Chapter 31

Adrian's eyes darkened with barely contained fury as his icy gaze locked onto Miranda, who had just slipped into the audition room.

If only Miranda had warned him earlier about Vivian's participation, he could have avoided this humiliating spectacle.

Miranda felt the weight of Adrian's glare like physical pressure, though she maintained a carefully blank expression.

Just as Adrian took a threatening step forward, the director's voice cut through the tension. "Are we all set? Let's begin."

Vivian and Julian moved to their marks, responding in perfect sync. "Ready."

Vivian's gaze swept past Adrian without the slightest flicker of recognition, erasing his presence from her awareness completely.

Earned The Right To Compete

When Serena signaled her readiness with a nod, the director announced, "Alright, Vivian, you'll go first."

Vivian's eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise but she made no comment.

With a deep breath, she launched into the scene opposite Julian.

Thirty minutes later, Vivian finished her audition to a room full of impressed expressions and subtle nods.

Now it was Serena's turn.

From Serena's first line, both the screenwriter and Julian exchanged troubled glances.

She stumbled over her opening dialogue, and her performance never recovered.

Whether from nerves or lack of preparation, she failed to match Julian's rhythm from that moment onward.

Even the director couldn't hide his disappointment, his frown deepening with each passing minute.

He had orchestrated this entire scenario - giving Serena the script weeks in advance while Vivian only received hers this morning.

His plan had been simple: let Vivian go first to reveal any weaknesses, allowing Serena to adjust accordingly.

But Serena wasn't just slightly worse - she was completely outclassed.

In every measurable aspect - line delivery, emotional range, improvisation - Vivian shone like a supernova.

Even Adrian, with his limited acting knowledge, could see the vast gulf between their performances.

The director rubbed his temples, his earlier confidence evaporating as he shot nervous glances toward Adrian.

"I'm so sorry," Serena whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she looked pleadingly at Adrian. "I don't know what happened - I just couldn't focus today."

The director cleared his throat awkwardly. "Given the... circumstances, perhaps we should try another take?" His eyes darted to Adrian for approval.

Julian stepped forward again to reset the scene.