Chapter 23

Vivian's gaze lifted to meet Serena's.

By some cosmic coincidence, Serena was already staring back at her.

Their eyes locked, and a knowing smirk played on Serena's perfectly painted lips.

At that exact moment, a production assistant clutching a clipboard called from the doorway, "Number 7, Vivian Hartley, you're next."

Vivian neatly folded her script and stood with effortless grace.

Approaching the door, she paused deliberately and spoke with measured sarcasm. "How fascinating to find myself in what appears to be a psychic convention, where everyone claims to predict acting talent and star potential from mere appearances. While beauty may be superficial, I'll gladly accept the compliments nonetheless."

Normally, Vivian paid little attention to her appearance, but today's relentless comparisons with Serena had worn thin her patience.

With calculated venom, she added, "Truthfully, I find your jealousy far more flattering than any admirer's praise could ever be."

With a flawless exit, Vivian swept out alongside Lydia, leaving the room's occupants stunned into silence as they watched her departure.

Inside the audition room, as Vivian entered with Lydia, both the director and screenwriter were immediately captivated by her presence.

Even among Hollywood's brightest stars, Vivian possessed that rare, luminous quality that commanded attention.

Her beauty wasn't merely striking - it was paired with an innate elegance that made her seem almost otherworldly.

She was the living, breathing incarnation of the screenplay's heroine.

The screenwriter chuckled in delight, "It's as if our protagonist stepped right out of the script - what a shame the author isn't here to witness this."

Lydia, recognizing the excitement in his voice, gave Vivian's arm an encouraging squeeze, signaling her to begin.

After a concise introduction, Vivian prepared to immerse herself in the role.

Suddenly, Julian Montoya, the confirmed male lead, made an unannounced entrance. "I'll be reading with her today," he declared with confident charm.

Though momentarily startled, Vivian's sharp instincts took over, allowing her to adapt seamlessly.

She realized this was likely a deliberate test by the production team to evaluate the actors' ability to handle unexpected challenges.

With this understanding, Vivian composed herself instantly.

The highly anticipated audition began with electric energy.

Within moments, Vivian transformed completely, matching Julian's intensity beat for beat.

Their chemistry was undeniable, their interactions flowing with natural ease.

Impressed by her quick thinking, Julian threw her a challenging glance and improvised a line, introducing conflict into what was meant to be a peaceful scene conclusion.

Vivian hesitated for only a heartbeat before masterfully steering the scene back on course, turning a potential misstep into a brilliant character moment.

"Magnificent! That's a wrap!" The director leapt from his chair behind the camera, applauding enthusiastically. "Despite Julian's attempts to complicate matters, Vivian's sharp instincts and quick thinking were extraordinary. That was better than the original script. Perhaps we should rewrite to incorporate this inspired improvisation?"