After a grueling day of training, the fifteen contestants filed onto a bus that would take them back to the Ukraine Hotel, their temporary home. The bus was flanked by two commercial vehicles, one in front and one behind, ensuring the safety of the budding stars.
Erica sat quietly, hugging her handbag, her mind swirling with thoughts about what Coach Olga had said. She felt a spark of hope. This could be her big break, the opportunity she had been dreaming of. With only three winners to be chosen out of fifteen contestants, she couldn't help but wonder if she could be one of the lucky ones. If she failed, maybe Hollywood in Los Angeles could be her next step. The thought of returning to her old job as a switchboard operator was unbearable.
"What are you thinking about?" Misha, who was sitting beside her, noticed her distraction. "You've been out of it since we left the TV station."
From the opposite row, Nastya gave Erica a concerned look.
Erica lowered her voice, "Let's talk about it when we get back to the hotel."
Misha and Nastya had always been supportive, and Erica felt she owed it to them to share her thoughts. They had formed a sisterhood through this journey, and even if they didn't share her interest, they deserved to know about this potential opportunity.
Nastya's gaze shifted to Nikia, who was sitting a few rows ahead. There was a buzz among the girls about Nikia's private meeting with Martin Davis. Everyone's curiosity was piqued. What could have happened? The girls speculated, their imaginations running wild. Nikia had become the center of attention, and not in a good way.
The hotel was a short drive from the TV station. As the bus came to a stop, the girls' minds were racing with possibilities and uncertainties.
As usual, Misha, Nastya, and Erica disembarked together, forming their usual trio. They headed upstairs to their room to freshen up before dinner. The three girls crowded into the bathroom, laughing, splashing water at each other, and filling the space with playful shrieks.
Wrapped in bathrobes, they curled up on the sofa, chatting away.
Nastya couldn't hold back her thoughts any longer. "That Nikia, do you think she's hooking up with Martin? If she is, she might be securing herself a spot."
Erica shook her head. "Martin seems very professional. Didn't you notice? He's graceful, handsome, and has a great personality. He's like the perfect dream guy."
Misha snorted. "Stop fangirling. In the modeling world, I've heard things about Martin and Leonardo. They used supermodel Natalia to organize special parties in Paris for Ukrainian and Russian models. You know what those parties are about."
Nastya sighed. "How do we even get close to Martin? We can't just knock on his door."
Misha's eyes sparkled. "Actually, that's not a bad idea. I've always dreamed of going to Hollywood..."
Erica remembered the information Olga had given her. She rummaged through her bag and pulled out a brochure. "There are other ways to get to Hollywood. I found this today. Take a look."
She handed over the brochure. "A Hollywood talent scout is looking for new actors in Kiev. They want to find the next Mila Kunis or Milla Jovovich."
Nastya eagerly took the brochure and began reading.
Erica continued, "This could be our backup plan. If we don't win the finals, we can still try this route."
Misha leaned over to see. The brochure detailed a legitimate film company with a solid history. They had worked on films like "Battle in the Valley of Elah," "Kingdom of Heaven," and "Stuart Little." The contact details at the back seemed genuine.
Nastya handed the brochure to Misha and turned to Erica. "Where did you get this?"
"Coach Olga saw me struggling and told me to keep an open mind. She gave me this brochure and said there are many paths to success."
Misha raised an eyebrow. "Why did Olga give it to you and not us?"
Erica shrugged, tossing her golden ponytail. "Because I'm kind and beautiful?"
Nastya rolled her eyes. "Because you're naive!"
Erica was taken aback. "Isn't this a real opportunity?"
"Maybe, but it could also be a trap." Nastya dialed the contact number on the brochure. To her surprise, someone answered, and they discussed details about movie roles and actor selection.
Erica felt her pulse quicken. "Hey, is everything okay?"
Nastya exchanged a glance with Misha. "What do you think?"
Misha's expression grew serious. "We're Ukrainian, beautiful, and sexy. What's the most common fate for women like us once they leave Ukraine?"
Erica responded automatically, "Actor? Model?"
Nastya, though young, had a clearer perspective. "No, the most common fate is becoming prostitutes, call girls, or being trafficked."
Erica picked up the brochure, her face a mix of disbelief and concern. "No way."
Misha sighed. "Once we leave Ukraine, our fate could be controlled by others."
Erica was momentarily speechless, the gravity of her friends' words sinking in. After a pause, she asked, "Should I just throw all this away?"
Nastya shook her head. "Wait, let me think."
