That meant one thing: this movie had to air at the exact time it did in the original novel. Not just that, she also needed to win Best Actress, just like Alice had. If Hera remembered correctly, Xavier hadn’t starred in the same film as Alice in the original storyline. Instead, he acted in another male-led action blockbuster and secured the Best Actor award separately.
But now, with Xavier choosing to star alongside her instead, there was already a deviation in the plot. If she failed to film this movie, or worse, couldn’t earn the award, there was no telling what ripple effect it might have on the storyline. She had no idea what consequences might follow if things continued to drift further from the original plot.
More than ever, Hera needed to realign the story. She couldn’t afford another unexpected twist. She didn’t respond to Xavier’s suggestion right away, there was no point. News of her ident had already reached their home country. What she needed to do now was contact the director as soon as possible.
As if on cue, her phone buzzed. A message from Betty, her manager, popped up:
[Betty: Hera, I honestly think it would be best to postpone the movie for now. You’re injured, and that might be our safest option, unless, of course, the director decides to recast the female lead to stick with the original schedule. But even that’s tricky since it’s already toote to hold another audition.]
[Betty: Also... remember Emily? The supporting actress? She got hospitalized after a miscarriage scandal, and her sponsor pulled out. It’s a mess. The production’s now struggling with funding, and the director refuses to cut corners on props or visual effects. So, even if you were healthy, the shoot might still be dyed until they find new investors. Ugh, I honestly don’t know anymore.]
[Hera: Really? Don’t worry about my injury, I’ve got an idea that might help me recover faster. But I need you to contact the director immediately and let him know I’m willing to invest in the film. He just needs to tell me how much funding he needs. Otherwise, if Xavier finds out about the budget issue first, he’ll swoop in and invest himself... and that would shut the door on my chance to earn big from this project.]
[Hera: (灬o 艸o 灬)]
[Betty: Are you being serious right now? A movie like this could cost a few hundred million, easily. Plus, it’s physically demanding; you’ll be doing heavy action scenes. I really think we should scrap it and look for a less intense project. Your body needs time to heal, Hera.]
[Hera: It doesn’t matter how much the investment will cost, I’m prepared to cover it. As for my injury, I’m not too worried. I’ve got Dr. Zhane Everett to help me recover, and a friend of mine just returned to the country with a breakthrough medicine for nervous system and brain damage. He’s also been researching cell regeneration and elerated bone healing. The drug isn’t on the market yet, but the research has already been sessful. With proper care, I’m confident I’ll be back on my feet soon.]
[Hera: So make sure the director doesn’t look for a recement female lead. Instead, ask him for the investment amount and send me his banking details. Mywyer will handle the contract; he’s experienced with business contract agreements, and I trust him. Once the paperwork is signed, I’ll transfer the funds immediately.]
[Betty: ヾ(o?x?o)?]
[Betty: I’m... speechless.]
[Betty: Are you really sure about this?]
[Hera: Absolutely.]
[Betty: Alright. I’ll talk to the director right away.]
[Hera: Thanks, Betty.]
[Betty: My pleasure.]
Once Hera handled this part of the issue, something she hadn’t even been aware of due to beingpletely upied with Leo’s situation and how busy she’s been these days, she finally had a moment to reflect. She had nearly forgotten about Emily.
She had known about the miscarriage. Like Zhane had said, Emily wasn’t fit to be a mother with the kind of twisted mindset she had. Someone like her would only damage a child and destroy their future by teaching them the wrong values.
What she hadn’t known was that Emily’s sponsor had backed out. Maybe it was because his wife had found out about the affair and was now pushing for a divorce. The scandal had grown too big to contain. Now the wife was demanding custody of the children <i>and</i> the assets, which made sense; he had been the one to cheat, after all. Leaving him with nothing was only fair.