Wife by Day, Boss by Night by Thalia Quillspeak

Chapter 164

Natalie had already agreed with the director that she wouldn’t partake in the red carpet frenzy or the interview circuit, opting to head straight to the makeup room to slip into her evening gown and enter the venue instead.

When she arrived, the film festival’s opening act was underway, and the auditorium was

shrouded in darkness.

After a little struggle. Natalie managed to locate where the direct

and the leading actor sat. The director passed her a note and whispered, “Before the show began, I’ve chatted with the organizers. They gave me a heads–up that, thanks to you, we’ve snagged the ‘Rising Star‘ award,”

Natalie’s eyebrows lifted slightly. Though expected, it was nonetheless a pleasant surprise.

The director continued. “They said you’re the most outstanding young talent in recent years. The judges based their decision on your exceptional performance, so much so that you outshone Cory, hence the extraordinary award.”

Natalie had heard more than once from her mentors that she was bright and gifted, always the standout in whatever she undertook. But at twenty–two, t being recognized as a leading actress and sharing in the film’s accolades felt somewhat surreal, which was like a dream.

as the presenter recited the list of

actor, Cory, sitting beside her, suddenly spoke up, “Natalie, If you weren’t so young and our film wasn’t so niche, the Best Actress

Cory with a smile and humbly replied, “How

spoke, she caught sight of two familiar figures rising from their seats

up, preparing to ascend the stage. Meanwhile, Brian was

Gracia Wright,” announced the presenter, revealing

Cory turned and glanced at Gracia, unable to

retreating figure at the backstage entrance,

have thought she’d encounter Brian and Gracia there? And Gracia was known more for her television work than her films. How had she come to attend the film festival, let alone

revisited

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14:00

Chapter 164

film last year,

and another male actor had come to the