Twisted Ties of Love
Chapter 380

Nathaniel stared at the script his assistant handed him with a serious face.

Getting peeped on while showering in the military camp? Stripping off clothes to cuddle for warmth after getting injured? Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, tearing off clothes while treating wounds, twisting the truth? What the hell kind of script was this?

Nathaniel knew that, as an actor, sacrifices needed to be made for the performance. Nathaniel's control-freak tendencies weren't as bad as Brett's, but when Bell was passionate about acting, he even financed a campus drama for Bell to play the leading lady. But acting was one thing; he couldn't accept Bell kissing and sleeping with other men in the play, even if it was for work.

So, the script of the campus drama was continuously revised during filming; the most intimate scene was just handholding, not even a fake kiss. But this was in line with the innocent and naive feelings of the campus period.

Bell was very obedient when she was with him. He asked her not to take on ambiguous intimate scenes, and she obediently agreed, thinking that he cared about her. But in reality, he just didn't want his possessions to be sullied.

In his mind, Bell was like an object that he could discard at will. But while she still belonged to him, she had to be obedient and pure, not letting others touch her.

Nathaniel originally thought a year was long enough to forget this person's existence. But now, every time he thought about Bell kissing and sleeping with other men, he felt uncomfortable all over. Why was this?

He was the one who sent her to Brett's bed in the first place; why couldn't he stand it now? This was simply unbelievable.

Nathaniel suppressed the emotions in his heart and threw the script information in his hand to his assistant, saying, "Shred it in the shredder."

The assistant responded, "Yes, Mr. Krueger."

After the assistant left the office, Nathaniel picked up the cold coffee on the desk and took a sip. The bitterness spread in his mouth. The coffee he usually drank had become so bitter that it was like drinking a bowl of bitter Chinese medicine. The strong bitterness lingered in his throat for a long time, making him feel a little sick.

He stared at the tall buildings outside the window, and in the quiet moment, he had to admit that he was starting to miss Bell. He couldn't forget the person he couldn't forget for over 300 days; he didn't understand why he sent her away in the first place, and he was starting to regret it. Since he couldn't forget about her, it was time to bring her back.

If Bell didn't take the initiative to replace him, then he would personally bring her back. After all, the little girl was alone and bullied in the entertainment industry. Since he still wanted her, she should be grateful. With this thought, his mood finally improved a bit.

He looked at the coffee on the table and asked his secretary to change it for a latte with milk and sugar.

Bell didn't like coffee because it was bitter, but coffee could refresh her, so the coffee she drank was always sweet. He tasted it once, and it was disgustingly sweet. After that, she never made such coffee again. But this time, he actually missed that sickeningly sweet coffee.

In Valley Studio City, the crew of "Blood Ties" was getting ready to film the scene where the female lead Megan was drugged and saved by the young emperor, revealing that she was actually a woman. This scene was important; the emotional grasp and the tone of the lines were a test of the actor's skills, and Megan's lines were even more so.

Even though Izabella had memorized the script very well, she was still unsure if she could perform this scene perfectly. Because she was naturally cold, Mr. York chose her to play Megan because she had a few similarities with Megan.

These past few days of outdoor shooting saw her scenes pass smoothly in one take, but now she had to portray a drugged, seductive look. Izabella thought about the image and couldn't help but frown. Garen, who played the lead male emperor, saw Izabella squatting on the ground, constantly looking at the script. He walked over and asked, "How are your preparations?"

Izabella shook her head to indicate that she didn't know either.

"How about I rehearse the scene with you a couple of times? Help you replace the feeling?"

Izabella was cold; even if the actors in the crew didn't interact on a regular basis, they would still put on a show on the surface. Garen originally wanted to get along with Izabella, but these past few days he had been put off by her cold personality.

"No need; I'll get into character quickly."

Garen: "That's also true; Mr. York's bad temper doesn't like anyone; even Kristin has been scolded by him twice; the only one in the entire crew who has been praised by him is you; it's really enviable."

Facing Izabella, Garen felt like he was facing the top student in class, who got better grades than him even though they slept all day. He wasn't as envious and jealous of Izabella as he said; after all, he was a man and couldn't hold a grudge against a woman.

To director Brad, his work was like his own daughter, and in the entire storyline of "Blood Ties", his favorite was the Megan chapter, living a proud life and preferring death to submission. This character was originally just a fantasy in his mind until Izabella read the original work and Megan "came alive".

He didn't originally like to change the script, but Izabella's acting skills really made him itch; he wished he could make Megan the female lead. And he had a premonition that after this drama aired, Izabella would become a hit.

Other actors might only reach a certain height, but for Izabella, only the sky was suitable.

