Chapter 130

The confrontation between Serena Blake and Aria Bennett fizzled out without drama, leaving many onlookers secretly disappointed.

From a corner, hushed whispers floated through the air.

"Some people really think they're something special."

"Yeah, as if they don’t know their own place."

The snide remarks were clearly aimed at Serena.

Aria frowned, irritated by the fickle nature of the crowd. She flipped open her script and focused on her preparation.

"Make way! Coming through!"

A commotion erupted at the entrance as four assistants ushered in a heavily made-up woman. One held an umbrella, another carried her bags, and the other two cleared a path—her entourage was impossible to ignore.

Aria glanced up and recognized Valerie Knox, the industry’s notorious "privileged star."

Valerie swept her gaze around the room with an air of superiority before zeroing in on Aria. She strutted over and plopped down beside her.

"Well, if it isn’t our beloved 'pretty face with no talent,'" she sneered. "Studying the script?"

Aria didn’t look up. "Do you need something?"

Valerie scoffed. "Don’t waste your time. The supporting role’s already been decided."

Only then did Aria lift her eyes, giving Valerie a cold once-over. "Oh? Congratulations, then."

The jab hit its mark. Valerie hated nothing more than insinuations that she relied on connections.

"You—!" She was about to snap when the audition assistant entered.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we’ll now draw lots to determine the audition order."

Aria drew number 11—a decently early slot. Serena got number 3, while Valerie ended up with 96.

"Terrible luck!" Valerie stomped her foot before turning to Aria. "Switch with me."

Aria didn’t even glance up. "No."

"You—!" Valerie’s face darkened. "You’ll regret this!"

In the end, she bullied another minor actress into swapping and triumphantly claimed number 10.

The auditions began swiftly.

When Aria’s turn came, she walked into the room with quiet confidence.

Director Gideon Marsh was massaging his temples, clearly worn out by the previous candidates.

"Which role are you auditioning for?" he asked wearily.

"The supporting role—Seraphina Grey," Aria answered.

Director Gideon raised an eyebrow. "That’s a complex character arc. Can you handle it?"

"I’d like to try."

"Then perform the scene where she returns after her descent into darkness."

Aria nodded, took a deep breath, and—

In an instant, her entire demeanor shifted.

Her once-clear eyes darkened with malice, her lips curling into a sinister smirk. Even her posture transformed from poised elegance to something languid yet dangerous.

"Three years apart, and yet you haven’t changed, Shixiong," she murmured, her voice dripping with icy venom—yet laced with something disturbingly intimate.

The screenwriter jolted upright. "This—this is exactly how I envisioned Seraphina Grey!"

Director Gideon was stunned. He’d expected Aria to only pull off the character’s innocent early persona, but her portrayal of the corrupted enchantress was chillingly perfect. Every glance, every movement—flawless.

When Aria finished, the room fell silent.

"Brilliant!" The screenwriter slammed the table in excitement. "That’s the essence of the character!"

Director Gideon nodded reluctantly. "Unexpectedly impressive."

He’d been ready to cave to investor pressure, but now…

"Miss Bennett, your performance was exceptional," he said seriously. "We’ll give it careful consideration."

As Aria left the audition room, a faint smile touched her lips.

She knew—the role was already hers.