Chapter 131

Aria Bennett finished her performance and lifted her gaze to the director’s table.

Director Gideon Marsh and the other two judges stared at her, their eyes alight with awe.

"Director Gideon, was that sufficient?" she asked softly.

Gideon seemed to snap out of his daze, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Excellent. Now, let’s try the scene where Audrey Lane, after her descent into darkness, reunites with the male lead."

Aria nodded calmly, instantly shifting into the persona of the enchantress. Her eyes narrowed slightly, her crimson lips parting as every glance radiated dangerous allure.

Gideon’s pen slashed two bold lines across the casting list.

"Thank you for your performance, Ms. Bennett. We’ll be in touch," he said, his tone noticeably warmer.

As Aria stepped out of the audition room, all eyes in the waiting area turned toward her. She had stayed inside twice as long as anyone else—enough to raise eyebrows.

"What took you so long?" Valerie Knox blocked her path, her voice sharp with accusation.

Aria gave her a cold once-over. "None of your concern."

"Feeling guilty?" Valerie lifted her chin. "Don’t think lingering will steal my role."

Aria smirked. "A good dog doesn’t block the road."

"You—!" Valerie’s face twisted. "Just you wait!"

Without looking back, Aria walked away. "Anytime."

Inside the audition room, the three judges were deep in discussion.

"Aria is Audrey Lane!" the screenwriter exclaimed. "None of the others even came close."

The producer frowned. "But the investors—"

"I’ll handle them," Gideon cut in. "It’d be a crime to pass up an actress like her."

Meanwhile, Serena Blake’s phone rang.

"The female lead is yours," Owen Archer said, amusement in his voice.

Serena gasped, covering her mouth. "Really? That’s wonderful!"

In the car, Adrian Foster could barely contain his excitement.

"Aria, you were incredible! That role is yours for sure."

Aria watched the scenery blur past the window. "Valerie won’t back down easily."

"Don’t worry." Adrian’s expression hardened. "No one’s taking what’s yours."

The next morning, Adrian’s call came earlier than expected.

"Aria, there’s a problem," he said grimly. "The investors want to meet you."

"Me?" Aria arched a brow.

"Logan Price’s interfering," Adrian muttered. "Serena’s already confirmed as the lead."

Aria tapped her fingers against the table. "When’s the meeting?"

"Tomorrow afternoon." He hesitated. "Valerie’s been spreading rumors that you bombed the audition."

Aria scoffed. "Then let’s see what this benefactor has to say."

She was curious to see just what tricks they had up their sleeves.

In this game, she wouldn’t retreat an inch.