The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56

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Jason said, “You’re reckless, quick to anger, and jump to malicious conclusions about others. You can’t even tell right from wrong, can’t control your emotions, and never take responsibility for anything. Someone like that is nothing but dead weight for the company.”

His reasons were solid, and he didn’t let any personal feelings show. He was speaking purely as the boss. But everyone could see that a lot of this was because of what Claire had done to Natalie today.

Claire’s legs buckled, and she crumpled to the floor, tears pouring down her cheeks. This time, she wasn’t faking it. She was genuinely eaten up with regret.

She’d finally managed to sign with Jason’s company, thinking she’d landed herself a golden ticket, and her future was bright. Yet on her very first gig, she messed with someone she absolutely shouldn’t have, and just like that, her career was

toast.

Getting terminated didn’t just mean losing this cameo. It meant Jason’s company was cutting her loose, and after that, nobody would risk hiring her again.

The whole place went dead silent. Everyone was shocked by Jason’s forceful actions.

To protect Natalie, he’d threatened to pull the funding, replace the lead actress, and now even terminate the contract of a newly signed actress from his own company. There was seemingly nothing he wouldn’t do for her.

“I know I messed up. Please, just give me one more chance.” Claire rushed forward, but Zoe blocked her path.

Jason didn’t even look at her. “You shouldn’t be asking me. She’s the one you should be asking, since she’s your boss.”

With that, he stepped aside, letting everyone see Natalie standing right behind him.

Claire was completely floored. ‘She’s my boss?‘

The rest of the crowd was just as baffled. ‘Hold on. Wasn’t Jason supposed to be Claire’s boss?‘ They might not have known the full story, but one thing was obvious. Claire had just offended the one person she absolutely couldn’t afford to

cross.

Claire was utterly hopeless now. ‘It’s all over… Everything’s ruined.‘

Daniel was so scared he didn’t even have the strength to beg for mercy. He just collapsed on the ground.

Graham watched everything unfold, letting out a silent sigh. He knew there was no way around it. ‘Today’s mess has to be dealt with, and with Jason’s attitude so firm, there is zero room for compromise.‘

He took a deep breath and spoke in a grave voice, “Given the seriousness of what happened today, the production has reached the following decisions.”

“Lead actress Mandy Collins is hereby suspended from all filming activities. Further arrangements will be announced in due course. Claire Moore’s cameo role is canceled effective immediately. Assistant director Daniel Reed is suspended effective immediately for serious dereliction of duty.”

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Chapter 56

Chapter 56

82%

55 vouchers

Jason said, “You’re reckless, quick to anger, and jump to malicious conclusions about others. You can’t even tell right from wrong, can’t control your emotions, and never take responsibility for anything. Someone like that is nothing but dead weight for the company.”

His reasons were solid, and he didn’t let any personal feelings show. He was speaking purely as the boss. But everyone could see that a lot of this was because of what Claire had done to Natalie today.

Claire’s legs buckled, and she crumpled to the floor, tears pouring down her cheeks. This time, she wasn’t faking it. She was genuinely eaten up with regret.

She’d finally managed to sign with Jason’s company, thinking she’d landed herself a golden ticket, and her future was bright. Yet on her very first gig, she messed with someone she absolutely shouldn’t have, and just like that, her career was

toast.

Getting terminated didn’t just mean losing this cameo. It meant Jason’s company was cutting her loose, and after that, nobody would risk hiring her again.

The whole place went dead silent. Everyone was shocked by Jason’s forceful actions.

To protect Natalie, he’d threatened to pull the funding, replace the lead actress, and now even terminate the contract of a newly signed actress from his own company. There was seemingly nothing he wouldn’t do for her.

“I know I messed up. Please, just give me one more chance.” Claire rushed forward, but Zoe blocked her path.

Jason didn’t even look at her. “You shouldn’t be asking me. She’s the one you should be asking, since she’s your boss.”

With that, he stepped aside, letting everyone see Natalie standing right behind him.

Claire was completely floored. ‘She’s my boss?‘

The rest of the crowd was just as baffled. ‘Hold on. Wasn’t Jason supposed to be Claire’s boss?‘ They might not have known the full story, but one thing was obvious. Claire had just offended the one person she absolutely couldn’t afford to

cross.

Claire was utterly hopeless now. ‘It’s all over… Everything’s ruined.‘

Daniel was so scared he didn’t even have the strength to beg for mercy. He just collapsed on the ground.

Graham watched everything unfold, letting out a silent sigh. He knew there was no way around it. ‘Today’s mess has to be dealt with, and with Jason’s attitude so firm, there is zero room for compromise.‘

He took a deep breath and spoke in a grave voice, “Given the seriousness of what happened today, the production has reached the following decisions.”

“Lead actress Mandy Collins is hereby suspended from all filming activities. Further arrangements will be announced in due course. Claire Moore’s cameo role is canceled effective immediately. Assistant director Daniel Reed is suspended effective immediately for serious dereliction of duty.”

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19:40 Thu, 30 Apr GO

Chapter 36

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Natalie’s cold demeanor finally melted a bit, and a confident, gentle smile appeared on her lips. “It’s not your fault, Jason. No need to apologize. They can’t do anything to me anyway.”

Finding a replacement actress on such short notice was nearly impossible. Even if they managed to find someone right for the role, getting her camera–ready and walking her through the blocking would take far too long. There was no chance of

‘Isn’t she the perfect choice? Just look at her. She has the face, the presence, everything Lady of Blackvale needs. The ratings will go through the roof with her playing this role. I’ve never seen anyone this gorgeous in showbiz before.

A few of the main crew were all nodding like crazy. They’d just seen Natalie’s look, and honestly, she was jaw droppingly

gorgeous.

She stayed completely composed when Mandy and her crew tried to pile on and then shut them down with calm, razor

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Chapter 55

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sharp logic that left them stunned. There was just something about her, a presence that set her apart from everyone else.

Jason looked at Natalie with a hint of interest in his eyes. “If you’re up for it, I think it’d be a great experience.”

Natalie sensed their urgency and simply nodded. “Sure.”

Graham’s face lit up. “Miss Moore, did you get a look at the script yet?”

Natalie nodded. She already got it earlier.

“So… should we just jump right in?” Graham asked, eager to get started.

Natalie gave a slight nod. “Sure.”

Graham’s energy shot through the roof. He grabbed his walkie–talkie and called out in a booming voice, “All departments, heads up. The Lady of Blackvale scene is about to start. Actors, take your places.”

The set, which had been stuck in a tense lull, suddenly burst back to life thanks to Natalie’s agreement. Everyone kicked into high gear, jumping right back into their jobs.

Natalie was led to her mark at the far end of the corridor.

Jason took his position in the center of the stone court, his expression already settled into the confusion and unease the scene required.

Light spilled in through the tall arched openings, breaking across the ground in shifting bands of shadow. A low veil of mist drifted over the flagstones from the dry ice machine, giving the entire set a still, uncanny atmosphere.

Graham sat behind the monitor, drew a breath, and lifted the megaphone. “Scene seventy–two of The Dreambound Years. Lady of Blackvale’s first appearance. Take one. Action.”

The clapper snapped shut. The first shot went to Jason.

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