Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

Chapter 18

Lila had spent the entire day with Taylor and Samuel, diligently jotting down notes in the script. Each page was filled with details about the auditioning actors-their traits, acting abilities, and how well they suited the roles.

Samuel noticed her concentration and took a peek at her notes when she stepped out. He was a bit surprised.

Although he treated her as his junior, he didn't genuinely hold high hopes for her. She was young, with no significant works to her name. If it weren't for Taylor's recommendation, he would never have let Lila join the production.

However, after a day of auditions, her insightful comments and meticulous records had slightly changed his perception.

Taylor patted his round belly. "What do you think of Lila?"

"She has more talent than I did at her age," Samuel replied honestly.

Taylor's smile widened, adding more creases to his face. "Lila has potential, but she can be a bit stubborn."

If she hadn't been so focused on Dorian in the past, she might have achieved something by now.

Camille tapped Taylor's shoulder, and he felt a bit dazed from the sudden force. "What's going on, darling?"

Without any small talk, she got straight to the point. "Did Zara come to audition today? Cut her from the list."

Samuel looked shocked. "Why?"

Taylor stroked his chin.

"I paid particular attention to her performance. She was decent, but she was nothing remarkable. Maybe we should reconsider before dismissing her outright.

"We should be fair about this. What do you say, darling?"

Camille snorted. "I have nothing against her personally, but there were a few others who auditioned for the same role today. The girl with the last name Payne was clearly better.

"Since we have someone more qualified, there's no need to keep Zara. I'm only saying this so neither of you lets Dorian's connections influence the decision."

instilled Camille with a graceful elegance.

felt a surge

and realized she should stop urging Lila

through

thought Zara's popularity could help draw attention, plus it would

had recommended Dorian. Doing him a favor would surely make Taylor happy. However, Taylor's genial smile

acknowledged his mistake.

he can come speak to me directly," Camille said coolly, with an

last remark. She moved to her side and gently patted her back. "What's

years in the entertainment industry, Samuel read the situation easily.

since filming hadn't officially started, he had been

evening, Kieran picked Lila up right after work and took her home. After three days, Dorian hadn't managed to catch her even

calls went unanswered. When he visited her apartment, the

booked a hotel to avoid him. Meanwhile, the audition

anxious each time. On her third attempt, she showed up at his door. When Dorian opened it, he was startled by

were red, with streaks of dried tears still on her face. She had clearly been

choked out, voice

fists. Zara had performed well during the audition. There

on purpose, influencing Samuel and Taylor to reject

at the tear-streaked girl in front of him, Dorian's heart ached almost to the point

work seriously and wouldn't let

like she had when she had used Alex to force him

over to the set to find Lila. He intercepted Lila as she was just about to grab lunch, excited by the

indulge in the grilled chicken. Kieran preferred bland food, so she had gone days without flavorful dishes and was craving them. When a shadow loomed

Dorian's voice cut through the air,

brow furrowed as she looked at him. She was clearly annoyed,

silent will make this

Mrs. Foster, I held back about Ms. Parker's departure. You know I always keep my word-I kept our