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."

Camille with a graceful elegance. Yet her cold

shawl, she thought back to Dorian's smitten look, yet he was so clueless. She felt a surge of

genuinely fed up with it and realized she should stop urging Lila to reconcile with him. A man so easily swayed didn't

flipped through the

who performed slightly better. I thought Zara's popularity could help draw attention, plus it would be

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

quickly acknowledged his mistake.

speak to me directly," Camille said coolly, with

Camille's last remark. She moved to her side and gently patted

the subject. With years in the entertainment industry, Samuel read the situation easily. Although he was curious,

since filming hadn't officially started, he had been busy with other work and hadn't been around the

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

her apartment, the neighbor told him she hadn't been back

could only conclude that she had deliberately booked a hotel to avoid him. Meanwhile, the audition

him twice, sounding increasingly anxious each time. On her third attempt, she showed up at his door. When

looked like she had lost weight. Her eyes were red, with streaks of dried tears still on her face. She

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

and he clenched his fists. Zara had performed well during the audition. There was no

Lila targeting her on purpose, influencing Samuel

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

he knew Taylor and Samuel took their work seriously and wouldn't let Lila influence them that easily, the sight of Zara's tears convinced

pulling strings, just like she had when she had used Alex to force him into compromise. And now, she was using

He intercepted Lila as she was just about to

had already planned to indulge in the grilled chicken. Kieran preferred bland food, so she had gone days without flavorful dishes and

what exactly do you want?" Dorian's voice cut through the air, his question laced

him. She was clearly annoyed, but she didn't

will make this go away? You're

Foster, I held back about Ms. Parker's departure. You know I