The reactions to the opening ceremony remained divided.
Some viewers were curious to see what Alex could do. Others still questioned how a model who had only recently arrived in Florelia had gained access to Royalstar, Owen and one of the most anticipated films of the year. Every answer given at the press conference seemed to produce a new suspicion.
Royalstar remained silent.
Alex did the same. Her days began before sunrise and ended long after the studio lights came on. She studied her lines during makeup, practised blocking between takes and watched the playback whenever Owen allowed it. Her greatest fear was no longer the comments online. It was giving anyone on the crew a reason to say she had wasted their time.
Every employee had signed a strict confidentiality agreement, but contracts could not prevent resentment. One irritated technician or disappointed actor could still whisper to a reporter. Alex refused to become the difficult newcomer people expected.
