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."

elegance. Yet her

clueless. She felt a surge of anger, even a

genuinely fed up with it and realized she should stop urging Lila

flipped through

Zara's popularity

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

his mistake. "Understood, Mr.

me directly," Camille said coolly,

She moved to her side and gently patted

smoothly changing the subject. With years in the entertainment industry, Samuel read the situation easily.

Zara's audition results. But since filming hadn't officially started, he had been busy with other work and

and took her home.

When he visited her apartment, the neighbor

that she had deliberately booked a hotel to avoid him. Meanwhile, the audition results had started

sounding increasingly anxious each time. On her third attempt, she showed up at his door. When Dorian opened it,

streaks of dried tears still on her face. She had

they released the role results. I-I didn't make it." She choked out, voice

had performed well during the audition. There was no way she didn't

targeting her on purpose, influencing Samuel and Taylor

of him, Dorian's heart ached almost to the point of madness. "Don't

work seriously and wouldn't let Lila influence them that easily, the sight of Zara's

she had when she had used Alex to force him into compromise.

downright malicious. Dorian postponed his work and stormed over to the set to find Lila. He intercepted Lila as she was just about to grab lunch, excited by the news of a particularly good

bland food, so she had gone days without flavorful dishes

do you want?" Dorian's voice cut through the air,

she looked at him. She was clearly annoyed,

you think staying silent will make this go away? You're growing more

You know I always keep my word-I kept our contract termination private