Silence fell as Erica and Misha watched Nastya, who was deep in thought, considering their options.
Nastya pondered how to turn this situation to their advantage. She couldn't outright dismiss the Hollywood recruitment as a scam without more information, but the risk seemed significant. She recalled how the French Karin Model Agency had recruited Ukrainian models, a reputable agency known for producing stars like Monica Bellucci and Milla Jovovich. However, she had heard disturbing rumors from models returning from France about discrepancies in the number of Ukrainian models recruited and those who actually appeared in Paris.
Where did the missing girls go? Nastya shuddered at the thought. She needed to protect herself and her friends. A plan began to form in her mind. "We need to prepare for the finals fully. Even though we haven't signed contracts yet, we're valuable to the organizers. If someone tries to poach us, what will the organizers think?"
Misha caught on. "Reporting to Alexandrovich might earn us some favor."
Nastya shook her head. "No, we should reach out to Martin Davis through Alexandrovich. Didn't you notice how Alexandrovich referred to Martin?"
Misha frowned. "I was too starstruck by Martin to pay attention. I didn't hear a thing."
Erica nodded. "Me neither."
Nastya leaned forward. "I have good hearing, and I was close. Alexandrovich called Martin 'Boss.'"
Even Erica, with her limited English, understood the significance of the word.
"I've been looking for a reason to meet Martin," Nastya continued, holding up the brochure. "This is our perfect excuse."
Misha's eyes sparkled. "Yes, it's about Hollywood. We can ask a Hollywood star, or even the big boss behind the scenes..."
Erica looked from Misha to Nastya, her confusion clear. "You guys are making this too complicated. I'm lost."
Nastya sprang to her feet. "Let's go! Martin also stays at this hotel. We'll use Alexandrovich to arrange a meeting with him."
Misha nodded eagerly. "This could be our chance."
Erica, still unsure, murmured, "I'll follow your lead."
Lacking Martin's direct contact, the girls turned to Alexandrovich. Nastya dialed his number and succinctly explained the situation, emphasizing its Hollywood connection and their desire to meet Martin.
---
Martin was enjoying dinner with Alexandrovich and Rebrov. They discussed the 1+1 TV station's potential expansion into the European and American markets via satellite. Martin offered to introduce relevant industry contacts, sensing Rebrov's ambition to start an English channel. The conversation flowed smoothly, with mutual compliments and shared excitement.
As Rebrov departed, Alexandrovich's phone rang. He answered briefly, then turned to Martin with a curious expression.
Martin, noticing the change, asked, "What's going on?"
Alexandrovich relayed the requests of Nastya, Misha, and Erica to Martin, who listened thoughtfully.
After a moment, Martin said, "Let's find a meeting room or reception room and see what they have to say." He shook his head slightly, adding, "Hollywood scouts coming to Kiev to poach talent sounds dubious."
Alexandrovich made a quick call and then led the way. "The program team has a meeting room nearby."
The group made their way to the conference room and waited briefly. Soon, the security guard opened the door, ushering in three young women.
The trio entered, dressed in smart business attire, each with a different hair color, blonde, brown, and black. Their striking features and confident postures made it clear why they were contestants.
As they approached the conference table, Nastya's tension eased upon seeing Martin. She offered a warm smile. "Hello, Martin. I'm sorry to bother you with this matter."
Martin nodded slightly. "It's no problem."
"My name is Anastasia Rekevnikova," Nastya began, aware her name might be challenging to pronounce in English. "But my friends call me Nastya."
"I'm Misha," the second girl introduced herself, then nudged the third girl who seemed a bit lost in her thoughts.
"I'm Erica Normanova," Erica quickly added.
Martin took in their appearances, noting the striking variety of hair colors but recognizing that they all shared certain common features. "Nastya, Misha, and Erica, right? Please, have a seat and tell us what happened today."
The three girls took their seats, with Erica hesitating before starting. "Coach Olga mentioned a talent scout from Hollywood. She said it could be a big opportunity."
Nastya and Misha chimed in, filling in the details and clarifying points Erica stumbled over.
Martin quickly grasped the situation. It was clear someone was trying to exploit the contestants. Given Ukraine's global reputation, it was likely a scam rather than a genuine opportunity. Hollywood was teeming with aspiring actors, making the idea of talent scouts coming to Kiev highly suspect.
Nastya, fluent in English, voiced her concern. "This felt off to me, so I contacted Mr. Alexandrovich immediately."
