Chapter 90: Fortune goes both ways.
Clara was stunned for a second when the door opened.
She didn’t move.
Behind her, Maria noticed immediately and stepped forward. "Ms. Scott, what’s wrong? Why aren’t you going in?"
Clara’s brows furrowed slightly before she turned and said, "The previous participant hasn’t exited yet."
Perhaps her voice carried more than she intended.
Because the crew staff heard her at that very moment and spoke,
"Ms. Scott," he said promptly, "you can go in first. The previous participant has been held back by our producer for a word, so she won’t be exiting just yet."
Clara paused.
Held back by the producer?
In their circle, knowing directors and producers wasn’t unusual. Still, it stirred her curiosity.
Which actress had managed to catch the producer’s attention immediately after an audition?
Producer Polson wasn’t particularly aloof, but even so, direct interactions like this weren’t common.
And yet —
He had personally stopped her from leaving.
Didn’t that itself suggest something? Either he already saw her as perfect for the role —
Or he was impressed enough to praise her in person.
In both cases ...
It meant competition.
And the idea of someone else getting ahead of her made her frown.
But the next moment, her confidence steadied her. She still had her chance.
And outperforming someone else?
That has become something she no longer finds difficult.
She had trained for this role for over six months now. And according to her coach, she was more than ready.
She couldn’t help but trust herself enough to know that she could easily leave a better impression on anyone.
"Ms. Scott," the crew staff called again when she remained still.
Clara snapped out of her thoughts and gave a brief nod before stepping inside.
As she entered, Maria called out softly from behind, "Ms. Scott, all the best."
Clara didn’t respond.
But she heard it.
And she wasn’t the only one.
Inside, Adelyn heard it too.
The moment the name Ms. Scott reached her ears, she knew exactly who it referred to.
Earlier, she had already heard whispers —the praise surrounding the love story of the young heiress of the Scott family and Dr. Colsen. Their doting and loving attitude towards each other.
So, she was aware Clara was here as well for the auditions.
Still —
Her body stiffened for just a fraction of a second, given the coincidence of fate putting Clara right after her turn.
But that small reaction was so subtle that even Producer Polson, standing right in front of her, didn’t notice.
"Ms. Grace, your performance on stage was exceptional," he said, his tone filled with open admiration.
Just as those words fell —
Clara, who had just stepped in, paused mid-step.
Her gaze instinctively shifted toward the voice.
But all she could see was the back of a woman standing against the light.
The contrast blurred her features, making recognition impossible.
And yet —
Something about that figure felt ... familiar. As though she had seen her before ... known her before.
Clara slowed, her brows knitting faintly.
But then she dismissed it.
Of course, she seems familiar.
After five years in the industry, she had crossed paths with almost every celebrity.
It wasn’t unusual.
With that thought, she steadied herself and moved towards the stage.
Meanwhile, James continued, his attention still on Adelyn.
"I arrive a little late, so I missed the beginning," he admitted. "But what I saw was more than enough. You have everything we’re looking for in the role."
His appreciation was clear —unhidden.
"I’ve always believed Ms. Finn has a sharp eye for talent. Seeing you today only confirms it."
Adelyn smiled politely. "You flatter me, Producer Polson. I was fortunate to meet Sister Freya. Otherwise, I might never have had this opportunity."
James seemed pleased by her response.
"Indeed," he nodded. "I’d say the fortune goes both ways. You found each other at the right time —when both of you needed what the other could offer."
Adelyn didn’t add anything further. If she did, it would have sounded like self-praise. So, she just offered a smile, and that quiet confidence in her smile said enough.
"You may head back now," James said after a glance towards the stage. "Once the auditions conclude, I’ll personally contact Freya."
Adelyn inclined her head. "Thank you."
She turned to leave —
But paused.
Just for a moment.
Her gaze shifted toward the stage to look at Clara. She stood there poised, ready and different.
Looking nothing like what she remembered from before.
No longer hesitant.
No longer fragile.
Who stood there now —was someone refined, polished. Like a flower that had been carefully nurtured until it bloomed.
A faint, unreadable emotion flickered in Adelyn’s eyes.
"... Finally," she murmured under her breath before turning away, without looking back again.
As she approached the exit, the staff at the door smiled politely and held it open.
"Thank you," she said softly, stepping out.
And that exact moment —
Clara’s gaze flicked sideways before she caught the glimpse of the retreating figure.
A silhouette ... too familiar.
"Adelyn ..." she whispered instinctively, her head turning at once.
But all she saw was the woman’s back as she disappeared through the door.
Her brows furrowed.
Was it really her?
Or just her imagination again?
Before she could dwell on it —
"Action!"
Director Rhodes’s voice cut through the air.
Clara’s focus snapped back instantly.
The moment passed.
————
Outside —
The door closed behind Adelyn.
Amelia rushed forward immediately, worry written all over her face.
Given how the tight creases had left marks between her brows, Adelyn could tell Amelia hadn’t relaxed even for a moment.
"How did it go?" she asked.
Adelyn was just about to answer. But just then —
Her phone rang.
She glanced down at the unfamiliar number. There was no name tagged to it —just the string of digits.
Moving the icon to answer, she pressed the phone against her ear only to hear a deep, magnetic voice.
"How did it go?"
Adelyn stilled. She didn’t need to think, nor did she have to guess. She knew already.
It was him.
But —
When had they exchanged numbers?