Chapter 30

The director clearly had a soft spot for Vivian. Against all odds, he'd arranged this second audition for both actresses.

Vivian's jaw tightened as silence stretched between them.

The realization hit her like a freight train.

Serena and Adrian's appearance wasn't accidental.

Adrian had pulled strings to secure Serena's spot.

Only a naive fool would believe they stood a chance against Serena - the writing was on the wall.

Yet Vivian hadn't backed down.

A fire ignited in her chest.

She would fight for this role, even if she had to stand alone against the world.

In the conference room, Adrian and Serena's joint entrance sent shockwaves through the assembled crowd.

Everyone knew Adrian would move heaven and earth for Serena's career, but personally escorting her to an audition? That crossed into uncharted territory.

The whispers were true - Serena had always held Adrian's heart.

Not wanting to appear disrespectful, the director rushed forward, script in hand. "Mr. Blackwood, Serena, welcome. You'll be performing the same scene Vivian did with Julian earlier. This way we can compare your interpretations side by side."

Adrian froze mid-step.

The pieces clicked into place.

Vivian wasn't here chasing him. She came for the role herself.

Now he understood that look she'd given him earlier - the one usually reserved for utter fools.

His gaze swept the room until it landed on Vivian tucked in the farthest corner.

Julian sat beside her, their heads bent close in animated discussion, soft laughter floating between them, completely oblivious to Adrian's arrival.

Seeing Vivian so relaxed with another man felt like a slap to the face after her cold dismissal earlier.

Julian was just another pretty face with mediocre talent.

What could they possibly find so amusing?

How had Vivian, after years away from the industry, become so familiar with its players?

Adrian's eye twitched as he noticed Julian drinking from a soda can identical to Vivian's.

So that drink had been meant for him after all.

Serena saw the storm gathering on Adrian's face and feared a public confrontation might expose their arrangement.

She quickly interjected, voice dripping with faux surprise. "I had no idea Vivian was being considered for this role."