Chatper 164


    Chapter 164


    Natalie had already agreed with the director that she wouldn’t partake in the red carpet frenzy or the


    interview circuit, opting to head straight to the makeup room to slip into her evening gown and enter the


    venue instead.


    When she arrived, the film festival’s opening act was underway, and the auditorium was


    shrouded in darkness.


    After a little struggle. Natalie managed to locate where the direct


    and the leading actor sat. The director passed her a note and whispered, “Before the show began, I’ve


    chatted with the organizers. They gave me a heads–up that, thanks to you, we’ve snagged the ‘Rising


    Star‘ award,”


    Natalie’s eyebrows lifted slightly. Though expected, it was nheless a pleasant surprise.


    The director continued. “They said you’re the most outstanding young talent in recent years. The


    judges based their decision on your exceptional performance, so much so that you outshone Cory,


    hence the extraordinary award.”


    Natalie had heard more than once from her mentors that she was bright and gifted, always the


    standout in whatever she undertook. But at twenty–two, t being recognized as a leading actress and


    sharing in the film’s des felt somewhat surreal, which was like a dream.


    She watched the award ceremony unfold quietly, listening as the presenter recited the list of nominees


    for Best Actress.


    The leading actor, Cory, sitting beside her, suddenly spoke up, “Natalie, If you weren’t so young and


    our film wasn’t so niche, the Best Actress trophy could have been yours tonight.”


    Natalie turned to Cory with a smile and humbly replied, “How could that be? We’re only here because


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    of your fame.”


    As she spoke, she caught sight of two familiar figures rising from their seats behind her.


    d in her finest, Gracia stood up, preparing to ascend the stage. Meanwhile, Brian was heading


    backstage with brisk steps.


    “The Best Actress is Gracia Wright,” announced the presenter, revealing the final verdict.


    “Do all the beauties from your homnd look alike?” Cory turned and nced at Gracia, unable to


    resist asking, “Though you are a bit more ravishing.”


    Natalie stared at Gracia and Brian’s retreating figure at the backstage entrance, her mind struggling to


    catch up.


    Who would have thought she’d encounter Brian and Gracia there? And Gracia was known more for her


    television work than her films. How had shee to attend the film festival, let alone win Best Actress?


    Natalie paused, pulled out her phone, and revisited the news article she hadn’t finished earlier.


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    Chapter 164


    She read it thoroughly and discovered that Gracia had starred in a domestic filmst year, a


    portmanteau movie divided into five segments, each segment featuring a different lead.


    But of the cast, only Gracia and another male actor hade to the festival.


    “Why did she get Best Actress when the film had five leads?”


    “Yeah, the movie was quite innovative, but from the trailer, her performance didn’t strike me as the


    best.”


    “On what grounds did the judges make their decision?”


    Surrounded by murmurs of doubt and amidst the apuse, Natalie could hear the skepticism directed


    at Gracia.


    And in her mind, her acting skills were unassable. She was worth it, and there was no question about


    it.