Chapter 33
Adrian appeared to be shielding Serena from the disgraceful label of being the mistress.
Indeed, he was going above and beyond to protect his beloved.
Yet this situation played perfectly into Vivian's plans.
A little more gossip about her status as the abandoned wealthy wife would only benefit her.
After all, true relationships weren't measured by superficial labels.
Furthermore, if he insisted on pretending they were strangers in public, he had no right to criticize her.
Determined to keep Julian out of this, Vivian snapped back, "Mr. Blackwood, if my choices bother you so much, why involve yourself in this audition where Ms. Whitmore and I are competing?"
Adrian's irritation flared when Vivian defended Julian, the temperature around them dropping noticeably.
"Compete?" He scoffed, dismissing her words as ridiculous. "Ms. Hartley, you're mistaken. You haven't even qualified to compete against Serena."
Vivian had steeled herself to move on, prepared for Adrian's cruelty, yet his words still made her heart falter. Her fingers curled tightly into her palms as nervous tension gripped her.
She realized with painful clarity that in his eyes, she didn't stand a chance against Serena.
The moment Serena entered the picture, Vivian's opportunities vanished.
After lengthy discussions, the director and screenwriter finally emerged from their private deliberations.
"Director, have you reached a decision?" Serena asked smoothly, intercepting him with a polished smile.
Her voice was light, but her sharp eyes darted toward Vivian, searching for any sign of disappointment.
Serena's confidence came from her popularity, Adrian's backing, the early audition script she'd received, even the second audition—everything pointed to her victory.
To her, their deliberation was merely a formality.
She almost looked forward to seeing Vivian's crushed expression.
Unexpectedly, the director hesitated, exchanging a glance with Adrian before speaking. "I'm sorry, Mr. Blackwood. While Serena's audition was impressive and she certainly fits the role visually, the screenwriter and original author both agree—Vivian embodies the lead character more authentically. Would Serena consider accepting the secondary role? What are your thoughts?"
"What?"
The director's words struck Serena like a slap, catching her completely off guard.
For a brief moment, her composure shattered, her face twisting in dismay before she forced a strained smile. "It seems my skills still need improvement. Congratulations, Ms. Hartley."
Before Adrian could offer comfort, Serena gently grasped his sleeve, her voice soft yet firm. "Adrian, it's fine. Not getting this role just means I need to work harder. I promise I will."