Still at the Break fast table, Bri took a sip of her latte as she opened the Survivors group chat and typed:
William will pick us up at 6 p.m., near the set. What time does your class end, Jake?
It took five seconds for Jake to respond.
Jake:Around 4.30 p.m. Is there a dress code? Asking before Anna wears something ridiculous🙄
Anna: Please, you wear the same black shirt every day. It deserves retirement. 👕🔥
Jake: It's called minimalism. Look it up.
Bri: Whatever you like, really.
Anna: Translation: wear something formal, Jake.
Jake: Fine. See you all at the set after my class.
Bri smiled, shaking her head.
She finished her breakfast, thanked Martha, and left the house through the private elevator, to the quiet paved lane that curved from the penthouse entrance to the main gate, then she ordered an Uber.
During her ride, she pulled out her Verdict Street script. Her part today wasn't big, just a few courtroom background shots, but she liked to be prepared. She read each cue quietly, mouthing the words.
At the set, Bri found Anna right away.
"Running late again?" Anna teased as she handed Bri her wardrobe for her scene. She changed into it immediately, and within minutes, Anna had transformed her from Brianna Carter into Clara James, the court clerk.
A few minutes later, Bri stood at the corner of the courtroom, watching the leads, Ethan Cole as David Hale and Vanessa Cruz as Jessica Wexler, rehearse their lines. The energy between them was electric and Ethan's tone carried that confident charm he was famous for, while Vanessa's delivery had precision that commanded respect.
Bri admired them both quietly, hoping someday she would carry herself that effortlessly.
As their scene ended, Bri remained standing on the same spot, lost in thought, when someone suddenly tapped her shoulder.
Turning, she froze. Vanessa Cruz herself was standing in front of her, her presence intimidating.
"I just wanted to say," Vanessa said, smiling warmly, "I loved how you delivered your lines yesterday. You have such control for someone new in the industry. You'll go far, Brianna, as long as you stay focused."
"Thank you," Bri managed to say.
Vanessa gave a knowing look. "You're now with Stars Entertainment, right? Nancy is your new manager?"
Bri nodded quickly.
"Good. She is one of the best," Vanessa said. "Do what she says. And if you ever need advice, find me."
Before Bri could speak again, Vanessa smiled, waved gracefully, and walked away, leaving Bri staring after her, starstruck.
The rest of the shoot went smoothly. Her own scene went well, she was calm and confident, just the way the director liked.
Later that evening, when filming wrapped, the three of them walked toward the cafe where William was supposed to pick them up. They were mid laugh over Jake's "acting tips" when Bri stopped.
Parked at the curb was a sleek black Maybach, and as the other two stopped too, Anna raised a brow. "Please tell me that's not.."
"It is, now let's go quick!" Bri whispered.
She motioned for them to hurry, before they could draw attention. William had already spotted them and stepped out, tall and striking in his suit.
"Hey," Bri awkwardly greeted, trying to sound casual.
"Hey," he replied with a polite nod, opening the back door for Anna and Jake to climb in first, but the three friends all climbed into the backseat, talking quietly.