**Chapter 34: Too Recognizable**

She didn't have much screen time in *Happy Death Day*, only about five or six solo shots. Since it was the same scene repeating due to the time loop, it would likely be shot in one morning if things went smoothly. This wouldn't interfere with her audition schedule or the shooting of her new movie.

The problem, however, was that when she hinted to Wayne earlier about wanting to move into Wayne Manor, he made it clear that the first requirement was loyalty.

Wayne himself was quite the playboy, dating several girlfriends at once, yet he demanded loyalty from his partners. It was such a double standard.

But to get something, you had to give something.

She had received material satisfaction from Wayne, along with career help, and even physical and emotional fulfillment. Naturally, this came with a price.

She could choose not to accept it, but if she did, Wayne would only see her as someone to pass the time with.

Forget about the small villa he had just helped her rent for $8,000 a month—it would probably be gone before she even moved in.

Even Wayne himself likely wouldn't come back to her anymore.

She could sense that Wayne had an unusually strong possessiveness in this regard.

So, what should she do?

On the other end of the phone, Katie had no idea what she was thinking, and even if she did, she wouldn't care.

"Do you have a dress? If not, go buy one as soon as possible. I'll pick you up at five this afternoon."

"I—"

Annie instinctively wanted to refuse, but the slight disdain and indifference in Katie's casual tone left her unable to say no.

She had already secured an audition. Who wouldn't want to take the next step, pass the audition, and land the role?

If she missed this chance, when would she get another one like it?

Sure, Wayne was the boss of a production company, but it was just a small studio.

She had no idea *The Bourne Identity* was in the works, assuming all of Wayne's focus and resources were tied up in *Happy Death Day*.

Following the usual process, once *Happy Death Day* wrapped up, post-production would begin. Then there'd be promotions and the release—months would pass by then.

If they waited for the returns to start another project, it could take another half a year or even longer.

Even if *Happy Death Day* were sold directly to a big company like Warner, like that movie *Accepted* she had heard about, it would still take two to three months before a new project began.

And most importantly, there was still Jessica in Wayne's life.

While she believed her looks, figure, charisma, and acting skills were no less than Jessica's, the fact remained that Wayne valued Jessica more. If they both auditioned for the lead, Wayne would definitely choose Jessica first.

Waiting six months or even a year for the supporting role in a low-budget indie film with a budget of just ten to twenty million would've been fine with her in the past. She would've been secretly pleased.

But now, a shortcut was right in front of her—a lead role in a big-budget film, directed by a renowned romance director with a $37 million budget. If she missed this opportunity, it might not come again for years, or even decades.

Plus, refusing this party invite would upset her agent, Katie.

If she were a big star, it wouldn't matter.

But right now, she was just a small-time actress. Offending Katie would mean she'd never get access to good opportunities through CAA again.

For packaged deals like this, her profile wouldn't even reach Marshall's hands.

So, logically, agreeing to go was the best choice.

Maybe it was because she wasn't like Jessica, who struggled academically and transferred to a performing arts school at 12. Smart Annie quickly weighed the pros and cons and decided to accept the invitation.

"Got it, Katie. I'll get a dress."

After hanging up, Annie sat on the bed for a few minutes, then suddenly took a deep breath, as if making a decision. She got up, quickly freshened up, and left the hotel.

Even though she was hungry, she decided against eating a big meal to maintain a better figure for the party that night. She spent all the money in her bank account to buy the nicest dress and high heels she could afford.

As for asking Wayne for the money, she had thought about it.

But she was worried Wayne would find out she was attending the party with her agent.

Everyone knew what happens at those kinds of parties.

If no one important noticed her, it wouldn't matter. But if someone did, she wouldn't be coming back that night.

Knowing Wayne, he would definitely be upset if he found out she went to such a party, so she had to keep it from him.

After all, she hadn't secured the lead role yet or signed any contracts.

Even if she passed the audition, as a newcomer, her pay wouldn't be enough to cover her expenses for the next few months. So, she needed to stay on Wayne's good side.

However, no secret stays hidden forever.

The potential for huge gains had made her forget the possibility that someone at the party might recognize her and tell Wayne.

Maybe she thought of herself as a nobody, too invisible to be noticed at such a high-end event.

Charlize Theron, also a CAA client, was far higher ranked than someone like Annie.

To be blunt, even at her peak, Annie's fame in North America was only about on par with Charlize Theron.

However, across the ocean, in a different market with different tastes, Annie had unexpectedly become a big hit.

Later, when Annie was hated and boycotted by North American audiences, Charlize Theron remained at the top as a Hollywood A-lister.

Charlize Theron didn't take part in *The Princess Diaries*.

But as a valued client of CAA, and a well-established Hollywood actress, she wouldn't miss out on a party that could help her network.

Even if she wasn't interested, CAA, always eager to manipulate its clients, would remind her to attend.

Just like this time, after a day of shooting, Charlize Theron really wanted to go home and sleep. But her agent dragged her to the party.

Garry Marshall and Whitney Houston—one a legendary romance director who made *Pretty Woman*, and the other a superstar singer with over 200 million albums sold, who had transitioned to a producer—were both highly respected in the industry.

Her agent wouldn't let her miss this networking opportunity.

Of course, since she wasn't seeking anything specific, she didn't have to make any compromises, unlike Annie, who was there for a deal.

But thanks to Wayne, Charlize had heard of Annie.

She had met Wayne's other girlfriends, Jessica and Mia. Out of curiosity and competitive spirit, she asked her agent to find out more about this unknown actress.

Her agent, either out of laziness or thoroughness, printed Annie's profile straight from CAA's database and handed it to her.

So that night at the party, while Annie didn't notice Charlize Theron chatting with Tobey Maguire and Matt Damon, Charlize instantly recognized Annie being led over to Marshall and Whitney.

Annie's signature thick eyebrows and full lips were just too recognizable.

(End of Chapter)