Chapter 249

In Snowstock, at the hotel.

Ben had just finished a meeting, and Theresa’s leg was almost fully healed.

Back in Anaville, a pile of matters awaited Ben’s personal touch.

So, Ben and Susan decided to head back to Anaville.

“Your leg is nearly better, but you still need to be careful. I’ve spoken to Mr. Witt that we’ll shoot the milder scenes first. The more intense ones can wait,” Susan said, her concern evident as she held Theresa’s hand.

Theresa felt a warmth in her heart and replied with a smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”

Susan nodded but her brow was still furrowed with worry.

The life of an actor is both glamorous and grueling.

Especially for newcomers like Theresa, who aim to become skilled performers, the effort required is often much more than the average person.

this was T But this was Theresa’s own path, and as her friend, all Susan could do was silently wish her success.

With their farewells said, Ben and Susan left.

After seeing them off, Theresa turned around, intending to return to the set.

Thomas called out to her, “Aren’t you going to ask why I’m not leaving with them?”

Theresa paused mid–step, looked back at him, and said indifferently, “Why should I ask a stranger?”

With that, she walked away.

Thomas’s hand unconsciously balled into a fist.

A stranger… that’s all?

A wry smile crossed Thomas’s face as he realized what it meant to be hoist by his own petard, to reap what one SOWS.

After a moment of silence, he followed her anyway.

Back on the set, Mr. Witt was making the final adjustments to the equipment.

During Theresa’s rest, he had shot some solo scenes with the male lead. Now that Theresa was back, they could resume normal shooting.

J & M M But given that Theresa’s foot injury hadn’t fully healed.

Mr. Witt decided to start with some tender scenes.

Outside, the snow was falling heavily.

After a series of trials and tribulations, the leads finally found an isolated villa with a generator.

The male lead pulled out all the stops and managed to start the generator.

There wasn’t much fuel left in the villa, and even with the generator running, they couldn’t afford to waste electricity.

To save power, they holed up in the smallest room, turning on the heater only there.

The room was cramped.

Outside, the snowstorm raged, but inside, a rare warmth enveloped them.

The male and female leads, after a long and bumpy journey, started to let their guards down.

Here, they engaged in an honest conversation, softening the tension between them..

The scene in the room was meant to be cozy and a bit playful, a welcome change from the harshness of the outdoor scenes. It was also designed to accommodate Theresa’s recent injury.

Mr. Witt spent the entire day focusing on the indoor scenes.

As evening approached, another crucial s was set to take place inside the room.

Before the shooting started.

Mr. Witt gathered the two actors, earnestly explaining the scene.

“At this point, both characters have developed feelings for each other, but neither dares to admit it. And now, the oil in the generator is running out. Without heating, the cold is unbearable. The male lead, Levi, decides to risk finding more oil, but the female lead, Alice, is worried and forbids him from going.

She hugs him from behind. You need to really feel that restrained emotion between them. Now, you two go off to the side and talk, to build up that chemistry.”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Witt,” Henri immediately responded with confidence. “Developing feelings with a beautiful woman like Rose will be a piece of cake.”

Theresa felt a bit uncomfortable with his words, but she reasoned that Henri was only saying it for the sake of the film. She thought she might be overthinking it, so she just smiled and said nothing.

“Rose, let’s find a small room for just the two of us. We can talk and chat,” Henri said in a lowered voice, his words seemingly carrying a different implication, or perhaps not.

Theresa took it as his commitment to the film and nodded in agreement.

So, the two of them went off alone to build rapport.

Thomas watched from the side, a bitter taste of jealousy rising within him.

His heart was in turmoil, itching to pull Theresa back to him.

But he had no right, no standing to do so.

Thomas could only sit there, eyes fixed on the closed door, powerless.

Cultivate a relationship?

Just the two of them, alone in a small room?

What kind of relationship were they supposed to build?

Could it be…

Thomas’s mind was awash with countless guesses, feeling on the verge of madness.

Thankfully, after five minutes.

Henri and Theresa emerged from the room.

Thomas quickly glanced over.

Henri looked pleased as punch.

But Theresa wore a somber expression, seemingly not too happy.

What on earth had happened?

“Can you shoot in this state?” Mr. Witt asked, frowning.

“Mr. Witt, rest assured, we’re in top form,” Henri quickly said.

Mr. Witt looked dubiously at Theresa’s expression. “Rose, you good?”

“No problem.” Theresa took a deep breath and nodded.

She reminded herself that she should keep the drama on stage separate from real life and not let outside issues affect her performance.

Seeing that both leads were ready, Mr. Witt nodded. “Okay, let’s get started.”

Henri and Theresa then entered the filming room.

After filming began.

Henri, sticking to the script, made a determined face, deciding to go out in search of engine oil.

Alice remained silent, not uttering a word.

As Henri turned to leave.

Alice suddenly stood up.

“Cut!” Mr. Witt furrowed his brow. “Alice, you’re supposed to be fond of him, not wanting to kill him! Your expression is way off.”

Theresa pursed her lips. “I’ll adjust again.”

“Alright, you have one minute.”

A minute later, they resumed filming.

Theresa had only taken a few steps.

Mr. Witt called cut again.

Then, it turned into an endless loop of cut after cut.

“Alice, what’s gotten into you today!” Mr. Witt was getting angry. “I used to say you were spirited, but today’s performance, any rookie could run circles around you!”

Theresa’s eyes reddened a bit. “I’m sorry.”

“What good does sorry do?” Mr. Witt was visibly irritated. “That’s enough for today. Go and get yourself together! If it’s the same tomorrow, even with Mrs. Landor’s recommendation, I’ll consider recasting.”

Mr. Witt knew that Theresa was Susan’s good friend. Most of the time, he was willing to look out for Theresa.

But that didn’t include ruining his movie.

Theresa bit her lip. “I’ll adjust.”

Seeing her sincere attitude softened Mr. Witt’s expression somewhat.

“Mr. Witt, don’t be too harsh. After all, Rose is still a newbie. Don’t worry, I’ll guide her properly,” Henri said with a reassuring smile.

“Good. I’m counting on you.” Mr. Witt patted Henri’s shoulder trustingly.

Theresa glanced in Henri’s direction, a flicker of resentment flashing in her eyes.

Why had her performance suddenly tanked? It all started in the little room earlier when Henri had said something totally out of the blue.

Theresa took a deep breath and steeled herself for adjustment.

She told herself this opportunity was crucial, and she had to seize it. No matter how less–than–ideal the co–star, she had to adapt and strive to complete this shoot perfectly.

Thomas watched Theresa, his brow slightly creased.

His gut told him something must have happened in those few minutes Theresa and Henri were alone, something that shook her. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be this way.

What exactly had happened?