All those expensive acting and voice lessons had been worth every penny. Directors who once dismissed me completely were now openly praising my vast improvement during press events. The response to the new series was even stronger than it had been in my past life. My status rose overnight, and commercial offers began pouring in without end. Ms. Carter even told me privately that I was already being considered for the Best Actress award at the end of the year. My bank balance was growing steadily, too. That was when I brought up the idea to Zachary Kane. I wanted to leave the entertainment division under the Kane Group and set up my own independent studio. He was sitting on the sofa, reading a financial newspaper at the time. He lifted his eyes and asked, "Do you think