But changing the script easily was impossible because it not only involved the original work but also other actors and fans. If the script was actually changed, the one most affected would be Kristin. Kristin was a top-tier actress; she had won the annual best actress award, and her contract gave her high status. If the female lead's scenes were overshadowed by the female second, that would be a breach of contract. If it were exposed, it would definitely cause a lot of controversy on the internet, and it would be unethical from any angle. He couldn't put the entire crew in trouble because of his personal desires. And besides, this wouldn't be good for Izabella either.

The more he thought about it, the more it irked Brad. Initially, he was quite satisfied with Kristin. But ever since he saw some real acting chops, he felt something was off with Kristin's performance. Her face, while pretty, often seemed stiff on camera, her expressions unnatural.

Plus, there was a scene yesterday where she was supposed to show off her feet, and Kristin flat out refused. It wasn't like she was being asked to go nude-just show a bit of leg—but she insisted on using a body double. Because of this, Brad threw a major fit, berating her with the script in his hand. He even lost a night's sleep over it, waking up with a haggard face and bloodshot eyes. Lack of sleep put him in a foul mood all day, making him feel like he had swallowed dynamite.

The actors scheduled to shoot scenes today were on pins and needles all morning, and some of the more sensitive ones ended up in tears after being scolded.

"Next up, Izabella and Garen, get ready."

Upon hearing Izabella's name, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Brad was notorious for his quick temper, readily berating the crew. But whenever Izabella had a scene, his face would immediately soften.

As the crew and cameras prepared, Izabella stood in her spot, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths to adjust her mood.

Just as she was about to get into character, the producer walked in and whispered something in Brad's ear.

Brad hated being disturbed while working, but surprisingly, he was patient this time. His face showed surprise. "They're all here?"

The producer nodded, his face grim. "Yes, the two investors came together unannounced."

"I heard they invest but rarely have time to hang around the set. Whatever." Brad stood up and made a pause gesture, saying, "Hold the shoot for a bit. The investors are coming, so everybody pull yourselves together."

With no time to explain, Brad, the assistant director, and the producer quickly left.

Brad's announcement stirred up the set.

"The investors are coming? Those two?"

"If even Mr. York welcomes them personally, who else could it be but Nathaniel and Brett?"

"We only see those two on TV, usually. I can't believe we'll meet them in person." "Aren't those two on bad terms? Why would they invest in the same production?"

"I heard they both fancy a female artist in our crew and came together to compete."

"No need to guess; it's definitely the lead actress, Kristin. The star of the show is always the one favored by the financiers. Would they let someone they fancy play a supporting role?"

Gossips never rested. Izabella wanted to quit and leave, but she knew she couldn't run forever. Plus, she had her own thoughts. Brett wouldn't let her fall into Nathaniel's hands, and vice versa. Let them fight it out.

Garen was at her side, taking deep breaths, his actions catching Izabella's attention.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm trying to calm my nerves. These investors can invest or withdraw anytime they want. I'm worried if we don't perform well, they might pull their funding." Garen looked at Izabella's calm face and asked curiously, "Aren't you nervous?"

"Not really. Just take it easy; there's no use in getting nervous."

"You have a rare mindset." Garen sighed. "I feel like when I was cheating on my final exams at school, I was just about to replace the answer, and the invigilator suddenly appeared behind me. If they insist on watching us perform, what if I screw up and they withdraw their investment?"

Izabella didn't want to perform in front of these two either, especially in a scene that was somewhat intimate.

"Can we change the order?"

Garen thought seriously about it. At 25, Garen had no problem playing a young emperor. Dressed in armor with long hair and a crown, he looked gentle and refined. A few scars and traces of blood added to his makeup gave his face a more determined look.

His pupils were brown, appearing lighter in the sunlight. "That's possible. Didn't they say those two investors came for Kristin? Maybe they just want to watch her perform; then we can breathe easy." Izabella's breath hitched, not because she was relieved but because she knew better than anyone that they were here for her.

"Why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?" Garen looked at Izabella's face closely, concerned.

Izabella forced a smile. "If I'm not feeling well, can I leave earlier?"

"Didn't the director just say we should stay here? Are you getting nervous now?" Garen tried to distract himself from his own nerves by comforting Izabella, patting her shoulder in character and saying, "Izabella, just relax. Your acting skills are top-notch. Maybe those two investors will fight to invest in you after seeing your performance."

Garen looked around and whispered in Izabella's ear, "For me, you're better than Kristin in both acting and looks. Seize the opportunity."

Izabella couldn't stand people being so close to her and was about to step back when she saw Brett and Nathaniel being greeted by the director at the entrance.

Those two chose the same day to visit the set, whether intentionally or not.