Chapter 5: Rivalry and a Father's Fury

Of course. After the wrap party, I rushed to the next set, only to find the second female lead was my archrival, Felicia Dean.

Bring it on. She looked at me like I was her nemesis. “Wow, the lead actress herself! Making the whole crew wait for you.”

But why bother explaining? After auditions, the director had a hard time choosing between us, but finally picked me for the lead. No wonder Felicia hated me. But hey, not my fault she wasn’t good enough!

Sorry, not sorry. Before filming even started, she tried to one-up me with announcements. The first scene was a showdown between us.

Right. While running lines, Felicia sneered, “If you had any shame, you’d quit.”

“Enough.” I shot her a cool glance. “If anyone’s quitting, it should be you.”

Touchy. Her face turned ugly. “Don’t think you’re all that just because someone bought you the lead role. Once the show airs, the trolls will eat you alive.”

“Maybe, but at least people are talking about me. As for you—most viewers probably don’t even know your face yet.”

She was shaking with anger. “Savannah Monroe, you’re shameless! Flirting with an old man and stringing along Julian at the same time…”

Sycophant. Our argument drew a crowd. A supporting actress, close to Felicia, jumped in. “Felicia, don’t waste your breath on her. We all know what kind of person she is.”

Enough. That rubbed me the wrong way. I work hard and keep my nose clean—what did I do wrong?

I grabbed her arm, demanding, “Say it to my face. What kind of person am I?”

She was eager to please Felicia. “You know exactly what you’ve done. Don’t make me spell it out.”

Uh-oh. Then a stern voice sounded behind me:

Dad to the rescue. “My daughter’s character is not for you to judge!”

The director rushed over, bowing and scraping. “Mr. Monroe, sorry to make you see this!”

He meant it. My dad gave everyone a cold look, then said to the director, “Had to come—if I didn’t, my daughter would be eaten alive.”

Busted. The director’s face turned all shades of pale. “Didn’t realize Savannah was your daughter. Mr. Monroe, looks like we’re all family here.”

Everyone was shocked. Some even recognized my dad from the paparazzi videos.

No one messes with him. When my dad isn’t smiling, he’s intimidating. After years in business, he exudes authority. He called Felicia and her sidekick over.

Receipts. “You two smeared my daughter’s reputation. I won’t go easy on you just because you’re young. You may be my daughter’s age, but the way you talk is out of line. Since your parents haven’t taught you manners, I’ll do it for them.”

His assistant had already recorded their insults as evidence for a lawsuit.

Word travels fast. My dad’s fierce defense quickly spread through the industry. Felicia, not wanting a lawsuit, begged my agent to intercede. I decided to let it go if she apologized publicly on Instagram. She dragged her feet for two days, but finally did it.

Finally. With the truth out, the rumors collapsed, and I gained a bunch of new fans.