Seeing Julia here, Bailey was genuinely startled.
Julia noticed Bailey's expression, which looked like she had just swallowed a fly. She could pretty much guess who was behind the incident during her last audition.
In fact, she had her suspicions afterward. After all, as a newcomer who had never shown her face, it was impossible for her to offend anyone or make anyone feel threatened. Thinking along those lines, Bailey was the only possibility, and coincidentally, she had seen Bailey that day.
"Sister, it seems we really are fated to meet!" Bailey suddenly beamed with a bright smile.
The word "sister" made everyone exchange puzzled glances, not knowing how to react.
Bailey smiled and said, "You all might not know, but this is my sister. I hope you all can take good care of her in the future."
The word "care" was dripping with sarcasm, as Julia could clearly hear.
All the girls knew that Bailey was the future boss lady of Artis International. Naturally, they were eager to curry favor with her from day one.
A round-faced girl named Isla asked excitedly, "Sister Bailey, you have a sister? What kind of sister is she? A cousin? A half-sister? Or...?"
Bailey, calm and composed, slowly said, "My real sister."
The girls became even more excited. Bailey actually had a real sister!
However, something seemed off.
Bailey was dressed in designer clothes from head to toe, while Julia's outfit and shoes looked like they came from a thrift store.
Julia couldn't stand Bailey's condescending attitude.
"Yes, I am Bailey's older sister, but only half-sister. You all didn't know that, did you? I also have a younger brother, a full sibling, unlike Bailey."
The girls around them were left speechless, staring at the two sisters in shock.
Julia's revelation was clear as day: Bailey's mother was either a mistress or an extramarital affair!
Bailey's face turned pale and then flushed red. This was her most sensitive secret, and Julia had just blurted it out in front of everyone, especially those girls who admired and wanted to befriend her.
However, Bailey's expression only lasted for five seconds before she forced a smile back onto her face. "Oh, so our brother is still alive? I thought he was dead!"
Julia clenched her fists. "How dare you say that!"
Growing up together meant they knew each other's weak spots all too well.
"Sister," Bailey glanced at the room Julia had just exited, "you're staying in room 302? That's for minor roles, and it's on the shady side. Given your health, why not move in with me? I have a suite, and it's too big for just one person."
Julia shot Bailey a fierce glare. "I don't need your fake concern!"
"How am I being fake? If it weren't for me, would you even be in this cast?" Bailey tilted her head, feigning innocence.
"My being in the cast has nothing to do with you..."
"Sis, my mom told me to help you out more. I had to say a lot of good things to the director to get you this role, so you better make the most of it."
"Bailey."
As soon as Bailey said this, everyone understood how Julia, a complete nobody, managed to land such an important role as the third female lead in her first film.
It was all thanks to Bailey's help!
Julia knew she couldn't outmatch Bailey. Nowadays, Bailey was becoming more and more arrogant. "I can't be bothered to argue with you!"
With that, she stomped back to her room.
Bailey sighed and shook her head. "Actually, my sister is quite pitiful. My mom and dad were childhood sweethearts, but just before they were about to get married, my sister's mother swooped in and stole him away. That woman was a real seductress, but in the end, my dad realized my mom was the best and couldn't bear to leave her."
Bailey then spun a tragic love story, painting her mother, who was actually the other woman, in a beautiful light.
"You all don't know this, but my mom has always pitied my sister and my brother. But those two are so ungrateful. They go around slandering my mom, calling her a homewrecker. I've helped her so much, but you can see how she treats me."
"Sister Bailey, why do you even bother helping such ungrateful people?" Isla quickly chimed in. "Having a sister like you is such a blessing, and she doesn't even appreciate it."
"Exactly, exactly! She's just an ungrateful wretch. Sister Bailey, don't be mad!" added Vera, who had a sharp chin.
Unaiza, feeling awkward since she shared a room with Julia, also chimed in, "The first time I saw her, I knew she was no good. Turns out she's really an ungrateful wretch!"
Hearing everyone say this, Bailey felt reassured.
They all went to Bailey's suite, where she had her assistant Celeste distribute the royal face masks she had brought. As it got late, everyone dispersed.
Bailey picked up a cup from the table and smashed it on the floor. Celeste jumped in fright and stood frozen, not daring to make a sound.
"Didn't I tell you to take her somewhere secluded and only let her out after the audition was over?!" Bailey roared at Celeste.
Celeste shrugged her shoulders and hung her head, nervously twisting the hem of her shirt. "Sister Bailey, I did have her locked up, and it was in the basement conference room. That place was empty all day with no one going there. I just... forgot about it later. I don't know when she got out..."
"Idiot!" Bailey slumped onto the couch and gulped down some water from another cup. "She actually got the third female lead!"
Celeste immediately stepped forward. "Sister Bailey, it's not that big of a deal, right? The third female lead has way fewer scenes than you. Plus, your character, Georgia, is much more likable and versatile."
"What do you know?" Bailey shot Celeste a sideways glance. "Julia is a professionally trained actress with excellent grades. Landing a third female lead role right out of the gate is just the start of her rise to fame!"
"But, Sister Bailey, she doesn't even have a signed agency. How could she possibly compare to you, the future lady of Artis International? These days, it's not just about talent."
Bailey's eyes narrowed as she thought. "Well, this could work in our favor. Keeping her close means we can keep an eye on her and make her life difficult."
"Exactly, exactly. Artis International has investments in this project. Even Director Blithe has to show you respect."
"Julia, you chose to go against me. Don't blame me for being ruthless!"