Martin nodded, his expression serious. "It's definitely a scam. The company name and contact details might be real, but no legitimate film company would recruit actors like this. Hollywood doesn't need to search abroad for new talent; there are plenty of actors already there."
Erica's eyes widened in realization. "No wonder it felt strange. It's a scam!"
Nastya and Misha exchanged knowing looks but didn't comment on Erica's late epiphany.
Nastya turned back to Martin. "If Erica received this, others might have too. We don't want this to disrupt the finals."
Martin admired Nastya's maturity. "Focus on your rehearsals. We'll ensure the final goes smoothly."
Alexandrovich agreed. "Don't spread this around. We'll investigate quietly. Do you understand?"
Erica was bursting with questions, but Nastya grabbed her arm, signaling to stay quiet. "We won't tell anyone."
With that, the girls stood and left the room.
Once in the hallway and inside the elevator, Misha sighed, feeling a bit let down. "No reward for reporting this?"
Erica smiled. "We avoided a trap, didn't we?"
Nastya saw the situation clearly. "Don't worry about right now. Today, we left an impression on Martin and Alexandrovich. If someone shady is behind this, it would be best if other forces intervened. We will definitely be rewarded in the future."
Erica asked, "Why does it sound more chaotic when you say it like that?"
Nastya nudged her into the elevator. "Those people aren't just targeting someone as naive as you."
Misha's eyebrows raised. "How do you consider so many angles?"
Nastya shrugged. "When you participate in two talent shows back-to-back and aren't eliminated due to your abilities, you start to think about a lot of things."
Erica shook her head. "Even if I failed ten times, I wouldn't think that way."
---
In the conference room, Martin waited as Alexandrovich reviewed the information brought by the girls. He then handed it to Bruce for a closer look.
Bruce glanced over the details. "I've heard of this company. It's been around for a while, but it only participates in investments. It has never produced anything independently."
Alexandrovich, no novice himself, nodded thoughtfully. "Using movie investments to launder money?"
Bruce shook his head. "I can't say for sure. I only heard about it in passing and didn't pay much attention."
Martin decided, "Let's have our contacts in Los Angeles dig deeper into this company." Turning to Alexandrovich, he asked, "For the finalists, do you have a plan in case they don't win?"
Alexandrovich replied confidently, "They'll become contracted actors or singers for our company. These people trying to poach them are trying to steal our assets! I'll push for signing them as soon as possible."
Martin, however, wasn't entirely convinced. "Even if they sign contracts, what's stopping them from running off to Western Europe or Los Angeles with others?"
Alexandrovich, ever pragmatic, replied, "A two-pronged approach. First, secure them with contracts. Second, conduct a thorough investigation to uncover all those who are trying to steal our talents."
Martin nodded, seeing the sense in this strategy. "Olga, the dance teacher, could be a key player. Have someone keep a 24-hour watch on her and monitor who she contacts."
After a moment of thought, he added, "Notify Rebrov. We might need additional manpower."
Alexandrovich promptly called Rebrov, explaining the situation and the need for surveillance on both Nikia and Olga.
Rebrov quickly arrived at the hotel, recognizing the importance of the Saint Girl Group auditions. They were a cornerstone of 1+1 TV's programming, alongside "Servant of the People," and couldn't afford any disruptions.
The three men discussed recent events and agreed to coordinate efforts. Beautiful women in Ukraine were often targets for nefarious schemes, much like prey in the eyes of hyenas.
---
Nikia, having received a notice, changed into sportswear suitable for running, and discreetly left the hotel's main entrance, heading towards a nearby burger shop. She scanned her surroundings nervously, clearly not wanting to be seen.
Two men tailed her quietly, one snapping pictures with a camera.
"Should we take action?" one of them whispered.
The photographer shook his head. "Too many people around. She's heading into McDonald's."
Nikia entered McDonald's, and the two men waited outside, keeping a close watch.
Minutes later, she emerged with a paper bag, walking quickly back to the hotel. The crowded commercial district made it too risky for the men to confront her.
As Nikia re-entered the hotel, the cameraman said, "Stay here. I'll report this."
He walked cautiously toward a BMW parked nearby, looking around to ensure no one was watching, and gently knocked on the driver's window.
The window lowered.
From a nearby building, someone with a high-powered lens took photos of everyone near the car.
Inside the BMW, a bearded man named Victor said, "You keep watch here. I'll check the other location."
Victor started the car and drove to Olga's neighborhood. He parked near a park and waited until Olga approached and got into the car.
The moment the car door opened and closed, it was captured by the hidden photographer.