[Chapter 216: Accidents, One After Another]
The corridor outside the Seventh Floor Rehearsal Hall in the Paramount Building buzzed quietly with tension.
Sandra stood with her arms crossed, leaning against the wall as her sharp eyes scanned the competitors pacing the hallway. Her lips curved into a faint, almost mocking smile.
She leaned closer to Megan, lowering her voice so only the two of them could hear.
"See the one in the red dress? Jessica Alba. Fantastic Four is about to be released, and riding that wave, her chances are way higher than yours. Over there, chatting with the casting director -- that's Lauren from Beyonce's team. Beyonce herself isn't after the role, but just that association gives her a huge advantage."
Sandra nodded toward the corner where a woman was on her phone. "That's Rachel McAdams. After The Notebook, she's basically the poster girl for pure, innocent first love. It's a total contrast to the tough vibe this project demands. But sometimes the bigger the contrast, the more the producers think it'll spark buzz."
Her gaze shifted to a woman standing alone by the window, holding a thin script. "And that over there? Gemma Arterton. She just graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Classic beauty, unique presence. I heard a producer privately say she 'has what it takes to be the next Keira Knightley.'"
Gemma stood straight and still by the window, her expression calm, almost detached, in stark contrast to the nervous energy around her.
Sandra's eyes landed on another figure, a blonde touching up her makeup. "Hayden Panettiere. She is from that popular TV show Heroes. She plays the 'Cheerleader' -- the sweetheart of American teens; huge fan base, built-in popularity."
Turning back to Megan, Sandra sighed. "Megan, you're beautiful, you've got an amazing figure, and your acting -- well, it's not bad. But for this part? Your chances are still pretty slim."
Megan stared at the handful of women Sandra had pointed out, her face unreadable. She was the least experienced, least known among them all -- but she trusted Daniel. She believed she had a powerful backer behind her. Soon enough, she'd know for sure.
Sandra gave a knowing sigh. "We're just here to make an impression. Don't expect too much."
...
Jessica was called in first.
Twenty minutes later, the door burst open. Jessica walked out, her face flushed, lips pressed tight as if holding back anger. She strode toward the elevator and snapped at an assistant nearing her, "Don't ask!"
Her voice wasn't loud, but the corridor was quiet -- and many heard it.
The assistant shivered and hurried away.
Sandra raised an eyebrow, a little triumphant, and whispered to Megan, "Looks like she tanked it."
...
Next was Lauren from Beyonce's team.
She smoothed her hair confidently and entered.
Less than ten minutes later, the door flew open again.
Lauren rushed out, clutching her phone, her face pale and sharp with anxiety.
"What? The warehouse is on fire? The whole thing? God! I'm coming!" she blurted.
She didn't even bother saying goodbye to the casting assistant, stumbling in her heels toward the emergency exit, bypassing the elevator altogether.
Sandra's eyebrows shot up. "...An accident?"
...
The third to go was Rachel McAdams.
She stayed inside longer, and when she emerged, her expression was tight but calm. Her lips were pressed together as she headed toward a nearby chair to grab a bottle of water.
Resting beside the chair was her small carry-on suitcase.
The moment her fingers touched the handle, a small decorative rivet popped off and shot out like a bullet, striking the base of a huge vintage metal globe on display nearby.
Sparks flew.
The impact sent the globe spinning violently, a creak echoing from its metal stand.
"Watch out!" someone shouted.
With a loud clang, several screws snapped, and the massive globe wobbled, teetering toward Rachel.
She screamed and jumped back, but as her high heel twisted underfoot, she stumbled. The edge of the tipping stand scraped against her calf.
She gasped sharply, crouching down in pain.
Her assistant rushed over to find a long gash, blood soaking through her stockings.
The wound wasn't deep, but it was enough to shock everyone. There was no way Rachel could carry on with the audition.
Chaos erupted.
Security and staff swarmed. Some fetched first-aid kits, others made urgent calls.
Rachel was helped aside, pale with pain and shock.
Soon she was escorted away urgently by her assistant and staff.
...
The audition went on.
Next up was Gemma Arterton.
Hearing her name, she closed her script, took a deep breath, and walked toward the door with graceful composure.
Just as her hand reached for the doorknob--
"ACHOO!!!"
An explosive, violent sneeze tore from her nose without warning.
The sudden loud sound cracked through the silent corridor like distant thunder.
Gemma froze, then quickly covered her mouth and nose.
Her normally pale cheeks flushed deep crimson.
Embarrassed tears welled in her eyes.
To make matters worse, the sneeze triggered a relentless chain reaction--
"ACHOO! ACHOO! A--CHOO!!!"
Three more massive sneezes followed in rapid succession.
Her carefully maintained classical poise shattered completely.
She bent over awkwardly, fumbled desperately for a tissue.
Her red, watery eyes and sniffles made her look miserable and helpless.
The casting assistant at the door blinked, uncertain.
"Miss Arterton, do you... need help? Or a moment before going in?"
Gemma shook her head, covering her nose as tears streamed down.
In her current state -- sniffling, red-eyed, and stumbling through sneezes -- there was no way she could perform.
She muttered through a congested voice, "I'm... sorry... I think I'm allergic... I really apologize..."
Under the heavy gaze of everyone around, she practically fled toward the elevator in utter humiliation, escaping the place where she had lost all control.
Silence fell over the corridor.
Someone absentmindedly touched their own nose.
Sandra pressed her lips into a straight line.
...
Next was Hayden Panettiere.
Hayden appeared unruffled. She tapped her cheeks, smiled sweetly, and walked confidently toward the room.
"You can do this," she whispered to herself.
Her audition lasted longer than expected.
Just as those waiting began hoping she'd done well, the door swung open.
Hayden came out pale and panicked.
Her grip on her phone was so tight her knuckles went white.
Her assistant hurried over. "How'd it go, Hayden?"
Hayden didn't answer directly.
Her voice trembled as she said, "Book me the fastest flight back to New York. No, call a car to the airport first, and book it on the way!"
"What? What happened? The audition results aren't--" the assistant started.
"It's not about me!" Hayden's voice broke, urgent and terrified.
"My mom... she slipped on the stairs at home and hit her head. She's been rushed to the hospital -- no one knows how bad it is. I have to get back immediately."
*****
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