your scenes as the second female lead won’t start for a while. Maybe head back to the hotel if you’ve got nothing better to do.”


    Natalie clenched her fists, watching Nina approach the director.


    The male lead pointed to Nina’s face.


    Nina lowered her head, silent, but her eyes flickered briefly towards Elyse.


    A secondter, Natalie caught sight of the male lead and director exchanging disapproving frowns. Natalie’s entire body shook with fury.


    Nina!


    “That sly, maniptive snake!”


    The newly crowned Best Actor, Cormac Murray, was cast as the male lead in Ultimate Kung Fu.


    Natalie sat idly, script in hand, but her gaze never left Cormac. His features reminded her so much of Cedric that she couldn’t look away.


    All morning, she found herself watching him. And every time Nina acted beside him, a surge of irritation burned in her chest.


    During the break, Nina grabbed a cup of hot coffee and just so happened to stroll past Natalie.


    Natalie sneered. “Enjoy the spotlight while itsts, Nina.”


    “Is that so?” Nina chuckled, blowing gently on the steam rising from her cup. “However long itsts, one thing’s certain—right now, I’m ahead of you.”


    Natalie clenched her jaw.


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