The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!-Chapter 22: Bewitching the Patron to Distraction
Madeline Underwood and Kiki Monroe were watching from the side of the film set. It wasn’t their turn to shoot yet, and their scrutinizing gazes kept landing on Maya Monroe, as if waiting for her to mess up.
As Maya walked past them, she heard Madeline Underwood sneer, "It’s been a while since we’ve been in the same production. I’m curious how much your acting has improved. If it’s reached the level of your cozying up to your benefactor, you might not get bashed on trending topics for poor acting anymore!"
Kiki tugged at Madeline’s sleeve, "Don’t say that, Madeline. My sister... she earned everything with her own skills!"
Her words only drew a derisive laugh from Madeline.
Regarding the so-called benefactor, Maya remembered the original character had flaunted Ian Rowe’s name for a long time, securing quite a few good resources. Rumors of a benefactor started after marrying Ian Rowe.
Maya didn’t expect them to gather so quickly. In the story, Madeline was a straightforward and candid sister who provided much help to Kiki Monroe after they became close friends.
Maya raised her delicate chin, those beautiful almond eyes full of arrogance and disdain, masking Madeline’s imposing demeanor: "Then keep your eyes wide open and watch me. Just because you’re blind doesn’t mean I lack acting skills!"
Madeline’s voice was quite soft, but she didn’t expect Maya’s voice to be so clear and resonant, attracting the attention of many around them.
Maya was shameless, but Madeline cared very much about her reputation.
Madeline knew Maya’s personality well; she would always retaliate against provocation and never show weakness.
"Then I’ll wait to see your ’spectacular show’!"
Maya replied with a smile.
That bold and confident demeanor, it was as if even her brows were lifted with liveliness, her beautiful eyes filled with laughter.
Madeline was slightly stunned as she watched.
When did Maya become so good-looking?
This thought lingered for a moment before she sneered again.
No wonder she could make the benefactor so infatuated!
With Shane Morgan’s call, Maya quickly immersed herself in character.
Scenes from the script she read flashed through her mind, every line, every action... replayed swiftly and clearly.
"Let me go! Let me go!!"
Luna unleashed a piercing scream, the next second she shook off the neighbor, Madam Wang, who was helping her.
Luna took two steps forward, and upon witnessing the horrific sight in front of her, she instinctively stepped back half a step, covering her ears with her hands in a protective gesture, her eyes tinged with blood-red:
"No... this can’t be... Dad... Mom..."
Her voice sounded hoarse as if filled with molten iron.
Shane subtly nodded, feeling more satisfied.
Every time Maya performed, she would make slight adjustments to the character’s actions and dialogue. She could analyze and deduce the character’s subtle psychological changes and portray these subtleties, which didn’t embellish excessively but rather added a finishing touch.
She could empathize with the protagonist’s psychology and expression, integrating the character so well that "Luna" seemed to come alive under her portrayal.
Madeline had just been brought back to reality from Maya’s unconventional script lines and was instantly captivated by her performance.
Her eyes widened slightly, unable to conceal her astonishment.
In just a few days, despite the unending negative press about Maya, how had her acting improved to such an extent?
It wasn’t an exaggeration to call it rapid progress.
But acting isn’t something other than that you can expext to improve overnight to such a godlike level. It’s almost like a different person.
Kiki’s cup of tea fell to the ground, the scalding tea spilling onto her ankle and making her instantly aware.
She clumsily and anxiously picked up the cup, only to find all the tea gone, leaving just a solitary tea bag.
Kiki recalled how Madeline had, calling her a good sister, handed her the tea, saying it was something rare and hard to find, but she couldn’t quite remember.
Kiki instinctively apologized to Madeline next to her, "It’s all my fault, Madeline. I’m so clumsy that I spilled your good intentions..."
As she spoke, she realized Madeline had no reaction.
Madeline’s intricately manicured fingers with fine diamonds were tugging at her expensive designer bag, twisting it out of shape. Her face was full of disbelief.
Kiki instantly realized that, like her, Madeline was shocked by Maya’s performance, and not just a little shocked.
Kiki glanced once more at Maya, who was performing, her gaze complex and indescribable.
She thought more deeply than Madeline.
Given Shane and Maya’s close relationship, had he been teaching her acting in private, possibly rehearsing with her several times in advance?
Otherwise, how could Maya’s clueless mind grasp and understand so quickly? Kiki didn’t believe someone could suddenly have an epiphany and soar in acting skill within a few days. It was too unrealistic. Only Shane privately helping Maya rehearse made sense.
Every day Maya seemed tired and sleep-deprived, but it must have been due to her practicing rigorously the previous day to steal the spotlight.
Thinking of all the contact between Shane and Maya in private.
Kiki tightened her fist.
After exchanging contacts with Shane that day, she had attempted to spark many conversations, but Shane wasn’t as easygoing online as he was in real life. He was dismissive of anything outside of acting tips, never engaging in conversational topics Kiki started, shutting down conversations with a single line.
Reflecting on this, Kiki’s gaze towards Maya became even more complicated.
Neighbor Madam Wang stepped forward, trying to hold Luna: "...Luna, when the villagers found them, your parents were already..."
Luna’s eyes were terrifyingly vacant, a crystal tear falling from her eye.
Luna stumbled forward, and as if she had lost all support, collapsed to the ground, gently patting the faces of the two people lying there. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚
"Dad... Mom... please wake up. Your daughter is back! How could this happen... how could this happen..."
Luna’s tears flowed incessantly, her voice now laced with desperation.
Her delicate fingers were stained with blood.
"Luna, they’re gone. You need to cope..."
Luna’s eyes were blood-red, her shoulders trembling due to excessive grief and anger, yet her voice was resolute and terrifying: "Dad, Mom, don’t worry. No matter who did this, I will avenge you. I won’t let you die unjustly!!"
"Very good, that’s a wrap!"
