جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 70

Cassie’s phone buzzed softly in her hand. She glanced down at Rafael’s reply to her message: “Stay put. I’m coming down myself.” She blinked, surprised. Rafael, the big boss of the company, was actually coming down just to greet her? That was something she hadn’t expected. She thought he night be busy and would have sent someone to pick her up. But not himself. She sighed and slid her phone back into her bag and leaned lightly against the marble wall by the elevator, as she tried not to mind all the curious gazes at her. The lobby was massive, Cassie noticed, with the constant stream of people striding past with folders, scripts, and cups of coffee. She subconsciously smoothed her dress for the third time, suddenly hyper-aware of how out of place she must look. The ding of the private elevator cut through the noise. The doors slid open and out stepped Rafael, his usual vibrant energy practically spilling into the air around him. His sharp suit couldn’t hide the eas

Rafael, ever the showman, gestured grandly as if he were unveiling a priceless painting. “Cassie, meet Veronica Lane—one of our brightest stars, sharpest tongues, and possibly the only woman in this building who could out-drama me in a staring contest.” The woman, Veronica, arched one perfectly sculpted brow at his introduction. Her lips curved, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Flattery as always, Rafael? At this hour? You must need something. And... who's this?” she said, motioning her eyes towards Cassie. Cassie stood awkwardly at Rafael’s side, clutching her bag strap. She forced a polite smile. “Hi. I’m Cassie.” Veronica’s gaze flickered over her once more, slow and deliberate yet again. Then she tilted her head, her voice smooth but carrying a sting Cassie couldn’t miss. “Cassie… And Rafael escorted you here personally, I guess. How interesting.” Something about the way she said it made Cassie’s skin prickle. Why do I feel like I just signed up for a competition I di

Rafael's usual grin was faltering as he said. "Welcome to the industry, darling. It's survival of the fittest here. You cry, you die." Cassie's stomach turned as another actor stepped up, then another. The cycle repeated: harsh critiques, brutal dismissals, the occasional glimmer of faint praise smothered by another insult. She actually saw one girl flee the stage sobbing, mascara streaking down her cheeks. Cassie leaned closer to Rafael, whispering through clenched teeth. "I cannot believe this. Is this what I signed up for? This is insane. I should be at home eating pancakes, or playing with Emily, not here watching people get roasted alive!" Rafael tilted his head, catching the shake of her head in dismay. He smirked. "Atta girl. Keep that fire-you'll need it." Cassie's stomach churned. She hugged her arms around herself for comfort. Her mind wandered bitterly to Raymond and Rachael. "If it wasn't for their stupid schemes, I wouldn't even be here trying to salvage my futu

One of the good judges, a man with a neatly trimmed beard, shook his head. "This... this is unfair to the other actors. They came through the proper channels. I understand her last achievement. But even still...""Unfair?" Rafael said incredulously. "Didn't you promise to give her a chance if she performs well? Besides... Do you want me to show you unfair? Because if Cassie hadn't been forced to survive your kind of cold scrutiny for years - oh wait, she did survive! And look at her now. Can any of you match that?"Rafael was now being emotional and unprofessional. "Rafael..." Cassie whispered his name, trying to ask him to forget it. This was just an audition. Besides, she still had many things to learn. But... deep inside, she would actually love it if the judges would give her a chance. She needs this as the first step towards her revenge. The room buzzed with murmurs. Some actors looked away, embarrassed at their earlier skepticism. Others whispered to each other: Who does she

Cassie tugged lightly at Rafael’s sleeve, her eyes flicking toward the rest of the auditorium. She leaned closer to Rafael and whispered, “Do you have a room I can use? Somewhere private. I don’t like how everyone’s staring at me… It’s distracting, and it’s not fair to them either.” Rafael, who had been glaring at the whispering actors like a hawk ready to swoop, softened when he saw the unease in her expression. His mischievous grin flickered across his face. “Oh, I see how it is. You don’t want an audience when you show off. Don’t worry, Cass, I’ve got just the place.” She raised an eyebrow. “It’s not about showing off. I just want to help them properly without making everyone else feel robbed.” Rafael studied her for a moment and then chuckled, shaking his head. “You know, most people in this industry fight tooth and nail for attention, and here you are, trying to run away from it. You’re something else, Cass.” He turned to the three actors, who were still reeling from meeti