"Because… they run this circle…"
Marvin looked at Natasha with a very serious look on his face. It was clear from Marvin's attitude that this was something that she needed to understand sooner rather than later.
"In this circle, most of the top powers are their people. Studio executives, top directors, gold producers, theatre managers, and even production company owners are all their people," Marvin said in a grim tone.
"You need to understand this clearly Natasha. You can't be their enemy and survive in this circle at all. The competition between females in this circle is far crueler than males. If you offend a person like this, you will find it difficult to show your face on the big screen after this movie is over. Such a thing would end your career," Marvin finished.
"You mean taking on this role would offend their entire group?" Natasha asked skeptically.
"No, there are no eternal enemies or eternal friends in this circle. There are only interests. Taking this role wouldn't offend their entire group. But, the person who you will offend is very influential. He can make things incredibly difficult for you in the future. So, why make such a big enemy for yourself," Marvin explained patiently.
"Let's give up this role. We can use the favors to star in some big-name director movies. This would be helpful for your career in the long run," Marvin tried to convince Natasha. "Furthermore, we will make a good impression on that person."
"Marvin," Natasha said leaning forward and looking at his face closely. "Are you afraid?"
Marvin didn't reply. His whole body stilled for a second before he let out a sigh.
"If I say that I am not afraid, then I would be lying. The person who wants you to withdraw is a very ruthless fellow. He has done a lot of shady things in the past. He had even ended the careers of several promising stars just because they offended him," Marvin said leaning back a little.
"I am an agent. This might make it difficult for me in the future. But, I can manage. What I am worried about is you," Marvin said pointing his finger at Natasha.
"If you make this man your enemy, it will be incredibly hard for you to flourish. Moreover, you can forget about getting any awards in the future. He has a lot of power among the critics and judges. With a single word, he can shatter all your dreams."
Natasha frowned at hearing that. If possible, she didn't want to make someone like that an enemy. It was clear from what Marvin said that this man was both ruthless and very small-minded. He would never forgive her if she took this movie role.
That meant she will find it hard to survive in this circle. Moreover, she would never get any awards as well. Her career may become stagnant and she might even become a lesson for others.
But, here is the thing.
She never wanted to be a celebrated actress. She didn't want any awards or praise from the critics. And she never planned to stay for long in this circle either. At most, she would stay until she earned a bit more money and then use that money to take advantage of future events she knew of.
This circle was never her interest. She wanted to become an actress because that was the fastest way to accumulate enough money within a few years with the skillset she had. Other means she know of were all illegal and had a lot of risk.
She only wanted to be rich and live a comfortable life. So, she didn't care much about the awards or other stuff other actresses need to worry about. As long as she was able to earn a decent sum, she can take advantage of the future.
Furthermore, Natasha really didn't like backing down due to threats. Mrs. Ropier had caught her fox tail. So, she had to bow her head there. But, if she bowed her head again and again, this would make her very uncomfortable.
Since that was the case, why must she withdraw? She already had an opportunity many people in Los Angeles yearn for. If she let go of this one for the sake of future opportunities that may or may not exist, then she would be the biggest fool. Since she didn't need to worry about stuff that other actresses need to worry over, this really wasn't a big deal for her.
"Let me ask you one thing," Natasha asked leaning forward. "If I take this role, will you be able to get me other roles in the future?"
"I can, but getting big roles will be very difficult after offending that person," Marvin said earnestly.
"Then, I have decided," Natasha said with firm resolve in her eyes. "I am taking this role. Piss on that bastard who wants me to withdraw."
Marvin gaped slightly and looked at Natasha in surprise.
"Are you sure?" Marvin asked.
"I am," Natasha said looking at Marvin. "Now advise me on what I should do so that I don't get surprised."
"If you are sure, then there is only one thing to do," Marvin said frowning a bit. "I will call Cody Murphy and let him know your stance. He will take care of the rest. This kind of thing, we both are powerless to interfere. Just don't get in trouble these days."
Natasha nodded accepting Marvin's statement.
"When the film releases, pray that there is no news about you," Marvin said grimacing a bit.
"What do you mean?"
"Having no news is better than being mentioned in a negative way. If this issue blows up, then you can be sure that there will be a lot of negative news coming out about you in the papers. Like I said, they control this circle," Marvin said looking solemn.
Natasha squinted her eyes hearing that. Unlike what Marvin imagines, Natasha was happy to hear that there will be negative news regarding her. That's because Natasha is clear about one thing.
In the coming decade, having any news is better than having no news. Whether it is good or bad doesn't matter much. Popularity is popularity. There was no such thing as bad fame. Her counterpart's memories were clear on this. So, she was rather looking forward to the negative news.
"Then, I am looking forward to what will happen when the movie releases," Natasha said with a secretive smile causing Marvin to be speechless.
*****
"Good, I will take care of the rest," Cody Murphy said with a triumphant smile on his face and cut the call.
"So, has the girl withdrawn? I told you that it is not easy to oppose them in this circle," Kyle said a little dejectedly.
"No," Cody smirked. "On the contrary, the girl is determined to star in this film. Looks like I didn't bet wrong."
"You mean she is willing even after the pressure put by that man?" Kyle asked surprised.
"Yes," Cody said looking ahead. "Now, you can go and concentrate on your work without any worries. I will take care of the rest."
"That's great, I will go and prepare for the shooting immediately," Kyle said rising up and walking to the door.
Just when Kyle was near the door, Cody called him.
"Kyle, make sure nothing happens to her during the filming. There may be some people who will try to bully her during filming. I want no accidents to happen to her. She is bold enough to make enemies of people she shouldn't for us. No matter what the reason is for that, we need to show our strength as well. If not, no one will take our side in the future," Cody said in a serious tone.
"Don't worry, I can take care of the crew," Kyle said nodding back from the door.
"See that you do," Cody murmured and dismissed him.
Cody lit his cigar and took a deep puff. Leaning back in his seat, Cody narrowed his eyes and let out the smoke. He remained in deep thought for a few minutes before standing up suddenly.
He dialed a number in a methodical way and waited for a call to connect.
"This is Cody Murphy. I want a warning sent to Dean Anson. The sterner the warning, the better," Cody said in an authoritative tone.
The other end went silent for a minute before asking, "Are you sure?"
"Positive," Cody replied curtly.
"Consider it done."
Cody smiled sharply and cut the call. Next he dialed another number and waited for it to connect.
"Hey Kid Z, this is Cody. I need a small favor," Cody spoke.
After finishing the call, Cody turned to look at the window in the distance and murmured to himself.
"Dean, I have been patient with your antics for a while now. But, you crossed a line this time. If you want to go to war, I am not afraid of you. I may not be as influential as you in this circle, but in this city, Cody Murphy is not some soft permission. I will show you what I can do…"
*****
A/N: Check out my other stories and let me know your thoughts...
Support me at patreon.com/kkephemeral