Chapter 13


    Violet had set up Quintessa in a downtown apartment – not exactly in the city’s swanklest


    neighborhood but still a safe haven for the well–to–do professionals. The ce was


    modest, a one–bedroom with understated and minimalist decor.


    Violet said to Quintessa, “Once you hit the big time, I’ll get you a better ce.”


    “Sounds good to me,” Quintessa replied.


    She wasn’t fussy about her living conditions. Back in Serenitia, when times were tough, she’d gone


    days subsisting on nothing, not even any bread.


    Besides, Quintessa knew that Violet was not having an easy time herself. She had split from her former


    business partner to start her own studio and was still in the early, toughest stages, with her old boss


    applying pressure from the shadows.


    N?velDrama.Org content.


    Considering all that, spending nearly a grand a month to rent this ce for her was pretty decent.


    After a couple of days of settling in, Violet burst in, full of energy, with a young man sporting ck–


    rimmed sses and a youthful, unpolished look, “This is your new assistant and makeup artist.”


    The young man hurried forward, “Hi Quinn, I’m Manny.”


    Quintessa was somewhat surprised; she hadn’t expected Violet to hire a boy as her makeup artist, and


    a multitasking one at that – a real exploitation ofbor.


    “Fresh out of school?” She inquired.


    Manny nodded, “Yeah. I get my diploma next month.”


    Violet nced at her watch, “Let’s get moving, Manny. Get Quinn ready. We’ve got an audition in two


    hours.”


    “Okay.”


    Quintessa nodded, understanding better than anyone the gravity of the situation. She had. tond this


    role, no matter what, by any means necessary.


    The first audition went smoothly. The assistant director handed Quintessa a script and asked for an


    impromptu performance. After her performance, they told her toe back the next day for a full


    makeup trial.


    Everyone knew Director Fitch was a stickler for detail; if he wasn’t impressed, there


    wouldn’t be a second chance.


    This meant Quintessa’s image was qualified. Barring any major setbacks, the role was practically hers.


    The next day, after resting up and with Manny in tow, Quintessa was ready.


    Two hours of makeup and a costumeter, she stepped out and silence fell upon the room. In


    everyone’s mind, there were few words to describe her – radiant in red, a beauty beyondpare.


    The ancients spoke of women so stunning they could topple empires; she was the embodiment of that


    saying.


    Fitch stood up, his excitement palpable, “Yes, this is it, exactly! Perfect. This is the Queen Seraphina of


    my imagination. Absolutely right, it’s gotta be you.”


    Standing there, Quintessa seemed to have stepped right out of what he had pictured Queen Seraphina


    in his mind – the epitome of allure, captivating without vulgarity, her eyes. bewitching, her nces


    enough to ensnare any man’s heart. She didn’t even need to speak; her mere presence was enough to


    command everyone’s attention.


    The assistant director asked, “Director Frost, don’t you want her to perform a piece?”


    Fitch couldn’t take his eyes off Quintessa, his gaze burning with barely contained fervor, “I’ve seen her


    performance yesterday. It was good. We can dismiss the others.”


    Quintessa’s lips curled into a slight smile, “Thank you, Director Frost. I won’t let you down.” Her smile


    nearly bewitched Fitch, “She’s just…so…”


    He was at a loss for words, as if after years of s