The Mafia King and His Angel: Thorns and Roses

Episode11 Caitlin's performance

Caitlyn stood confidently in the center of the interview room, her voice clear and strong.

“Life is like a play, and everyone is the director of their own fate.”

“My name is Caitlyn Hildur, from the Hildur Group. I’m currently the brand ambassador and a junior actress for our company’s film division. Although my acting experience is limited, I’ve always been passionate and dedicated to acting. I believe that each role is a new challenge and an opportunity for personal growth.”

Caitlyn paused, glancing around at the judges before continuing.

“I’ve had a deep interest in the performing arts since I was young. Although I haven’t received formal training, I’ve improved my acting skills through self-study and participating in various amateur theater performances. To me, acting is not just a profession, but a way to express my inner world and touch the audience’s hearts.”

“I firmly believe that only by fully immersing oneself in a role can the audience truly feel the character’s emotions. I hope that through this audition, I can gain more opportunities to showcase my talent and continue to improve under professional guidance.”

“Lastly, I’d like to thank the judges for this opportunity. I’ll do my best.”

After finishing, Caitlyn gave a slight bow and waited for the judges’ reactions.

“Well said, that’s the mindset an actor should have!” John started clapping.

However, Jack picked up on something. He said, “Caitlyn, your introduction was smooth, but it was so smooth that it felt unnatural, like you were reciting an essay to us without any real emotion.”

This introduction was indeed a template that Caitlyn had prepared and memorized beforehand.

“Jack, what nonsense are you talking about! This is just an introduction, not acting. Why would you need emotion? What, do you expect her to wink at you or shake her hips to show emotion?” John interjected with dissatisfaction.

“I’m just stating the facts, nothing more.”

“You’re just a wooden scriptwriter who spends all day locked in a room writing—what do you know about emotion?” John retorted mockingly.

Ignoring John, Jack turned to Caitlyn and said, “You mentioned that acting is a way to express your inner world and touch the audience’s heart. So, let’s see a spontaneous performance. Show us your ability.”

“Alright,” Caitlyn nodded.

“Then, please perform as a betrayed wife, showing the transition from shock to anger to despair.”

But John quickly interjected, “No, let’s change the scenario.”

The reason John wanted to change the scenario was that he had already informed Caitlyn in advance about what to perform and had her prepare accordingly.

“Why? I think having two candidates perform the same scenario allows for better comparison,” Jack questioned.

“What comparison? Having everyone do the same thing is so boring. We absolutely have to change it!” John argued heatedly.

“Then let’s put it to a vote,” Jack suggested, not wanting to argue with John, and looked to the other judges.

Hypocritical Lisa was the first to speak, “I think John has a point. We should see more variety from the actors.”

“And you, Peter?”

Peter gave a fake smile, “I also think John has a point. Jack, do you have some grudge against John that you’re taking out on him now?”

“That’s exactly it,” John sneered. “Jack, you’re so petty.”

“I’m just being objective. Please don’t make this personal,” Jack responded firmly.

“Pshaw, I’m not making it personal, just speaking the truth,” John said sarcastically.

As the two seemed ready to start arguing again, Susan quickly intervened, “Actually, either way works. We’re just trying to choose the best actor for the role.”

“So, you support John’s idea?” Peter asked provocatively.

“Um… I don’t have a preference. Either way is fine.”

“Since everyone agrees, we’ll do it my way,” John said loudly, directing it at Jack.

Although Jack was somewhat displeased, with more people supporting a change in the scenario, he didn’t say anything further.

John continued, “Caitlyn, please perform as a courageous and strong person. Choose a scenario yourself to bring out the character’s traits.”

This was the scenario that John had already secretly informed Caitlyn to prepare.

Caitlyn nodded and began performing a monologue.

“Why? Why did it turn out this way? I thought we’d be together forever, laughing, crying, facing all difficulties together. But now, you’ve left me forever…”

Her voice gradually lowered, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Jack frowned. It was clear that her emotional expression was somewhat stiff and unnatural, but unlike John, he didn’t interrupt and patiently watched the entire performance.

After finishing, Caitlyn stood up straight, waiting for the judges’ evaluation.

John clapped from the judges’ table, “That was excellent, Caitlyn! Your performance truly conveyed courage and determination. This is exactly what we’re looking for.”

But Jack interrupted, “Sorry, I don’t agree. I think Caitlyn’s emotional expression was somewhat superficial and lacked depth. I don’t know if you’ve played similar roles before, but your performance, like your introduction, felt like you were replicating something.”

John immediately interjected, “Caitlyn, don’t pay attention to those ignorant remarks! Not only did you do well—flawlessly—but you also showed us great potential.”

“John, this isn’t about potential. Her performance lacked authenticity and emotional impact. With this level of performance, she can’t handle the role.”

“s**t! Jack, don’t forget, I’m the producer of this film. I have the final say on whether she’s suitable or not!”

Jack remained undaunted, “But don’t forget, if the film fails because of poor performance, as the producer, you’ll also be held accountable.”

“I don’t need your reminder!” John shouted angrily. “Even if Caitlyn isn’t perfect, under my guidance, she won’t be worse than anyone else!”

Peter, who enjoyed stirring up trouble, was secretly pleased—this was exactly what he wanted to see.

“I think you both, as the screenwriter and the producer, want what’s best for the film. But I think casting should be decided by the more qualified person.”

“More qualified” didn’t refer to anyone specifically; Peter was simply trying to stoke the conflict between them.

At this point, hypocritical Lisa chimed in, “We shouldn’t have any bias against people with certain backgrounds. Caitlyn may not have formal training, but her acting skills are undeniable.”

This was clearly a dig at Jack.

But Jack, being straightforward, argued his point without backing down.

The judges continued to argue back and forth, creating a chaotic scene.

Emelia was still in the room, stunned by the situation.

It was her first time auditioning for a role, and she was shocked by how strict the process was.

Everyone seemed so talented, yet they were being criticized so harshly. If it were her, would she be criticized even more harshly? No, she would definitely be torn apart.

Seeing this, compassionate Susan decided to stop the chaos. She stood up and clapped her hands, “Judges, it looks like we’ll be debating this for a while. Why don’t we let Caitlyn take a break and watch the last audition before making a decision?”

The judges finally settled down.

“Susan, you’re right. We should indeed watch all the auditions first,” Jack agreed.

“I think there’s no need to waste any more time. Caitlyn is a perfect fit for this role,” John said impatiently.

Jack retorted, “John, while we may have different opinions, we must respect every candidate. Even if they perform poorly, they shouldn’t be denied the chance to audition.”

“You hypocrite! You’re just bitter because you’re not the producer and don’t have the final say, so you’re taking it out on me!” John fired back.

“John, you can say whatever you want about me. I’m just doing my job.”

Hypocritical Lucy, who had been secretly supporting John, leaned in close and whispered in his ear, “John, this Emelia is recommended by the investor Lorenzo. I think for their sake, we should complete the process.”

John raised an eyebrow, “Is that so? Although everyone’s vying for this role, Caitlyn from the Hildur Group is definitely going to win. But you’re right—we should show respect to the investor.”

John suddenly changed his tone, “Alright then, to show my fairness, let’s invite the third candidate for the audition.”

“Emelia Ross!”