Chapter 305

The Grant family and the Winslow family had originally been among them, too, but both were driven to bankruptcy by Sienna. There were plenty of other companies left, but none as powerful as these.

And then there was the Hart family, which couldn’t be overlooked.

Even though the Hart family had only been established for just over thirty years and wasn’t considered an old-money family, its current strength was already on par with the four major families.

Yvonne smiled politely and lowered her voice, “Is the third female lead in this drama named Rowena?”

Wade nodded. "I believe so."

Yvonne glanced around to make sure Rowena wasn’t nearby, then took her chance. "I’ll put 15 million dollars into your show, but only if you drop Rowena from the cast."

Wade was caught off guard; he hadn’t seen that coming.

The third female lead might not be the star, but it was still a standout role. Rowena was honestly perfect for it, and he’d been blown away by her looks.

Truth be told, Wade really didn’t want to replace this girl.

Yeah, Rowena was new, but the girl could really act.

Seeing Wade hesitate, Yvonne sweetened the deal. “How about 26 million dollars? I’ve looked into it. This is a small production, and with 26 million dollars, I’d be your biggest investor by far.

“You should really think it over, Mr. Bayer. Besides, Rowena is just a total newcomer, and acting isn’t even her major. Maybe there’s someone out there who’s a better fit, don’t you think?”

26 million dollars was an offer Wade simply couldn’t turn down. With that kind of money, he wouldn’t have to worry about funding for the rest of the project.

Most of his cast were just average names, but he wanted the story to be the best it could be.

After hesitating for a couple of seconds, Wade finally nodded. “Alright, I agree. Mrs. Clare, 26 million dollars. I’ll recast the third female lead, and I’ll have someone inform Rowena soon."

If Wade had any idea what he was getting himself into by agreeing, he would’ve never said yes.

Yvonne curled her lips into a sly smile. “No need to wait, she’s right over there. I want you to tell her to her face, and don’t mention me, not even a hint.

"Just be blunt—tell her her acting sucks, she’s ugly, and she’s got no business being an actress at all."

Wade opened his mouth to ask something, but in the end, he just closed it.

Everyone knew what this was about. Yvonne was obviously out to get Rowena, Wade’d already taken her money, so he was in no position to refuse.

“Alright, I understand,” he said.

Rowena was genuinely happy to bump into the director here. She could still clearly remember how encouraging he’d been that day, telling her she had real potential. Those words had really lifted her spirits.

“Miss Clare, I’m sorry, but after careful consideration, I don’t think you’re the right fit for this role.

"I’ve already found someone more suitable. You don’t have any experience, and your background isn’t even related to acting,” Wade said.

Wade kept it professional, using industry talk to turn her down without being too harsh.

Rowena pressed him with a couple more questions, unwilling to give up, but the answer never changed. Her hopes were crushed.

‘Looks like I’ll never be able to break free from the Clare family,’ she thought. Rowena let out a cold laugh in her mind. All that investment for nothing. In the end, it was just an empty dream.

Rowena walked toward the courtyard, devastated. Yvonne stood off to the side, watching her daughter’s retreating figure, and for some reason, she couldn’t help but feel a strange bitterness in her chest.

“Was I really wrong?” Yvonne asked herself. “No, I’m not. Everything I do is for her own good. Her best future is as a genius painter. That’s the only real path for her."

Yvonne was determined to make Rowena someone everyone admired. She might not understand now, but one day, she’d thank her—she’d be grateful for everything her mother had done.

Rowena sat by herself on the stone steps in the corner, hugging her knees and curling up like a little snail.

She didn’t want to cry, but for some reason, she just couldn’t help it. No matter how hard she tried to hold them back, her tears just kept pouring down uncontrollably.

Rowena was sobbing, her shoulders trembling with each muffled cry.

Meanwhile, Winifred couldn’t stand these noisy, crowded scenes; everyone chattering and laughing drove her crazy. “Ugh, all this noise is so annoying," she thought, rolling her eyes.

Winifred much preferred sitting up in a tree by herself, stargazing. This courtyard was the best; no one ever bothered to come here.

Suddenly, the sound of someone crying reached her ears. Winifred glanced down and instantly spotted Rowena curled up below.

Winifred paused for three seconds, then hopped down from the tree without a word.